Rehau preserves Gothic aesthetic

Quality Trade Windows, a family-owned window supplier, has transformed the energy performance of a historical luxury residential property in East Kilbride, Glasgow, while retaining its original gothic aesthetics.

To meet the private owner’s expectations, bespoke heritage vertical sliding windows were fabricated for the project.

Based in East Kilbridge, Scotland, Quality Trade Windows is a long-established window fabricator. In April 2022, the company was contacted regarding the replacement of 11 windows in a Victorian property in East Kilbride, where the original single glazing was causing the home to lose a significant amount of heat.

While thermal efficiency was a key driver, the client was passionate about ensuring the new windows were as close to the original gothic variation as possible.

Founded in 1994, Quality Trade Windows has been exclusively manufacturing Rehau’s windows for almost 30 years. Stuart Carlin led this particular project from specification to installation. To solve the challenge, Stuart offered a traditional yet innovative solution to the owner and, in April 2023, all 11 windows were replaced with Rehau’s heritage vertical sliding window system.

The finished product was designed in white woodgrain and featured Georgian bar arches with run-through sash horns.

Reflecting on the project, Stuart said: “The job in East Kilbride was a tall order because of its unique gothic design requirements. Aside from aesthetics, there were other priorities to take into consideration including energy performance, security, dimensions and other window features. We were able to meet the client’s high expectations thanks to Rehau’s heritage vertical sliding windows and first-class customer support team.”

The window profiles were foiled, delivered to Quality Trade Windows and fabricated by the glass supplier into the unique arched glazing style using Georgian bars.

Additionally, the heritage vertical sliding windows all achieved the highest BSI weathertightness ratings for wind, air and water, BSI KM 13358 – BS EN 12608 (BS7412), with U-values of 1.3 W/M²K.

Alongside the improved performance and aesthetics, the new windows were designed to also work with the building’s existing window shutters, a feature that the owner was keen to retain.

Samsara McDonald, commercial sales manager at Rehau’s Windows Division, oversaw Rehau’s involvement in the project. She commented: “When Quality Trade Windows briefed us on the East Kilbride period property, we knew the exact product for the job. It’s not often that we get the chance to work with gothic buildings, but we were able to meet all requirements with the heritage vertical sliding system.

“True collaboration with Quality Trade Windows ensured the project was finished on time and within budget, leaving the client to enjoy the windows in all their glory. Now they have better heat retention, higher energy efficiency, improved security, and all while preserving the original gothic features of the building’s exterior.”