Photography: Maree Homer / Styling: Kate Nixon
Often, the most important facets of home design are, in one way or another, invisible. They’re the features that provide endless benefit and are incorporated so seamlessly that you don’t even notice them. Such is the case with windows.
When you’re building new or tackling a major renovation, the type of windows you pick is crucial. “Windows are the most important single element in the fabric of your house because they do so much of the heavy lifting – light, views, ventilation and thermal comfort,” says architect Madeleine Scarfe. Get it right, and your selection will have a big impact – on the look of your home, and your energy costs.
Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, collecting the nine most popular types of windows, the three most common types of glazing, plus everything else you need to know. After all, when it comes to renovating or building, this is your one window of opportunity to get it right.
NEED TO KNOW
- How to choose the right windows for your home
- The most common types of glazing
- Types of window frames
- 9 of the most popular types of windows
What you need to know before you start
All new homes built in Australia must be constructed to mandatory energy efficiency standards, with window glazing and framing a key factor. But that’s not the only consideration.
“A big focus is positioning glazing to bring natural light into the home without creating overheating issues, while also framing views and strengthening the connection between indoors and outdoors,” explains Kathryn Durham, an interior designer with NSW South Coast-based building company Purpose Build.
How to choose the right windows for your home
You should choose the material of your windows based off practicality as well as aesthetics. Collect ideas on your moodboard and draw from examples of inspirational architecture in your local area – particularly buildings that face the same aspect as your home.
Download practical guides to familiarise yourself with the properties and benefits of steel windows vs timber or aluminium framing, and look for examples of award-winning designs and sustainable initiatives.
How different types of windows impact energy efficiency
The biggest impact windows have on home comfort comes via heat transfer. Standard glass is a poor insulator, as it lets in heat from the sun and traps it. In winter, the glass gets cold, then inside air sits against it and loses warmth. Instead of spending more money on energy bills, aim to prevent this problem.
Specially treated glass, like low-emissivity (low E), which has a coating to deflect heat, and double glazing – generally two panels of glass with a gap between them – can help reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. For double glazing, different types of glass can be used together to deliver the best results.
Your frame material also impacts thermal performance, so for good energy efficiency, consider the entire unit.
Window glazing also has properties to suit environmental needs.
How to tell if your glazing suits your environment needs
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures the amount of heat that the glass allows through.
- U-value assesses the quality of insulation.
- Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) gauges how much daylight the glass lets through.
The most common types of glazing
Glazing comes in different forms.
| The most common types of glazing | Strength, application and construction of the glazing |
|---|---|
| Float glass glazing | Float glass is standard for low-risk applications as it breaks into unsafe shards. |
| Laminated glazing | Laminated refers to layers of glass mixed with film, which guards against shattering, and offers better insulation and sound proofing. |
| Toughened glass glazing | Toughened glass is heat treated to make it stronger. “For safety purposes, glass doors or windows that go to the floor need to be laminated or toughened glass,” says Madeleine. |
The most common types of window frames
There are four main materials for frames, each with their own pros and cons. Aluminium is hard-wearing, low maintenance, and budget friendly. Thermally broken aluminium frames – made in two parts with an insulating strip between – are more expensive but highly energy efficient.
Timber looks great, particularly in traditional homes, but needs regular maintenance. If you like this style, but not the ongoing effort, try thermally broken versions with aluminium outside and timber inside.
PVC is low maintenance, durable and has good thermal performance. Steel is less common. “It offers a very refined architectural appearance with extremely slim profiles, but it is typically the most expensive option and often requires specialist manufacturing and installation,” explains Kathryn.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, timber frames may not be permissible. Certain standards of glazing will likely be required.
Where should I place my windows?
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to windows throughout your home, with orientation a key factor.
“Good glazing should frame what’s outside almost like artwork and strengthen the connection between indoors and outdoors” – Kathryn Durham, Purpose Build
Depending on where you live, if your windows face north they will admit winter sun but exclude summer sun, while south-facing options will likely get no sun in winter. East- and west-facing windows are important for light, but also catch early morning or late afternoon sun in summer.
Low-E glass with a low SHGC on west-facing windows can help deflect the heat and reduce glare, while east-facing windows may benefit from a medium SHGC. Adjustable external shading, such as blinds or shutters, can combat the worst of morning and late afternoon sun.
What are architraves?
Architraves cover gaps between the window frame and the wall, and come in a range of styles. Clean, minimalist lines suit a contemporary space, while a more detailed profile looks just right in a traditional home. They don’t need to match exactly, but architraves should chime with other architectural components such as skirting boards. “The detailing around a window can completely change the feel of a room,” says Kathryn. “Sometimes restraint is what makes a space feel more resolved.”
The most popular types of windows explained
| The most popular types of windows | How they work |
|---|---|
| Double-hung | This type of window features two moveable panels which open top and bottom (with single-hung, only the bottom section moves). Good for ventilation. Panels can be heavy if they’re double glazed. |
| Bifold (or servery) | This type of window concertinas back on itself for a maximum possible opening – great for ventilation. “Keep a single flap at one end that opens independently, so you can ventilate without opening the whole thing,” advises Madeleine. |
| Sliding | This type of window operates on separate tracks to be ‘stacked’ to one side when fully open. Good for tight exterior zones. Insect screens need to either retract or operate on their own tracks, making the fitting area wider. |
| Awning | This type of window opens outwards at the bottom via a crank or winding mechanism, providing ventilation while keeping out light rain. Limited openable area to comply with safety regulations. |
| Casement | This type of window hinges at the side and can – subject to fall prevention rules – be opened wide for maximum airflow. Plenty of swing space required and can be pricey. |
| Tilt and turn | This type of window can be pulled fully open from the side, or tilted inwards from the top, letting you tailor ventilation and security. Easy to clean but can be expensive. |
| Louvres | This type of window can be adjusted to deliver plenty of air flow. Fitting insect screens can be a design challenge. |
| Clerestory | This type of window is set high, allowing in light without compromising privacy, providing a potential escape for hot air and keeping the wall beneath free. Cleaning can be difficult. |
| French doors | This type of window is double set opening inwards or outwards from the centre. Good for ventilation. Lots of swing space needed and can catch in the wind, risking damage. |
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