Your handy heritage home renovation guide to frames, glass and glazing
If your Melbourne home was built before the 1970s and you’re planning a renovation, you’ll need to consider several important aspects of selecting windows and doors for heritage homes before you get started. The good news is that recreating the design and classic charm of the originals is not only feasible, but relatively straightforward with the right know-how. Here’s our guide to choosing the best windows and doors for your Melbourne heritage home.
What is a heritage-listed property?
Homes built between the 1840s and 1970s present unique architectural features, character and historical value, and many are listed on state and council heritage registers. Heritage and period home architectural styles common to Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs include Victorian Terrace, Victorian Cottage, Edwardian, Federation, Art Deco, Californian Bungalow, Mid-Century Modern and Tudor.
Strict heritage-listed property regulations ensure that culturally and historically significant features of these homes are protected, preserved and maintained. These include facades, externally facing doors and windows visible from the street.
What is a heritage overlay zone?
Specific areas identified and protected by the local council where changes to a precinct or building of heritage value are subject to certain regulations are known as heritage overlay zones. All proposed changes must comply with the controls in place to preserve and enhance the building, streetscape and/or surrounding areas before building works begin. Updating windows and doors of properties in a heritage overlay zone requires careful consideration of requirements and often needs council approval before finalising plans.
The best heritage style windows for period-era architecture in Melbourne
Traditional window designs with specific sizes are commonly found throughout Melbourne’s period-era and heritage properties. When renovating, we recommend choosing window styles that preserve the historic character of these types of homes, including:
Double-hung and sash windows
Best for: Victorian, Georgian and Victorian Italianate, Edwardian, Federation, Californian Bungalow
Double-hung windows, also known as sash windows, feature windowpanes that slide vertically over each other when opening and closing. This timeless option can be upgraded with custom design work, such as colonial bars for added visual interest and traditional detailing.
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Casement windows
Best for: Victorian, Edwardian, Federation, Californian Bungalow
Particularly striking in homes built after the 1960s, classic casement windows are ideal for heritage property renovations. Commonly used as bay windows, they feature colonial bars and open to a 90-degree angle like a door for exceptional ventilation.
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Bay windows and arched heritage style windows
Best for: Victorian, Victorian Italianate, Edwardian, Federation, Art Deco
A Melbourne favourite, bay windows project outwards from the wall to create an internal alcove or nook and a charming facade visible from the street. Commonly used in living and dining areas, they are sometimes combined with internal arches and curved sashes.
Leadlight windows
Best for: Victorian, Edwardian, Federation, Californian Bungalow, Art Deco
Popular between the 1840s and 1940s, the distinctive and delicate signature style of leadlight windows adds creative customised flair to period architecture. We partner with ACE Leadlight Studio and Fools Glass to deliver high-quality, locally designed leadlight craftsmanship.
Popular period style doors for Melbourne heritage properties
Architectural styles before the 1970s often featured external architraves and extended sills that complemented the original details. We recommend recreating this look with these classic door designs for your heritage renovation project in Melbourne:
French and double-hinged period style doors
Best for: Victorian, Edwardian, Federation, Californian Bungalow, Art Deco
Highly complementary to properties featuring traditional woodwork, French doors have four individual panels that open outwards from the middle. Install them inside your home to separate everyday living zones, or along external elevations to transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
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Bi-fold doors
Best for: Victorian, Edwardian, Federation, Californian Bungalow, Art Deco
While typically found in heritage builds, bi-fold doors have become popular in modern Melbourne home transformations. Effortlessly integrating new and original spaces, they can provide easy access between internal living areas and outside spaces, such as gardens and patios.
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Sliding doors
Best for: Victorian, Edwardian, Federation, Californian Bungalow, Art Deco
This contemporary design improves indoor-outdoor flow while maximising views, using expansive glass and large-format panes. Sliding doors are an excellent option for homeowners who wish to modernise aspects of their heritage property and integrate old zones with new extensions.
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Why choose timber for heritage style windows and period style doors?
Timber is an excellent choice for period-era property transformations. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to work with, durable and regulates temperature—just a few of its major long-term advantages!
Flexible customisation
Tailor traditional timber windows and doors to your exact specifications, size and configurations with decorative detailing and moulding that perfectly match the architectural style and era of your heritage home.
Insulation and temperature control
Timber’s ability to transfer heat and regulate temperature naturally is well known. Timber windows and doors help to keep warmth indoors during cooler weather and reduce your need for artificial cooling in summer.
A more sustainable option
Choosing traditional timber windows and doors results in a more energy-efficient home that reduces your energy bills over time. Our timber is sourced from regrowth forests in Australia, and we support responsible timber mills and plantations internationally.
Frequently asked questions about glazing and glass for heritage homes
Most heritage properties in original condition feature brittle, single-glazed windows and doors. Combined with deteriorating frames and fittings that have received minimal care and maintenance over the years, they can pose an extreme hazard to children and pets. By upgrading glass and glazing, you’ll benefit from improved security and safety, as well as better insulation, energy efficiency and acoustic control.
What types of glass and glazing suit heritage property upgrades?
Single-glazing and standard glass are no longer recommended for Melbourne properties. The good news is that the new glass and glazing options on the market can transform the comfort, safety and security of your heritage home. These include double- and triple-glazing, as well as low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. When paired with brick, which has the ability to absorb and slowly release heat, these products promote greater temperature stability indoors.
Does glazing help with external noise reduction?
Many older properties in Melbourne that were built with brick are situated along busy streets and public transport routes. Installing high-quality double glazing often leads to a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise from the street and neighbouring homes.
How does glazing impact insulation?
Modern glass and glazing types help insulate your home and naturally maintain a more consistent, comfortable temperature inside. Double- and triple-glazing, along with Low-E glass, prevent heat transfer, helping you reduce your reliance on air conditioning and heating.
Can glazing improve energy efficiency?
Heritage properties can become more energy-efficient by upgrading window and door glazing. Sustainability Victoria confirms that ‘double glazing can contribute significantly to a 6 star or higher energy efficient home’ by reducing heat loss and heat gain by up to 30%.
Plan your heritage property transformation with confidence
Expert guidance on choosing the right products for your heritage home renovation or extension project is essential before you get started. Speak with our team of traditional timber window and door joinery specialists. We have over three decades of experience in the design and manufacture of custom timber heritage style windows and period style doors for heritage properties, right here in Melbourne. Call us on 03 9768 3944 or send us an online enquiry today.
