One of the most important elements in any building? Windows – that’s pretty obvious. However, it is worth looking at this subject from a slightly different perspective and looking at projects that may require a little more attention in this regard.

Focus on holiday and leisure cottages. Due to the specific use of this type of space, the purchase of the right window joinery needs to be well thought out.

Why? We answer.

Holiday/recreational house – what influences what windows we should choose?

Deciding which windows for a holiday home will be the best solution is closely linked to the indoor climate you want to achieve and your requirements for protection from the outside elements.

The most important aspect is the seasonal nature of recreational and holiday homes. Often these types of buildings are only used during the warm months of the year. This implies that thermal insulation requirements may be less stringent than for year-round buildings.

However, holiday homes are subject to fluctuating temperatures – in summer the interior can heat up quickly, while at night temperatures can drop rapidly. Appropriate windows should provide a balance between permeability to sunlight and protection against excessive overheating of the interior. If the bungalow is also used in the colder months, it becomes necessary to provide a higher level of thermal insulation to limit heat loss.

What else is important? Protection against moisture, which can be problematic in areas close to bodies of water. In such cases, windows should be made of materials that are highly resistant to high humidity and have a design that ensures proper drainage. Efficient ventilation also counts in this topic, helping to combat the consequences of close contact with water – the development of mould, mildew and unpleasant musty smells.

Window joinery for a holiday cottage – what will be the best?

Let’s look at the parameters that windows for a holiday home should have. This is the basis of the technical specifications. When choosing a model of window joinery, it is essential to pay attention to:

• the heat transfer coefficient (Uw) – windows with the right level of thermal insulation will prevent excessive heat loss and help maintain a stable temperature inside the cottage (especially if you plan to use it on those colder days);
• Light transmittance (Lt) – a sufficiently high coefficient will allow natural light to be enjoyed inside the house;
• moisture and corrosion resistant materials – ideal for this type of application would be windows made of aluminium with an anti-corrosion coating or PVC;
• Water tightness – this parameter provides protection against water leaking into the interior during rainfall. High-quality windows have adequate seals to prevent water leakage;
• ventilation – windows should have features that allow efficient circulation. Micro-ventilation systems or tilting window sashes will work best and allow air to flow freely (without the risk of excessive cooling of the interior).

Windows in a bungalow – additional amenities

It is worth considering additional options that can enhance the comfort of the holiday home.

One popular solution is windows with anti-reflective coatings, which minimise glare, improve visibility and reduce heat build-up. On the subject of coatings – it is worth looking at window models with glazing with additional UV protection, which prevents fading of furniture and interior upholstery.

It is also worth noting the possibility of using soundproof glazing to provide better sound insulation. This is particularly convenient for holiday cottages located in densely populated recreational areas.

Additional window accessories – what to choose from?

Window accessories for holiday and leisure homes can significantly improve comfort and customise the interior.

What works best?

• External and internal roller shutters
• Mosquito nets
• Facade shutters
• Burglar-proof handles
• Automatic opening systems

Select window accessories for your holiday home and significantly improve the functionality and comfort of the space. Remember, it’s worth investing in solutions that will not only enhance comfort, but also help you to adapt the interior to your individual needs and the characteristics of the surroundings.