Send us a text

In this episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Rebecca sit down with Ken from Starke, the team behind Ambience — a UPVC window and door system created to bring warmer, drier, quieter, healthier living to everyday Kiwi homes.
New Zealand has long accepted cold, damp houses as “just how it is,” but Ken is determined to change that narrative. His focus is simple:
Comfort should be a standard, not a luxury.

Ken shares how Starke brought Ambience to life, why UPVC is the global standard for high-performance windows, and how small design decisions can fundamentally shift the wellbeing of a home. They explore condensation, energy efficiency, UV stability, sustainability, and the real cost of ignoring window performance in New Zealand’s harsh conditions.
 From standardisation and cost savings to innovation and long-term health impacts, this episode offers deep insight for architects, builders, renovators, and homeowners who want a better-performing home.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

The Ambience origin story

How Starke — known for commercial aluminium systems — launched Ambience in 2022 to bring world-leading UPVC technology into NZ homes.

Why windows are the biggest performance problem

How up to 70% of heat gain and the majority of winter heat loss comes through glazing — and why heating and cooling alone can’t fix it.

Comfort-first design

What it truly means to design a home that stays warm in winter, cool in summer, dry, quiet, and healthy for the people living in it.

Condensation and New Zealand’s health problem

Why removing 1–2 litres of water off your windows each morning isn’t normal — and how that moisture affects your carpets, furniture, air quality, and lungs.

Breaking misconceptions about UPVC

Why early products failed, what’s changed, and how today’s UPVC systems are UV-stabilised, tested, and engineered for New Zealand conditions.

Standard sizes and smarter building

How pre-made, standardised window sizes — widely used overseas — can reduce variation, simplify construction, and lower costs for homeowners.

Durability and performance

From 50-year expected lifespan to 10-year colourfast warranties, Ken explains why Ambience is built to last across generations.

Double glazing, triple glazing, and operating styles

Why homeowners can choose between familiar NZ awning windows or European-style tilt-and-turn systems without compromising ease of use.

Black, white, greys, and new timber-grain finishes that bring warmth and texture into modern interiors.

Sustainability and recycling

UPVC made with 50% recycled material, nearly zero factory waste, and products that can be endlessly recycled at end-of-life.

Innovation on the horizon

New systems designed for renovations, high-performance upgrades, and doors so smooth they open with one finger — ideal for retirement living.

The industry shift

Why large-scale builders, group housing companies, and retirement villages are beginning to see high-performance windows as the future.

Connect with Starke / Ambience:
Website: www.starke.co.nz

Connect with AD Library:
AD Library: www.adlibrary.nz

 AD Library makes building and design simple for everyone — whether you’re a professional or working on your first project. With over 80 brands under one roof, they connect you with materials, expert advice, and local talent to bring your ideas to life. Visit during Open Days or by appointment to explore their sample library, co-working space, and more.