Various amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations, (energy), Part F (ventilation), Part B (fire and egress), Part M (disability), to name but a few, have been swiftly followed by a plethora of new eco standards and recommendations from the BRE’s Green Guide, the new BFRC rating system and the Code for Sustainable Homes. These changes have redefined the performance and specification of building products.

However, in focussing on Building Regulations and important sustainability issues, we must be careful not to compromise or neglect the aesthetic priorities and preferences of the end user. House builders seeking a competitive edge have always been aware that, whatever the rules and regulations, the most powerful drivingforce in the market is the lifestyle aspirations of the consumer.

Product performance, energy efficiency and stewardship of environmental resources may indeed be significant concerns but, for potential house buyers, kerb appeal ultimately still calls the shots. For this reason, creative fenestration must continue its pivotal role in the marketing of new homes, as it is one of the easiest and most effective ways of adding character and individuality to a development.

As many small-to-medium sized house builders recognise, most end users prefer windows which have slim, elegant profiles constructed from natural wood or a low maintenance wood composite. Large glazed areas are also immensely attractive to end users as they help make the interiors of homes look larger than they actually are, giving a sense of light, space and well-being to the occupants. In fact, some forward thinking builders are combining windows and patio doors in striking configurations, in order to create special signature features that differentiate their house designs from their competitors.

One of the most popular design trends is to use large glazed areas over the entrance of apartment blocks and larger houses to create a dramatic feature that allows more light to pour into the hallway.

Thanks to companies like Andersen, with its system of modular construction and range of over 200,000 different shapes, sizes, designs and colours of windows and patio doors, virtually any glazing configuration can be created relatively cost-effectively, from a small feature window to an expansive wall of light.

With an easy-to-use joining system, the windows and patio doors can be placed side by side or on top of each other in almost any configuration, without incurring the additional expense of custom made designs. Aluminium and steel reinforced joining members will add structural strength to larger units, when required, so that they can withstand extreme wind conditions.

Another popular design feature is to combine patio doors with fixed sidelights on either side, sometimes topped with an arch or eliptical. This distinctive feature helps open the house out into the garden, generating a sense of light, space and comfort.

Unusual window shapes can be created cost effectively using the company’s Flexiframe range, which is suitable for any straight-lined shape from hexagons, octagons, diamonds, pentagons, rectangles to trapezoids fitting any opening up to 5.58m2.

More and more builders are using products like Flexiframe to glaze the gable end, as an innovative alternative to incorporating traditional dormer windows or skylights into loft conversions, which offer only a limited amount of light, often interrrupted by deep shadows cast by the rafters.

By glazing right up to the eaves, the whole loft area can be transformed and opened out, creating a bright and airy living space, as well as making a truly dramatic feature window.

By incorporating unusual shapes, such as ovals, circles and circle tops, builders and architects can quite easily add distinction and character to an otherwise unassuming development.

In some arts and crafts properties and high-end developments, art glass is also being used to stunning effect.

Stained glass and leaded lights can transform virtually any conventional window design, adding colour, texture and warmth as well as a touch of oldeworld charm.

Window manufacturers are supplying builders with a whole host of glazing options and accessories, designed to give properties special finishing touches.

For instance, by simply adding Georgian glazing bars or more complicated configurations, a standard sliding sash or casement window can assume a completely different classic or period look. Furthermore, with architraves, plinths and a whole host of traditional and modern hardware, the options and opportunities are virtually endless.

Despite stringent modifications to the Building Regulations and the pressures of a growing environmental agenda, there is no real excuse for compromising the aesthetics of a development.

In fact, significant advances in window design and materials mean that architects should not have to scale down any of their glazing design aspirations.

For instance, with the soft coat Low E argon-filled double glazing used by Andersen, U-values as low as 1.4 W/m2K can be achieved. Even hard coat Low E glass, used by most UK manufacturers, can produce U-values of 1.8, allowing expansive glazed areas to be created without compromising the energy efficiency of the building.

In response to the eco agenda, manufacturers are looking to develop alternative environmentally friendly and sustainable window options and materials like Andersen’s Fibrex, which is structurally strong, thermally efficient and made from 50% reclaimed materials.

Mindful of the discerning buyer, composite window manufacturers are supplying wood windows with a variety of low maintenance exteriors that do not require regular painting and, as selfclean glass becomes more widespread, large glazed areas that do not have to be manually cleaned.

Manufacturers are rising to the challenge of this rapidly changing industry by supplying high specification, eco friendly and value added products that will meet most specification requirements. Now, the onus is increasingly on architects and builders to embrace the new materials and technology and to seize this window of opportunity to be more bold and adventurous with glazing.

At the end of the day, Building Regulations, energy efficiency requirements and the new eco agenda may call the tune, but it’s the style, appearance and wow factor of windows that will ultimately help sell the houses!

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