Geneo Rau-Fipro+ (Passive House) Windows System
GENEO® possesses functional chambers which can be employed for a variety of purposes. This version of GENEO Rau-Fipro uses thermal modules to optimise the insulation properties to provide an enhanced thermal performance.
The Materiality of Zero-Energy: Beyond Standard Polymers
In the high-performance building sector, the “standard” window sash is often the weakest link in the thermal chain.
What makes this revolutionary for Passive House design? It’s the Self-Reinforced nature of the profile. Traditional uPVC requires bulky steel inserts to manage wind load and thermal expansion. Steel, however, is a thermal liability. By utilizing Rau-FIPRO, the Geneo system eliminates the need for 80% to 90% of traditional reinforcement. This allows for the internal “functional chambers” to be occupied by specialized thermal modules. These modules are not just insulation; they are precision-engineered inserts that optimize the frame’s isothermal lines, preventing the “cold-bridge” effect that plagues standard high-end vinyl.
Geneo Rau-Fipro+: Technical Benchmarks
If we strip away the marketing, we are left with a set of empirical data points verified by ift Rosenheim. These numbers define the operational ceiling of the Geneo Rau-Fipro+ windows system.
Thermal Transmittance and Conductivity Metrics
The heat conductivity of the profiles is a lean 0.14 Btu/h·ft²·F (0.80 W/m²K). This is an outlier in the industry. For a standard window configuration (4 1/4′ x 5′), the overall value drops to 0.13 Btu/h·ft²·F (0.78 W/m²K). This isn’t just about the glass; it’s about the 86 mm (3 3/8″) system depth and the 6 thermal profile chambers working in synergy. The depth allows for triple glazing or even quadruple glazing with a filling thickness of up to 53 mm (2 3/32″), providing the necessary air gaps for extreme acoustic and thermal insulation.
Hydrostatic and Aerodynamic Resilience
A window is only as good as its seal under stress. The Geneo system features an additional third gasket positioned centrally. This creates a decompression chamber that manages pressure differentials more effectively than dual-seal systems. The result?
- Water Tightness (EN 12208): Rated at Class 9A. This means zero infiltration at pressures equivalent to 70 mph wind-driven rain.
- Air Permeability (EN 12207): Class 4. The system maintains an airtight envelope, critical for the mechanical ventilation systems used in Passive Houses.
- Wind Load Resistance (EN 12210): Class B5. It can withstand gusts of up to 127 mph (2000 Pa) without catastrophic deflection, a feat typically reserved for heavy-duty aluminum extrusions.
The Life-Safety Profile: Fire and Security Interoperability
In high-density residential projects, thermal performance cannot come at the expense of life safety. The Geneo Rau-Fipro+ profiles are tested under ASTM E84 standards, achieving a Class A Fire Rating. The metrics are specific: a Flame Spread Index of only 5 and a Smoke Development Index of 300. This low smoke toxicity and high resistance to ignition make it a viable solution for multi-story egress routes.
From a security standpoint, the fiber-composite core provides a level of shear resistance that makes standard “smash-and-grab” tools ineffective. It reaches US Grade 20 (ASTM F588) and European RC 2 ratings. Unlike standard PVC, which can be easily pried open when warmed, the Rau-FIPRO material remains structurally stable across a wider temperature range, maintaining the integrity of the locking points even under mechanical stress.
Acoustic Engineering: Decoupling the Urban Environment
Noise pollution is often overlooked in energy-efficient design, yet it is a primary driver of occupant comfort. The 6-chamber geometry of the Geneo system, combined with the central gasket, creates a literal acoustic trap. The system reaches an STC of 45 (Rw 47 dB). In practical terms, this reduces the roar of highway traffic or the hum of HVAC units to a level that is essentially imperceptible. This makes it an ideal choice for urban infill projects where high-density living meets high-traffic corridors.
Geneo Rau-Fipro+ (Passive House): The KALEIDO Collection
One of the persistent myths in the industry is that high-performance windows are “clunky” or limited to white finishes. The KALEIDO range offered by Hawkeye Windows & Doors systematically dismantles this notion:
- KALEIDO WOODEC: This is a matte, tactile finish that mimics the grain structure of real timber. It’s not just a print; it’s a textured surface that reflects light like wood.
- KALEIDO COVER: By utilizing an aluminum cladding on the exterior, architects can achieve the “Industrial Modern” aesthetic of metal windows with the thermal core of a Passive House system. It can be RAL-coated or anodized.
- KALEIDO PAINT/FOIL: From metallic decors to limitless solid colors, the system allows for brand-specific or regionally sensitive design palettes.
Dimensional Logic and Installation Nuances
The structural rigidity of the fiber-composite allows for larger-than-average sash sizes, facilitating expansive daylighting strategies. One window sash can reach 4′-9 1/8″ x 4′-9 1/8″, while balcony doors can extend to 3′-3 3/8″ x 7′-6 1/2″. These dimensions are critical for “slim-line” profiles that aim to maximize glass surface area while maintaining the thermal break.
Installers benefit from the Self-Reinforced nature as well. The reduced weight, compared to steel-heavy alternatives, allows for faster onsite handling without sacrificing the Grade 20 security rating. For secondary entrance doors or complex tilt-and-turn configurations, the system’s modularity ensures that the additional third gasket always remains in compression, preventing the “seal-memory” issues found in cheaper EPDM gaskets.
Specification and Consultation
For engineering firms and architectural practices aiming for LEED Platinum or Passive House certification, the REHAU Geneo Rau-Fipro+ is a core component. At Hawkeye Windows & Doors, we provide full CAD/BIM support and technical consultation to ensure that these specs are correctly integrated into your wall assembly. For more information, you can also check our Product Data Sheets.
