Government’s new design guide welcome news for window industry

Following the Conservative Party Conference, the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government has unveiled a new design guide in a bid to encourage better housing and building development. The new design guide will replace the outdated system to ensure that new-builds will adhere to Industry Standards and meet the needs of local people. With renewed pressure mounting on developers to select products that maximise housing performance and appearance, Rehau is advocating that windows have to be one of the first ports of call. Capable of enhancing a number of building characteristics, there are a plethora of considerations to take into account when designing the right windows. For example, Rehau’s Rio Flush Fit Window profile balances cost, efficiency and aesthetics – all in accordance with the new national design guide.

Key to the new guide is the concept that buildings should be well-designed, high quality and attractive, meeting local needs and incorporating the requirements of the ten characteristics of well-designed places. Martin Hitchin, Chief Executive at Rehau Windows said: “Traditional timber windows have always generally been perceived as the more attractive option, but fall short in practicality with a short service life and risk of decay. Technological innovation has meant PVC-U windows have come a long way in terms of aesthetic appeal so that they can look just as good as they perform.”

Rehau’s Rio Flush Fit Window incorporates the new authentic wood effect foil, Turner oak, which is a like-for-like replica of timber windows, but with the added bonus of being low maintenance and cost-efficient. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has indicated that emphasis be placed on environmental infrastructure. Sustainability is at the heart of Rehau design, with PVC-U windows among the most environmentally friendly materials around. Rehau has invested heavily in introducing a state-of-the-art PVC-U recycling concept at Rehau-owned PVCR, the result being both post-consumer PVC-U windows and doors, and post-industrial waste that can be recycled by Rehau to minimise the impact on landfill.

A window’s aesthetics goes hand-in-hand with functionality and having sustainable materials can positively impact performance. Windows are of prime importance in ensuring homes are suitably insulated, and having lower levels of heat loss is also a critical part of the Approved Part L consultation of building regulations for new buildings. If the windows are designed correctly, not only will heating costs be reduced, but noise levels will be reduced too. Martin added: “In correspondence with the new design guide, windows are a crucial part in creating a home and a community that families can be proud of. This guide outlines that people need to be at the heart of the housing process and new standards need to be set. At Rehau we recognise this within our PVC-U window portfolio and the industry now has an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in creating beautiful homes of the future.”

For more information download Rehau’s guide, Seize your window of opportunity: ‘How windows can unlock the potential of your commercial building.’ www.rehau.com/gb-en/pvcu-windows-doors–composite-curtain-walling/windows-specification-download-from-rehau