High Design Flush Window System Helps Overcome Social Housing Stereotype

Developing the Vision

As the developer, Hardwick Homes was responsible for sourcing the windows and installing them in the Salters Lane properties. A key stage of the project was to appoint a window supplier, select window frame materials and ensure that the windows met design specifications. Hardwick Homes also needed to find a solution that fitted aesthetically with the unique design vision of the development and met regulations in terms of safety, thermal and acoustic performance.

The aim of the development was to bring affordable contemporary living to the area. The Salters Lane project saw the construction of two, three and four-bedroom properties all of which were sold prior to completion to the social housing association.

Going Above and Beyond

Hardwick Homes believes that everyone should have a high standard of housing, regardless of whether private or social. As Salters Lane was a design/build development, it had significant input into the design of the properties, especially with external finishes such as bricks, doors and windows. Given this, Hardwick Homes approached the Salters Lane project with a specific aesthetic in mind.

The developer wanted the properties to have a modern, stylish look, demonstrating that affordable housing can be designed, built, and finished to a high aesthetic standard. That meant Salters Lane windows stood out from surrounding properties, helping to ensure the development would be well received by residents and the local community.

The benefits of always designing and building quality housing are not only good for residents and the local community, but are also great for the reputation of developers and their project partners, such as window designers, fabricators and installers. 

Finding the Right Windows Partner

Hardwick Homes conducted in-depth research evaluating a variety of different window product designs and materials. The team there finally decided to partner with REHAU for the outstanding design and build quality of its windows and its commitment to the project. The specified product was REHAU’s Rio flush fit frame which provides a contemporary look, helping to give the Salters Lane properties a private development feel.

The development’s windows were expertly installed by an experienced REHAU fabricator, Prima Windows. Local to Salters Lane, Prima Windows are Hartlepool’s largest windows fabricator and installer. They covered the whole development, installing 700 windows in all 71 properties. 

Complete Window Design

The flush casement design of the windows means they sit within the frame when the window is closed, creating a smooth, flat surface on the outside without any overlap. This was the first time that the customer had seen such a design in any of its properties and they were happy to sign off on the windows after reviewing samples provided by Hardwick Homes.

As part of the window design process, Hardwick Homes used feature brickwork panels such as header patterns and herring bone patterns. The brickwork ran in line with the flush casement windows to give a striking and original look. According to the housing association, feedback from residents and the local community has been very positive, complimenting the style of the window and brickwork combinations.

Given the nature of the development and the setting, Hardwick Homes decided that powder coated aluminium wasn’t the right choice for Salters Lane, due to its much higher cost and a more involved installation process. Hardwick Homes instead selected REHAU’s high quality PVCu, which while reducing costs and installation time offers a very similar outward appearance to powder coated aluminium and similar performance specifications.