MODERN WINDOWS, COUNTRY STYLE

Older properties often have unusual features and their own unique charm. Finding and fitting windows that can accommodate modern functionality and features while remaining sympathetic to a property’s style can be challenging. Discover how GL Glazing and REHAU rose to that challenge in the country village of Lea Marston.

Just outside the town of Sutton Coldfield, in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside, is the village of Lea Marston. On the outskirts of the village lies a cluster of older rural cottages called Paddys Row. which like many properties across the UK countryside, often have unconventional layouts. This includes period features such as exposed wood beams, tiled floors and large open fireplaces.

A Contemporary Cottage Look

One of the Paddys Row cottage owners wanted to replace their property’s timber windows as the frames had become worn out, impacting the home’s thermal performance. With the owners unsure about what replacement windows to choose, they contacted Birmingham-based installer GL Glazing in early 2022 for their recommendation. Their requirements were clear –a frame and profile that while keeping with the cottage’s original design and character, would provide excellent thermal efficiency and security.

“Though homeowners expect security and energy efficiency as standard, there were multiple factors that marked out the Paddys Row project as more complex than most,” explains Gary Lynch, Managing Director at GL Glazing. “For example, the cottage had an unusual layout, including several different-sized window recesses across the ground and first floors. There were also 12 windows to be replaced in total, with some facing the road, so we also needed to ensure good acoustic performance too.”

Choosing The Right Product

With the homeowner’s requirements in mind and the need to complete the project in a short period of time, GL Glazing recommended REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit system. The solution’s clean lines, jointing options and availability in a variety of colours and foils for an authentic-looking finish greatly influenced this decision, offering a highly convincing alternative to wood. Additionally, as the Rio is available in chamfered and sculptured frames, it is a good match for both new builds and, in the case of Paddys Row, period properties requiring a more considered approach.

On GL Glazing’s advice, the cottage owners chose Pearl Grey frames with welded joints, which would provide a modern, understated look that complements adjacent Paddys Row properties. Alongside this, the specified frames enjoyed a certified ‘A’ Windows Energy Rating and are among the most thermally efficient on the market, achieving 1.3 W/m2K thanks to glass widths of 28mm and 34mm. These features are useful in cottages such as those on Paddys Row which have low levels of insulation that can lead to draughts and quicker heat loss across the property.

Similarly, the Rio frames have the highest BSI weather performance ratings for wind, air and water, meaning they possess a durability often beyond timber frames. Combined with the fact they are virtually maintenance-free and, unlike their wooden counterparts, do not require treatment, they can offer leading and consistent performance over its lifetime with comparatively little effort from the homeowner.

Rio windows also offer a high level of security – a key consideration for older properties in quieter rural areas that can be targeted by thieves. Specifically, they meet the stringent requirements set out in PAS24, with accreditation to this standard providing further assurance of high security performance through an independent testing process.

Furthermore, given the cottage’s location near a busy through-road, the addition of 28mm and 34mm glass panels also greatly reduced the noise created by passing traffic. As acoustic glass also has the added benefit of being stronger than standard double glazing, further assurances could be given over the home’s security. Alongside this, the Rio window profile itself benefits from enhanced noise reduction qualities, further improving occupant comfort.

Rising To The Challenge

“The Paddys Row project was more involved than typical domestic installations we usually carry out,” said Gary. “The frames needed to be designed with various recess sizes in mind, and specified and installed in a short period.

“This is because the owners were still living in the cottage throughout the refit, so it was vital we chose frames that would be quick, simple and non-invasive to install. The Rio, therefore, stood out as an excellent frame to use for this project, and so it proved – it only took us two days and 16 hours to install the new frames once the recesses were measured and the parts were cut. Though the fitting process itself was straightforward, the cottage’s age also meant that GL Glazing had to manage some unusual dimensions that are rarely found in the majority of today’s homes, as Gary explains. “The team had to work with some non-standard window sizes, and some of the older windows had deeper sills too, meaning everything had to be measured and installed more meticulously than your typical refit.

“As Rio frames are also reinforced, we had to be very careful with the cottage’s existing brickwork, making sure any drilling maintained structural integrity and didn’t damage the façade. It’s difficult to say if an aluminium equivalent would be as cooperative in a building of similar age, so given the energy-efficiency requirements, polymer was a natural choice.”

Taking the project’s unique challenges into account, the work was completed on time and to budget. As a result, the Paddys Row cottage now has windows that fit with the look of the surrounding area, to the extent that the owners say neighbours often compliment them on their new frames.

“The cottage’s traditional and historic look was very important to the homeowners, so we’re glad we were able to maintain that look while upgrading their windows,” Gary concludes. “To hear that not only they are pleased with the frames, but their neighbours are too, is therefore a great bonus. Thanks to the Rio frames, this project was carried out seamlessly, even with the need to adapt windows to fit nonstandard openings. I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to contact REHAU again for an installation with similar requirements.”

To find out more about REHAU Rio Flush Fit windows and the different looks and finishes available, see: https://www.rehau.com/sites-gb/rio.