The Residence Collection highlights important considerations when installing windows on heritage properties.

As windows continue to evolve, those in heritage properties can suffer significant damage over time due to weather and age, resulting in improper functionality.

Given the desired aesthetic of heritage properties, it is crucial for installers to make necessary modern updates while preserving the original characteristics and authenticity of the property.

Conservation Areas, established by local authorities, protect special architectural and historical sites. Before making any upgrades to a heritage property, it is essential to confirm with the local authority whether it falls within a conservation area or not.

Conservation Areas often have specific requirements for window styles to maintain architectural integrity and preserve the charm of the community.

Over the years, The Residence Collection windows and doors have been widely accepted in Conversation Areas and for Grade II listed buildings across the UK. This means one less hurdle when it comes to installing on heritage properties for installers and homeowners.

When working on heritage properties, there are also additional factors to consider, including the regulations associated with this type of building. These include:

• Part B Means of Fire Escape: Certain rooms in the home require fire escape windows. Ground floor living areas, studies, and bedrooms need fire escape windows, while rooms on upper levels up to 4.5m from the ground require fire escape windows if they lack access to a protected stairwell.

• Part F Ventilation: Since June 2022, new window installations must comply with revised Part F Building regulations, which require trickle vents for adequate ventilation. It’s worth noting that these regulations may differ for historic and traditional buildings like listed buildings and buildings within conservation areas. The homeowner can apply for an exemption from the Planning Council during the planning process. The Residence Collection has recently added a concealed trickle vent cover to the range if a trickle vent is needed.

• Part L Thermal Efficiency and Performance: All replacement windows must meet thermal efficiency regulations. The Residence Collection’s windows with double glazing have a standard u-value of 1.2W/m²K, and triple glazing can achieve as low as 0.74, surpassing the building regulations requirements.

The Residence Collection’s Sewell Park Academy project

The Sewell Park Academy project was in a conversation area in Norwich. Boudica School’s Trust specified the R9 windows due to their unique heritage characteristics, low maintenance features and superior performance, along with the added sustainability benefits of PVCu.

The Residence Collection’s windows have been specifically designed to replicate the aesthetic of historical window designs from the 19th Century. They are approved for use in various areas across the UK, including the renovation of Sewell Academy, a 1929 brick building with stone detailing and a steeply pitched roof.

In collaboration with Homelink Windows and Tradelink Direct, The Residence Collection provided precise replacement windows. The windows featured astragal bars, external drip bars, and improved energy efficiency, sound reduction, and recyclability.

The replacement frames were installed in one of The Residence Collection’s most popular finishes, Grained White. Extremely versatile, this colourway offers a traditional brilliant white painted timber look, making it ideal for upgrading heritage buildings.

The R9 range seamlessly integrates into heritage properties while adhering to conservation guidelines. Ideal for commercial use, R9 provides low-maintenance, thermally efficient windows with acoustic benefits. With options for 44mm triple glazing or 28mm double glazing, it achieves impressive u-values (0..74 W/m²K and 1.2 W/m²K, respectively) and holds an A++ window energy rating.

The range offers 21 colour options, striking a balance between traditional character for period properties and a professional, simple aesthetic for conservation areas.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, commented: “It is extremely important to take the right steps when installing windows on a heritage property.

“Their standout feature is their aesthetic, therefore the upgraded windows need to also reflect this. Our R9 range ticks all the boxes when it comes to installers renovating a heritage property. It is designed to replicate the flush timber designs found in heritage homes across towns, villages and cities around the UK. The uPVC alternative to timber enables installers and homeowners to replace windows with an authentic design and in heritage colours without losing the character appearance.”