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SWARTLAND WINDOWS AND DOORS SWARTLAND WINDOWS AND DOORS
2. Turning windows into doors
Replacing a pair of boring double pane windows with sliding
doors, or a pair of French or fold-a-side doors for example, will
add vitality to any indoor space by letting in a lot more natural
light and opening up the space. South Africa has lovely weather
and most homes have access to beautiful outdoor spaces – by
replacing a window with a door, one can take advantage of these
aspects by creating a seamless flow between a home’s indoor
and outdoor spaces. If there is no space for a door, then one can
consider replacing old-fashioned windows with large format
sliding windows instead.
3. A wall of glazing
This trend has been making waves for a while now, and there seems
no sign of it abating anytime soon. In keeping with the move towards
transitional living spaces, a major trend is to replace entire walls with
a curtain of windows, large window panels, fold-a-side or sliding
doors. While this can be a costly renovation, it can completely
transform a home from a dated design, into an updated trend. A wall
of glass adds height and light to any indoor space – enhancing the
outdoor views. However, this not only looks good, but the high-end
look and feel will also add great resale value to your home.
It is important to choose windows that will suit the design of the
building.
Fold-a-side or sliding doors are among the trends for wooden doors.
4. Going green
As the cost of electricity rises and the hopes for a cleaner
environment gains momentum, so are more and more consumers
looking to replace older inefficient windows with high-efficiency
designs. However, this is not just a nice-to-have, it is a legal
requirement. In South Africa, the SANS 10400 National Building
Regulations have been amended in the form of the XA
appendices, in order to further enforce and regulate energy
efficient practices in the built environment, with the long-term
benefit of reducing overall energy consumption and CO 2
emissions. By law, windows must comply to SANS 10400-XA. All
new buildings, as well as renovations must comply to SANS
10400-XA. Your architect or professional technologist/
draughtsperson will advise you, to be compliant.
5. Custom is key
Almost everyone is familiar with standard windows; however, it is a
good idea to create a unique feature by adding an accent window
in an otherwise unexciting space. There are lots of places in the
home environment that make for great feature installations such as
this. Picture windows are a great addition to any landing or double
volume space. Bay windows are also very popular – they not only
let in lots of added light, but they also create a sense of cosiness,
making an otherwise uninteresting space very inviting.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR
TIMBER WINDOWS
Although doors, windows and shutters are commonly associated
with residential buildings, they are also suitable for commercial
buildings as well. Mederer explains that shutters and blinds are
extensively used in the commercial and hospitality environments.
“In the commercial sector, the unique beauty of shutters and
blinds adds a sense of style and sophistication to a space. The
hospitality industry benefits greatly from the use of shutters and
blinds, as they are low maintenance and unlike curtains, they do
not need to go through continuous laundry processes,” he says.
As a result, the hospitality industry is able to save on long term
maintenance costs. Lodges, environmental buildings and offices
are other non-residential buildings where wooden windows, doors
and shutters can be found.
Although one might be impressed by a particular window or door
design, there are some important considerations that need to be
made before making a decision. “The most important factor is to
look for a locally produced shutter or blind,” says Mederer. The
reason is that imported shutters in particular specifically are not
produced for the harsh African environment, whereas locally
produced shutters are custom built to withstand it. “As an added
bonus, locally produced shutters and blinds will always offer
longer warranties and shorter lead times and in most cases are
even more cost-effective,” Mederer adds.
In Britz’s view, research is important to help one choose the
correct windows that will best suit the design of the building,
budget and lifestyle of the building’s occupants. As such, it is
important to pay attention to the window styles. According to
Britz, there are six major styles to choose from as follows:
1. Top hung windows
Also known as awning windows, top hung windows are hinged
at the top of the frame, while the bottom of the window opens
by swinging outwards. When open, the glass pane slopes
downwards and can be left open when it rains, which is great
for ventilation.
16 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 // www.timberiq.co.za