Why Architects Still Specify Steel Windows in the South Island

Steel windows are not a trend. They are a response to constraints.

High wind zones require stiffness. Steel deflects less than aluminium at equivalent spans. That protects seals and glazing over time. Slim profiles are not just aesthetic. They allow more daylight without sacrificing strength. That matters in dense urban sites and heritage contexts.

Steel performs under fire exposure. It suits boundary conditions and multi-unit buildings where fire separation is non-negotiable. In Dunedin and Christchurch heritage projects, steel allows compliance without visual compromise.

Coatings matter. With correct specification, steel performs reliably even in coastal South Island environments.

Steel is chosen when failure is expensive and longevity matters.