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
