A CLEAR CHOICE
Selecting the right windows can make or break your home’s
aesthetic and cost you dollars in thermal efficiencyWORDS // ANDREW WINTERC
all in the window police! Who? Is
this yet another new regulatory
body determined to monitor and
comment on our private lives,
choices and actions? Can our selection
of window design, placement, size and
position really warrant such scrutiny?
Sadly, no such authority exists but if the
window police were real, forget the humble
constable status — I would want to be a
chief inspector. Why? Because I still see so
many homes where a visit from me could
have enhanced that project’s aesthetic,
value and, most importantly, improved the
living pleasure of its residents.
I feel very passionate about this
subject as I have always been able to see
possibilities and potential with almost all
homes. I feel very disheartened when I see
residences where little regard has been paid
to this fundamental element of design and
what has been created has simply missed
the mark. So here are a few of my guidelines
and suggestions.- Period homeowners: Never install
aluminium sliders on your main facade!
Some terraces only have one or two
windows so please retain and renovate
the originals, or install replicas true to
the original design. It may cost more,
but added value should outweigh that —
and expect admiring glances from your
neighbours and passers-by. - New home builders: From bespoke
architect designs to the project home,
think ASPECT. What will that window
look at? If aspect is an unknown due
perhaps to a currently vacant block next
door, play it safe by setting windows
low, below possible fence height lines, or
think privacy screens. Could you maybe
place the opening on another elevation
facing your block or street? Even project
home builders will let you move around
window positions at design stage; if they
won’t, move on to the next builder!- Views add value, views add living
pleasure. Will your home have a view if
you place a window in a certain location?
Are you on a corner, which means you
have two street facades and where
windows need to be considered even
more carefully? An aspect down a street
or towards trees can add interest to your
home or renovation design; it is not
always purely about water, bush or beach
views. If your home faces a park or lake,
ensure some principal living space can
see this view. - Style: For those of you with period
homes, I suggest you discover the
original design and replicate it, maybe
with a modern twist. Vertical slider
windows are the most inexpensive
option, but can therefore look rather
ordinary, so try to avoid these on your
front facade. Awning windows, louvres
etc off er a quality look. If you’re on a
tight budget, consider placing these in
key areas only that will be highly visible
on prominent parts of the facade and
living space. Don’t waste these on a
spare bedroom on the side of the house,
for example. Those of you with the one
window facade design or narrow lot
home have no excuse for not upgrading
your facade; one high-end window type
alone is strange so ensure it is not in
total isolation. Complement this with
another window or windows of similar
type in another key area.- Screens: From simple fl y screens to my
pet hate, the traditional much-loved
yet aesthetically hideous security
screen, this element of window design
is an unavoidable necessity, but again
consideration needs to be applied.
I often see security screens in windows
too high or in questionable locations. In
my opinion, security screens can often
be reduced in number and swapped
for fl y screens where safety is not an
issue, or maybe an upgrade to the clear
security mesh screens in areas where it
is. Even fl y screens with strengthening
bars can impact a window design. Yes,
screens are a necessity, but review their
visual impact on your window designs.
How many display homes styled within
an inch of their lives have windows
encased in traditional security screens?
They don’t, because they look awful. - Doors: These are equally important to
a residence’s design credibility. Front
main entry doors are vital to creating an
Brighton Sixties House
from Grand Designs Australia
Series TwoEXPERT ADVICE
(^) // REAL ESTATE