Whether you are building or renovating, your home’s windows can be one of its most attractive features. In fact, just replacing out-dated windows with beautiful new ones can give your home an entirely new look.
Not only are windows a very practical architectural feature, providing convenient ventilation and letting in natural light, but they can also be an element of beauty. This is especially true of wooden windows says Charl Jacobz from local wooden window and door manufacturer, Swartland: “The rich texture and grains that are prevalent in natural wooden windows can add an intensely opulent and lush aesthetic to any home.”
However, he says that for optimum good looks, it is essential that the style of the window chosen pairs well with the particular architectural style of your home: “For a seamlessly good looking architectural elevation, both indoors and out, the style of windows chosen needs to complement the overall design of your home, whether you are remodelling or building new.
For example, if your home has a contemporary style, then the more plain and angular the windows are, the better. If your home is of a more traditional or old fashioned style, then the more elaborate types of windows would be suitable.”
Charl notes that wooden windows are generally divided into six main categories, which are as follows:
Sliding sash windows:
These are made from one or more movable panels or “sashes” that form a frame to hold panes of glass. Although the term can be used to describe windows where the glazed panels slide horizontally, today it is used almost exclusively to refer to those windows that are opened by sliding the panels vertically.
Says Charl: “Sliding sash windows are timelessly elegant in their aesthetic appeal, even if the technology used for their functioning is modern. Swartland offers sliding sash windows in Full Glass, Victorian and Cape Dutch styles – giving them the scope to complement both modern and classically traditional architectural designs.
These top-end sliding sash windows boast rubber seals for excellent insulation, solid brass fasteners, good quality nylon pulleys, and passivated galvanised rope guides with synthetic rope and rope covers for optimum performance. As part of Swartland’s top-end Cape Culture range, they boast a 10-year guarantee. Furthermore, to improve ventilation, control light and privacy, and to add character, Swartland offers a full range of standard or custom-made louvre shutters to complement its range of sliding sash windows.
Mock sash windows:
If you are working within a tight budget, but still desire the classical beauty inherent in sliding sash windows, then mock sash windows are the answer. Charl says that mock sash windows are the architect’s answer to adding cost-effective classic style to traditional or contemporary designs: “With the heritage and elegance of sliding sash windows, the Box Mock or the Cape Mock Sash offer a cost effective way of achieving the same aesthetic beauty of original sliding sash windows.”
Although these windows look very similar to sliding sash windows, they do not open by the panels sliding down vertically.
Instead one of the glazed panels, usually the top panel, is top-hung and swings open from the bottom of the panel. These windows are available in small or full pane, and form part of Swartland’s Cape Culture (10-year guarantee) and Winsters (5-year guarantee) collections.
Horizontal gliding windows:
Horizontal gliding windows are the ideal way of bringing the outdoors in – allowing walls to disappear and opening interiors to the beauty of the outdoor landscape. They are also a very practical choice for awkward or tight spaces, such as in kitchen applications behind the sink or above the counter between the upper and lower cabinets, or alongside a bath for example.
Says Charl: “Swartland’s range of horizontal gliding windows forms part of its Cape Culture Range, so they boast a 10-year guarantee. They are available in full or small pane options. The sliding mechanism used ensures that the window will always glide open as smoothly as it closes. Factory-fitted rubber seals ensure outstanding thermal performance, and for added security, the sliding leaf is on the inside of the window and it comes with a pre-fitted lock.”
Full pane windows:
Often referred to vertical skylights – full pane windows offer the ideal way of integrating an indoor space with the outdoor view. Essentially, full pane windows comprise a window where the entire glazed area is made up with one sheet of glass, surrounded by a plain wooden frame. As such, these windows offer the most uninterrupted views to the outdoors and let in the maximum amount of light possible.
Says Charl: “The side-hung design of full pane windows means that they open on the side of the window, similar to traditional windows. This helps them to catch the breeze and to create a sense of space that perfectly complements open-plan living. You can improve ventilation by adding a full pane fanlight above any particular window, which opens and allows the rising warm air to escape.”
Small pane windows:
Often referred to as cottage pane windows, the glazed portion of small pane windows are, as their name implies, divided up into smaller panes within the main window frame. Says Charl: “The divided light of these popular windows adds a certain elegance to any room they grace. Furthermore, they are good for security as it is more difficult for potential burglars to crawl through small panes than it is to crawl through large full pane windows. For added security, custom-fitted burglar bars are available on request – these can either be concealed within the wooden frames of the smaller panes, or they can be installed so that when closed, the metal bars are hidden behind the frames.”
As with all of Swartland’s other windows, performance is crucial, so expect these casement windows to swing open smoothly for ventilation and to seal tightly for optimal thermal insulation when closed. Swartland offers small pane wooden windows varying in specification and price, seeing that they are available in its Cape Culture range (10-year guarantee), its Winsters range (5-year guarantee) and its Kayo range (1-year guarantee).
Top hung windows
Top hung windows, commonly known as awning windows, are designed to open from the bottom, allowing the air to circulate freely while providing protection from the elements. Says Charl: “Swartland’s top hung windows boast rubber seals in selected collections for added insulation. These windows are as versatile as they are durable, boasting high performance to suit their good looks. Their unfussy lines enable them to suit a number of various architectural styles, ranging from contemporary to the more classical style homes.” They are available in Swartland’s Cape Culture range (10-year guarantee), its Winsters range (5-year guarantee) and its Kayo range (1-year guarantee). – Antonella Desi
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