Sometimes Simple is Best

Just like the saying goes ‘there are many ways to skin a cat’; there are often many different ways to treat windows with secondary glazing. We always discuss requirements and the client’s expectations, to ensure that we design and fit the most discreet configuration. In a recent project, a house required secondary glazing to the front elevation to help prevent noise ingress from the busy thoroughfare outside. The secondary benefit, was to help improve the thermal performance of the original windows. The property was of the arts and crafts period, with beautiful handcrafted dark oak timber frames and thin leaded light windows. Over time, the reveals had weathered and become out of square and un-true adding character. In the front master bedroom, was a particularly attractive oriel bay window. External elevation of bay Generally, when treating bay windows, we try and follow the shape of the original, introducing bay poles to match the existing angles and having separate units to match each facet However, for this particular opening, although well within the capabilities of our timber shop to produce exacting timber posts and surrounds to fit the secondary glazing, it would have meant introducing 4 bay poles and 5 units. It was felt that this would over power the delicate bay. The build of the bay posts and units if the exacting sightlines had been followed The solution was found instead, by treating the opening with one large horizontal sliding 2 pane unit spanning the full opening reveal to reveal, creating a discreet frame around the whole window and matching the interlock with the central mullion of the original. This simplified sightlines, provided full access for cleaning and a full view of the bay's magnificent features. The resulting treatment with Series 10 horizontal slider Coloured framing was chosen to compliment the oak, further reducing the visual impact from both internal and external. The owners of the property are very happy with the secondary glazing throughout, but especially with the treatment in the bedroom; where they can now have a warm and peaceful night sleep.