If you’re about to start a renovation project, have you considered adding a picture window to your plans? We look at everything you need to know about these beautiful frames – from solar gain and ventilation to the cost and how your home will benefit.
Want to create a better connection between your home and garden? Then think about adding a picture window – a statement, design-led way to frame the views from your home. KBB journo Amanda Cochrane has got the lowdown…
It’s no surprise they are growing fast in popularity as they deliver so much more than what a normal window does, starting with unobstructed views akin to an actual picture.
You could say picture windows are like a piece of living art, able to create wow-factor moments that will ultimately make your home sing. “Picture windows have a bold architectural look, offering clean lines and an unobstructed view of the outside,” says Tony Culmer, owner of glass manufacturer Maxlight. “They blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing spatial perception and creating a harmonious connection with the surroundings.”
Where to start
As with any project or renovation, take time to mull over what you want to achieve with your new picture window design and work out how you want it to look and feel before rushing ahead and finalising any plans. As ever, magazines such as KBB, plus Pinterest and Instagram, are your trusty friends when researching for design ideas.
But make sure to consult an architect, structural engineer or experienced builder early in the process, too, as it’s rarely as straightforward as you might think.
Key considerations
“When we design a picture window, we carefully consider a series of elements,” says architect Mel Bax. “How does the window interact with the room’s function – is it a space for gathering, relaxing or work? We also think about natural light and how it moves through the room, and how the sun hits the window itself. There’s the journey to the window within the space; does it draw you in, or is it showing you something from afar? And then there’s the view from outside; how does the window work with your home’s composition externally?”
You need to think about what you are framing and what you want to achieve with this addition, but also consider what you love most about your garden, for example, and will want to gaze at every day. “Look around from your property and find the interesting and special views – a beautiful tree, for instance,” advises Emma Perkin of Emil Eve Architects. “Consider the picture window as a frame from this vista and use the composition of this view to help decide the size and proportions of the window.”
Logistics and practicalities
A large, fixed window will add lots of additional and welcome daylight but it’s important to think about what will happen on a simmering hot day, especially if the window faces direct sunlight. “Solar gains and ventilation are key considerations,” says Mel. So, you’ll need to balance aesthetics with practicality, including ensuring the room has enough ventilation through other openable windows.
Also, if you want to include a window dressing, you’ll need to allow breathing space around the window for curtains or a blind. Then, think about maintenance and how you will clean the glass if it is fixed. “Depending on the location, cleaning can be tricky, as normally picture windows don’t have any opening parts,” says Vladimir Krastev, project leader at BVDS Architects. “Cleaning them externally might require special equipment, especially if they are installed on upper floors.”
But most importantly, you’ll need to work out whether your home’s structure can handle the size and weight of your window. “Large openings may require structural reinforcements, particularly in older buildings,” says Sean Ronnie Hill of Rise Design Studio. “The frame material (timber, aluminium or steel – preferably thermally broken) should align with the property’s style and its climate conditions.”
When planning to use a large and heavy window where access is restricted – such as a terraced property – this will almost certainly require the use of a small crane plus extra workers on site on installation day. And even then, things can go disastrously wrong, as any viewer of homebuilding shows such as Grand Designs will gleefully warn you.
“Large panels are cumbersome and, if not handled with care or not sufficiently protected, are susceptible to breaking,” says Grant Straghan of Dedraft. “As these are typically double-glazed units, all it takes is a small knock on one edge or corner and the whole unit blows and needs to be replaced.”
Picture windows for listed properties
If you live in a listed building, adding a picture window is a lot more complicated but not beyond the realms of possibility. If you have your heart set on one, it’s definitely worth looking into. Internal or external works to a listed home will require Listed Building Consent and it is best to work with an architect with conservation experience to develop your design and application.
“Any alterations to a listed building are strictly regulated and will require planning permission,” advises Vladimir. “Any modifications must preserve the historic character and architectural integrity of the building, which might limit the size, style and placement of the window.
“Engaging with conservation officers or heritage consultants can help ensure your plans comply with regulations and respect the building’s heritage. Consult with your local planning authority early in the process to understand the specific requirements and restrictions for your property.”
Consider privacy
Picture windows are a stylish addition to the home, but if you’re placing one in a bedroom or bathroom overlooked by neighbours, then you may need to consider privacy issues. “If the window faces the street or neighbours, you might need curtains, frosted glass or even some clever landscaping to keep your space feeling personal,” explains Charlie Stoyle, design and estimating director at Bespoke Glazing Design.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is another important factor to bear in mind as large glass panes can affect heating and cooling in the home. Opt for double or triple glazing and solar coatings. “Consider solar-control glazing to prevent overheating, particularly for south-facing installations,” advises Sean. “Integrating picture windows into a renovation may also require rethinking the lighting and heating strategy for the room to complement the increased natural light.”
Cost of picture windows
The cost of a picture window depends on the size of your proposed design, your choice of framing material and its location – if you live in a terraced house and need a crane, for example, the amount will increase. Timber-framed windows start at around £1200 per sq m. For aluminium-framed windows, you should expect to pay between £1000 and £1500 per sq m.
Frameless glazing, the most popular choice for contemporary renovations, is also the most expensive option, starting at around £2000 per sq m. You need to plan in plenty of time, too, as the lead times can be long – this is most likely going to be a custom design, so expect to wait anything between two and four months for the new glazing.
And finally, advises Grant, you should consider carefully how the window will appear both internally and externally, and weigh up the benefits of sunlight. “If you wish to work on a laptop or read in a space with a picture window, there may be glare or excessive heat at certain times,” he says. “As with roof lights – if south-facing – we tend to specify solar glass, which typically removes up to 70% of solar gain for 30% extra. But only if budget permits!”
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