Crittall-style windows for a beloved family home in Cuckfield
Our customers, Mr and Mrs Hayday were aware of Window Wise from our well-known showroom in the centre of Haywards Heath.
So, we were delighted when they asked us to discuss the renovation of the windows and doors in their much-loved West Sussex home of more than 40 years.
Achieving a sympathetic renovation
Their period property, located within a rural lane in Cuckfield, still had its original steel windows and doors with the distinctive Crittall features of leaded panes, slim sightlines and horizontal detailing in the metal casements.
Whilst iconic in their design, original Crittall windows lack the modern benefits of energy efficiency and enhanced security.
Therefore, our challenge in renovating this charming property’s windows and doors was to achieve significant improvements in thermal insulation, whilst retaining the original character of the Haydays’ home.
The key would be to emulate the metal casements set into timber, which was so intrinsic to its architectural design.
Our solution
Our suggested approach was to use a modern alternative to traditional Crittall-style windows and doors:
Double glazing in robust aluminium frames featuring our Heritage design’s ‘stepped’ profile. The aluminium casements would be set into a PVCu woodgrain-effect trim to replicate the timber originals.
This approach would not only successfully imitate the period design, it would also achieve a highly energy-efficient, low-maintenance renovation that will see this cherished family home through the next 40 years.
Read more about the period features available with our aluminium windows.
The versatility of aluminium
Our Heritage range of aluminium windows offers huge choice and flexibility. You can achieve period character with all the benefits of contemporary design and technology.
Aluminium window frames are incredibly robust, secure and long lasting. Their intrinsic strength also means that slimline frames are possible, to accurately replicate Crittall-style casements.
Modern aluminium windows are highly energy efficient. They feature insulated frames which act as a thermal break to keep the cold out. Plus, the slimmer frame means that more of the window is double glazed, which provides excellent insulation.
Read more about our Heritage aluminium windows.
Visualising the difference
So that Mr and Mrs Hayday felt confident with our suggested approach, it was important for them to visualise how their home would look.
We created an accurate simulation of the replacement windows and doors for their Cuckfield home – and it convinced them that this would be the right solution for them.
Working with Sussex properties
As a company with more than 35 years’ experience in replacing windows and doors for Sussex properties, we are well-versed in the complexities of working with period Sussex homes.
With the Haydays’ property, its age meant carefully removing thick layers of plaster as well as secondary glazing, and working with internal quarry tiles that needed a painstaking approach to keep as many intact as possible.
We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and utmost respect for our customers’ homes.
Before and after – a perfect result
Our before and after images illustrate how the replacement windows and doors have retained the overall original aesthetic of this Cuckfield home.
And by using contemporary products and technology, we’ve transformed its thermal efficiency and ensured that it’s fit for the future:
The Haydays’ feedback
Mr and Mrs Hayday commented that they have noticed a dramatic improvement in the warmth retained in every room in their house.
Plus, an added benefit has been that they no longer experience the condensation issues they used to have with their original, single-glazed windows.
They are over the moon with their new windows and doors – and this is clear from their Google five-star review:
Very high quality products. Excellent installation. Steven, Chris and Martin were highly professional when fitting our replacement doors and windows. They were always punctual, friendly and extremely efficient. I thoroughly recommend Window Wise Sussex.
Your home renovation
We understand that every home is unique. At Window Wise, we bring the same professionalism and attention to detail to every home improvement we undertake – to ensure that your windows and doors enhance your home through comfort, design and energy efficiency for the years ahead.
If you would like to talk to us about your project, please call us on 01444 45 71 45 to chat through your requirements or visit our Haywards Heath showroom.