Matching Doesn’t Mean Copying When planning a new-build wing alongside an older property, many homeowners assume the safest approach is to make every window and door identical. If the original house has traditional timber casements, should the extension copy them exactly? If the existing façade follows a particular pattern, should the new addition simply repeat […]
Tag Archives: Heritage Windows
27
Jul
Jul
Windows Influence the Design From Day One Many homeowners begin a renovation believing that windows are one of the final decisions to make. The assumption is understandable. After all, windows are installed relatively late in the construction process, so it seems logical to choose them once the structure is taking shape. Architects approach renovations very […]
23
Jul
Jul
Sympathy Begins With Understanding the Building The word sympathetic is used frequently in discussions about period homes, yet it is often misunderstood. Many homeowners assume it simply describes a window that looks traditional, perhaps with glazing bars, timber frames or historic detailing. Architects use the term rather differently. For them, a sympathetic window is not […]
22
Jul
Jul
“Like-for-Like” Means More Than Copying the Original Few phrases are used more frequently during period home renovations than like-for-like replacement, yet few are as widely misunderstood. Many homeowners assume it simply means installing a new window that looks exactly like the one being removed. While appearance certainly matters, architects tend to view the concept in […]
21
Jul
Jul
Planning Officers Are Looking at the Building—Not Just the Window For many homeowners, submitting a planning application for replacement windows can feel like an exercise in proving that they have chosen the “right” product. Brochures are compared, technical specifications scrutinised and materials debated in the hope that one particular solution will satisfy the local authority. […]
21
Jul
Jul
Every Period Home Tells a Different Story At first glance, many period homes appear to belong to clearly defined architectural categories. A Georgian townhouse may be recognised by its symmetry and restrained proportions, while a Victorian villa might be distinguished by decorative brickwork, bay windows and more elaborate detailing. Yet within those broad styles, every […]
09
Jul
Jul
What an EPC Actually Measures Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have become an increasingly familiar part of buying, selling and renting property in the UK. As conversations around energy efficiency continue to grow, many homeowners understandably wonder whether their existing windows could negatively affect their EPC rating. To answer that question, it is important to understand […]