IBS 2012: Kolbe's Tilt-Turn and universal design options demonstrate functional versatility

Wausau, Wis. (Jan. 2012) – Breaking the confines of design flexibility, Kolbe's wide assortment of functional products will be on display at the 2012 International Builders Show (IBS) in booth W3729.

"Builders have more options than ever before," says Cindy Bremer, Kolbe's vice president of marketing. "Beyond traditional casements and double hungs, Kolbe's wide product selection combines elegant, architectural detail and multi-functional, energy-efficient, easy-to-operate window and door choices."

Form and Function Working Together
With the simple turn of a handle, Kolbe's Heritage Series Tilt-Turn windows can swing in like a casement or tilt-in like a hopper. The all-wood Tilt-Turn windows shown at IBS will be crafted in cherry wood, finished with a custom stain color and accented with brass hardware. The model's 2-1/4-inch performance divided lite (PDL) bars provide both visual interest and energy efficiency.

Kolbe's Ultra Series product line offers another example of energy-efficient, Tilt-Turn windows. This dual-action product showcases triple pane glass; clear-coated, anigre interior wood species; and a recycled aluminum clad exterior anodized in a Champagne color for low-maintenance durability. The unit's flush sash, flat PDL bars, black hardware and exterior retractable screen create an appealing, yet functional aesthetic.

Ultra Series inswing casement windows are another versatile window option. The custom inswing window on display in Kolbe's booth will feature a copper-plated exterior finished in an oxide silver patina with an alder interior wood species with a Coffee Bean stain. LoE²-270 ThermaPlus double pane insulating glass with LoE2-270 coating is detailed with PDLs and ovolo glazing beads, and oil-rubbed finished hardware.

Universal Design Options
Kolbe's commitment to accessible design includes a variety of universal design window and door products, as well as specialized locks, handles, cranks and sills. During IBS, Kolbe will highlight its Garden-Aire sliding patio doors with sill ramp kits. Sill ramps improve access for people with mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs.

"Universal design is the concept of making products and spaces accessible for people with various physical ability levels. It promotes freedom for the disabled. It allows the elderly to live independently longer," says Kolbe's product and market analyst, Lance Premeau, LEED® Green Associate.

Energy Efficient, Environmentally Friendly
Kolbe products' environmental attributes also support projects pursuing green goals including U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Rating System™, Green Globes™ and ENERGY STAR®. More than 20,000 Kolbe products are ENERGY STAR qualified in both the U.S. and Canada.

Ultra Series products have exteriors clad in low-maintenance, extruded aluminum containing recycled content. The outer, metal surfaces may be finished in environmentally friendly, durable coatings in a broad palette of colors. For the interior, a range of sustainably harvested wood species can be chosen for trim, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Online Tools 24/7/365
Kolbe's Architect Library and online resources can help simplify the research and specifying process. For example, design teams can easily communicate and visually customize many Ultra Series product dimensions and functionality using Kolbe's 3D Revit® building information models (BIM).

In addition to BIM tools, Kolbe's website offers 2-D drawings; warranties, installation and maintenance information, and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing. Air, water, structural and thermal reports also are available online, including a database for thousands of Kolbe's ENERGY STAR-rated products.

Learn more about Kolbe products at

What began in 1946 as a two-brother team has grown into an internationally respected manufacturing company. Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co, Inc. remains a privately held, community-oriented business located in Wausau, Wis. Covering nearly one million-square-feet, its state-of-the-art facilities feature high-tech machinery and a design center to present the creative possibilities offered by Kolbe windows and doors.