Windows are the unsung heroes of the home; these humble panes of glass affect the aesthetics of your house, provide views, ventilation and sunlight, and serve an important role in connecting your home to the outdoors. From squares to circles, arches and keyholes, windows come in all styles and sizes, and a beautifully shaped and carefully positioned window can transform any space. If new windows are in your near future, there are some important visual and functional considerations that you will need to take into account before settling on the perfect shape and style. The first thing you will need to determine is your home’s fundamental architectural style. Whether it’s a Federation bungalow or an old Queenslander, the windows you choose should complement the existing aesthetic of your home. For example, floor-to-ceiling glass is a striking yet contextual feature in a contemporary home, but can be ill-suited to an original Victorian terrace house. You will need to adhere to your home’s architectural style when selecting the right windows to ensure they’re visually appealing. Once you’ve identified your home’s architectural style, you can start looking at different window design options.

There is an incredible range of residential windows available to suit nearly any purpose or aesthetic, and to help you make the right choice, Western Australia Home Design + Living has identified some of the most popular styles.

SKYLIGHTS

Skylights, transoms and other high windows are fantastic natural alternatives to expensive electrical lighting, and can be used to show off a ceiling’s striking pitch or offer pleasant treetop views. Operable skylights are a common choice for bathrooms, en suites and laundries, as they usher in sunlight without sacrificing privacy, and help combat mould, which thrives in damp, dark spaces. “Skylights and transoms provide valuable airflow, which stops steam and moisture from building up in damp rooms,” explains Philip Hanson, the business management director for Alutech. “The more natural light you can get into these spaces, the less chance the mouldy stuff has to take hold.”

BAY WINDOWS

Beautiful and timeless, bay windows are a popular choice for bedrooms, living areas and

WINDOW WALLS

Window walls have become an increasingly popular feature of modern residential architecture for their ability to instantly create a contemporary vibe. Window walls are beloved for the panoramic views they provide and the connection they offer to the outdoors, but they can also vastly improve spatial perception. Floor-to-ceiling window walls give the illusion of an open, limitless space, and make smaller rooms feel much larger. However, it’s worth noting that due to their enormous scope and the amount of glass they require, window walls are far more expensive than their smaller counterparts. “If you’ve got a house with a view of the ocean or a river, a window wall can provide an uninterrupted view,” says Hanson.

“If your windows face the afternoon sun, then it’s essential that you look at some sort of energyefficient solution to stop the radiant heat from coming in when it’s hot, and the warmth from seeping out when it’s cold,” says Hanson. Energy-efficient windows will make your home more comfortable and can dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs. Any window – whether it’s a skylight or a clerestory window – can be made more energy efficient with a few simple improvements. Low-emissivity glass is a popular solution, as the invisible coating will radically reduce heat transfer and reflect interior heat back into your home. Double- or triple-glazed windows are another common option, as glazed windows create a brighter, cleaner and healthier home environment while significantly

“However, it’s important that you weigh up the initial costs, as well as the heating and cooling expenses associated with window walls. “Before you commit, ask yourself just how important that view actually is.” While window walls are undoubtedly at the pricier end of the spectrum and come with a number of associated expenses, many homeowners consider the vistas, sunlight and modern aesthetic to be well worth the cost.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS

Once you’ve settled on your ideal shape and style, it’s time to consider the myriad ways through which you can improve your windows’ energy efficiency. Windows can be a major source of unwanted heat retention during summer and significant heat loss during winter.

lowering your utility costs. “Double glazing incorporates two individual layers of glass that are separated by a fullperimeter insulation, which can be made from a number of varying materials,” explains Grant Dolan, the director of Alutech. “Glazing is predominantly applied to achieve better thermal properties and improve energy efficiency.” Dolan also suggests aluminium frames as another way to improve your windows’ energy-saving performance. Thermally-broken aluminium windows deliver a number of benefits, including substantially improved insulation properties and a much greater resistance to solar heat gain. “Alutech specialises in aluminium frames,” says Dolan. “They are highly durable, low-maintenance and come in a wide range of colours.”