Tradition Redefined

Sash windows have been an important part of British architectural heritage since the late 17th century. Initially only within the reach of the richest gentry, sash windows took off in the Regency period and became a staple of Georgian architecture. 

Huge sash windows, set back from the face of the building to protect them from the weather, and featuring the classic six-over-six or nine-over-nine bar designs, were all the rage in Georgian Britain. Because they weren’t hinged, they could be much larger than the casement windows of the time, and by opening both sashes halfway, they provided better ventilation and air circulation – important factors for health at the time.

While the original design of sash windows remained largely unchanged, ever-improving glass technology allowed for larger panes. As a result, Victorian sash windows featured fewer astragal bars – often using just one vertical bar per sash. Window sizes started to shrink, to match the less grand architecture of the time. 

Beyond that, Edwardian windows didn’t need bars at all but often included them in increasingly ambitious designs, purely as a decorative feature. Later in the 20th century, sash windows started to fall out of favour, partly due to fashion and partly because of the need for cheaper, simpler casement windows. However, this trend started to reverse in the late 20th century as more emphasis was put on conservation and architectural heritage.

Today sash windows are popular again, but in a format that provides all the charm and elegance of the classic sash window, but with the benefits of modern performance built-in.

Modern sash windows are a high-tech affair, using modern computer-controlled cutting and machining to ensure precision and consistency. However, windows built entirely by machine lack the finesse and craftsmanship of traditional windows, so a carefully balanced mix of new and old is required.

If you ever visit our 50,000 square-foot factory in Olney (which you’re more than welcome to do; just give us a call to arrange a visit!), we think you’ll be surprised by the sheer scale of the operation. 

We have two state-of-the-art sash window machining centres, plus three bespoke CNC millers, all dedicated to ensuring that every cut and milling process is clean, accurate and consistent. You need this as the foundation for a high-quality sash window. But once profiles are cut, machined and ready for assembly, the emphasis switches to hand-built. There’s no substitute for experienced, dedicated staff when it comes to making sure that every window is built properly, that joints are tight and square, that sashes run smoothly, that the glass is glazed properly, and that the astragal bars are applied accurately.

Underpinning all of this is state-of-the-art software and product scanning that tracks every part and window through the factory, onto delivery vehicles, and into our customers’ hands, ensuring traceability at every step of the process.

Modern sash windows carefully combine classic style with modern performance. Manufacturing them follows the same principle: a combination of state-of-the-art technology with traditional, hand-crafted, joinery-style finesse. We call it #TraditionRedefined.

When designing and manufacturing classic sash windows, subtle details make all the difference. They take a standard modern window and elevate it to full traditional and conservation-grade authenticity. 

We’ve been dedicated to manufacturing sash windows for more than forty years. It takes that level of focus, knowledge and experience to find new and better ways of replicating classic features without compromising modern performance. One of the first things you learn is that it’s not just what you add to a window; what you take away is just as important.

Since 1985, we’ve been developing ways of introducing classic features to modern windows. The following are just some of the features that Roseview has developed, which in many cases, remain unique to us.