The Sterling: 7 Star Residential Performance Home

The Sterling is a contemporary residence in Cooranbong, NSW, designed by Candor Homes and brought to life with windows and doors manufactured and installed by Fin Windows. The project demonstrates how high-energy performance can be achieved through thoughtful design and practical product selection, without relying on complex glazing systems or premium construction methods. 

Achieving a 7 Star rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) was a key objective for the project. Rather than increasing complexity, the design team focused on the fundamentals of thermal performance, carefully considering orientation, window placement, glazing selection and overall building envelope efficiency to create a comfortable, energy-efficient home. 

Fin Windows contributed to this outcome through the manufacture and installation of Capral Aluminium Urban window and door systems, including the Urban 280 Sliding Window, 282 Awning Window and 284 Stacker Sliding Door. The systems were selected for their proven performance, compliance with Australian Standards and suitability for mainstream residential construction. 

The project achieved its 7 Star rating using 6mm Low-E single glazing within standard framing systems. As Fin Windows General Manager Jeff Picton explains, “This is a great example of how 7 Star performance can be achieved in a standard Australian home. It helps show that strong energy outcomes are possible when the design is considered properly from the start, without needing to rely on complex systems.” 

Beyond supporting the home’s energy efficiency goals, the selected Capral Urban systems also delivered the weather performance, acoustic comfort and BAL 40 compliance required for the project. All systems were manufactured using Capral LocAl® lower carbon aluminium, helping to reduce embodied carbon compared to global industry averages. 

The successful delivery of The Sterling reflects the expertise and attention to detail of the Fin Windows team, from early project coordination through to fabrication and installation. Close collaboration ensured every window and door opening aligned with both the performance objectives and architectural vision of the home. 

The Sterling provides a practical example of how high-performance housing can be achieved through considered design, quality fabrication and the right product selection. By combining standard residential construction methods with carefully integrated window and door systems, the project demonstrates an accessible pathway to achieving 7 Star residential performance.