Retrofit and Replacement Are Not Opposites When homeowners begin planning a low-energy renovation, the glazing conversation can quickly become binary: keep the existing windows or replace them with higher-performing ones. In reality, a well-considered retrofit can involve a much broader range of interventions. Depending on the building and the condition of individual openings, the options […]
Tag Archives: sustainable renovation
28
Aug
Aug
There Is No Reliable “Window ROI Percentage” Search for the effect of new windows on property value and you will quickly encounter confident claims about percentage returns. Spend a certain amount on replacement windows, the argument goes, and a predictable proportion will come back through a higher sale price. Residential property value is far too […]
27
Aug
Aug
Age Is a Clue, Not a Diagnosis One of the easiest ways to judge ageing glazing is also one of the least reliable: looking at how old it is. Homeowners are often told that windows have a particular expected lifespan and that, once they approach a certain age, replacement should follow. In reality, chronological age […]
27
Aug
Aug
Before Asking Where an Old Window Goes, Ask Why It Is Coming Out When discussing the environmental impact of replacement windows, the conversation often begins too late. We ask whether the glass can be recycled, what happens to the aluminium or timber frames, and whether the old units will avoid landfill. These are worthwhile questions, […]
23
Jul
Jul
Future-Proofing Starts With People, Not Technology Ask a group of homeowners what it means to future-proof a renovation and many will mention smart home systems, electric vehicle charging, solar panels or the latest connected technology. While these features may have their place, architects rarely begin the conversation there. They understand that technology evolves rapidly, often […]
23
Jul
Jul
A Traditional Façade Is More Than Its Windows When homeowners begin planning improvements to a period property, attention often focuses on the windows. Because they are among the most visible elements of a building, it is easy to assume they alone define the character of a traditional façade. Architects, however, see something much broader. The […]