With the UK government preparing to publish its Future Homes Standard, we look at the potential impact these new guidelines could have on traditional architectural features, including sash windows.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is an initiative that will require all new properties to be fitted with low-carbon and energy-efficient heating systems. The initiative also includes other aims, such as minimising heat loss and increasing fabric efficiency.
What does this mean for sash windows?
Fabric efficiency is one of the primary challenges facing the architecture and construction industries, particularly with regard to structures with traditional designs. Sash windows feature prominently in period and classical designs, including restoration projects, retrofits, and new building projects.
If your property has traditional windows and it is time to explore your sash window repair options, you can learn more about how it can help to improve the energy efficiency of your home on the websites of specialists such as www.sashwindowpreservation.co.uk/services/sash-window-repair.
Moving forward
Balancing the new guidelines with aesthetic requirements could prove to be challenging. In terms of sash windows, the need for triple glazing may significantly increase the size and weight of the structure, which may make them difficult to open.
One option may be to combine sash windows with other more efficient windows within a single project. This could help ensure the beauty of traditional windows isn’t lost whilst simultaneously meeting important heat loss prevention targets.
There are many different factors for architecture professionals to contend with, but we hope sash windows won’t be consigned to the history books.