New research has revealed the window design and features that consumers hope to see in their future homes, with 52% of consumers saying that they would like to see windows with higher energy efficiency levels.
A total of 29% would like windows that have the ability to shade against sunlight, 26% would like to see increased use of sustainable materials and 23% of consumers identifying large floor-to-ceiling windows as their most appealing design trend.
In addition to this, 29% of consumers said that smart windows, for example windows that can block the sun, turn into a mirror, or be used as a smart screen, are also desirable, according to research conducted by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, recycler and distributor of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems.
Architects at leading studios Hawkins Brown, SimpsonHaugh and BDP, as well as property developer The High Street Group, analysed these consumer views of the windows of the future, providing expert insight. When talking about the future of windows, and what we can expect, Francesca Roberts, Hawkins Brown, commented: “It’s about careful placement of the windows and thinking about how light can be flooded into properties in all the right places. It’s not just about light either, you need to think about other factors, such as if the property is near a busy railway or a road and consider how this should impact the placement of windows.
“It’s about finding that sweet spot, through proper testing and analysis. The placement of windows should not be determined by rolling out a standard house type across a site, with the window placement being left to chance. Instead, what’s right for each plot should be considered.”
Fifty-two per cent of consumers identified improving energy efficiency as the most common driver for investing in new windows, whilst 38% said increasing natural light and 35% said noise reduction were key drivers.
Chris Coxon, Group Head of Marketing at Eurocell, commented: “The UK is currently in the middle of a housing crisis meaning that we need to build 300,000 homes a year for the next decade. At Eurocell we wanted to gain insight in what features and designs consumers want from their windows so that these homes can be built to suit consumer’s wants and needs.
"The insights from this report have done exactly that, revealing how important both natural light and technology are to consumers, and this will help both Eurocell and the wider industry inform decisions for windows in the future.”
The research is part of Eurocell’s ‘The Future Home Report’, and draws on the views of 1,000 25-40-year olds that either own or rent homes, about design and build considerations for future homes.
The Future Home Report can be downloaded in full here https://www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper