The adoption of a clean, flat-face frame for the mainstream Residential Series in all three brands meets the clear preference of architects and designers for simplified aesthetics. APL sees the design upgrade as future-proofing its most widely used product range.

The roll-out of the new frame affects all Residential Series window and door products and includes manufacturing enhancements to ensure structural and weatherproofing performance, including a corner soaker block that provides frame strength and superior watertightness.

The introduction of a flat frame also means that mixing and matching with windows and doors from different APL suites is enhanced. Metro Series and APL Architectural Series share flat-frame aesthetics and are sometimes used in conjunction with Residential Series.

The frame modernisation has also been a positive outcome from a specification viewpoint with some Residential Series products now rated to Extra High wind zone standards.

These changes are seen as positioning Altherm, First and Vantage brands to better meet designer and customer needs and expectations.