Location: Charvil, Berkshire
A major renovation and extension can completely change how a property looks, feels and performs. For the owners of this detached family home in Charvil, Berkshire, choosing the right windows and doors was an important part of bringing their architect-designed vision to life.
Situated in a highly sought-after Bryant development, the property was purchased with plans for extensive modernisation and an extension designed by local Napier Architects. With the architectural plans already prepared, the homeowners visited our Bracknell showroom to explore suitable window styles for both the existing house and new extension.
After discussing the project with our designer Joe, they selected the uPVC One Collection Flush Casement Window system in a sophisticated dual-colour combination of Agate Grey externally and White internally.
The finished installation combines the authentic appearance of a traditional timber window with the security, low maintenance and energy efficiency expected from modern uPVC.
Charvil is one of Berkshire’s desirable villages, situated between Sonning and Twyford, approximately five miles east of Reading. Surrounded by countryside, residents can enjoy walks along the River Thames as well as nearby Charvil Lakes and Nature Reserve.
The village combines a peaceful setting with convenient access to Twyford, Reading and surrounding Berkshire villages
After purchasing this detached property, the homeowners commissioned local Napier Architects to design a comprehensive renovation and extension. The objective was to create a brighter, more contemporary family home while retaining the attractive proportions and character of the original building.
When the homeowners first contacted Thames Valley Windows, they already had their Napier Architects plans available.
Our designer Joe invited them to the Bracknell showroom, where the drawings could be reviewed alongside the different window systems on display. Having the architect’s plans at the appointment allowed Joe and the homeowners to consider individual openings, elevations, proportions and glazing requirements across both the original property and proposed extension.
The existing white uPVC casement windows were no longer suitable for the new design. The homeowners wanted something with slimmer, cleaner detailing and greater architectural character than conventional standard casement windows.
After exploring the options, they fell in love with the Everglade One Collection.
The project ultimately required the uPVC One Collection because several of the window openings specified within the architectural design were particularly tall. Alternative Halo and Evo systems couldn’t provide the required dimensions, while the One Collection could accommodate the design.
The homeowners subsequently chose a complete package of replacement windows for the existing property and new glazing for the extension.
The difference between traditional casement designs and flush casement windows is immediately noticeable.
On many standard designs, the opening sash sits proud of the outer frame. With a uPVC flush casement, the sash is designed to sit neatly in line with the surrounding window frame, creating the clean flush fit associated with traditional timber joinery.
This makes a uPVC flush window an attractive option for homeowners who appreciate heritage-inspired detailing but want the convenience and performance of modern materials.
The One Collection’s uPVC flush sash profile uses a 70mm outer frame and combines traditional styling with modern glazing technology.
For this Charvil property, the understated profile creates beautifully balanced elevations without allowing the windows to dominate the architecture.
One of the major attractions of flush sash windows is their ability to recreate the character of traditional timber.
A well-designed flush sash casement window provides the refined proportions associated with a classic timber window, but without the same routine painting and maintenance requirements.
That makes this style suitable for a broad range of homes. While flush windows are frequently associated with a period property, their slim lines can work equally well on renovated family homes, contemporary extensions and newer developments such as this Charvil project.
They can also be worth considering for properties in conservation areas, where maintaining architectural character can be particularly important. However, requirements differ between locations and properties, so homeowners in a conservation area should always check whether planning permission or other approvals are required before replacing their windows.
Colour played an important role in this transformation.
The homeowners chose Agate Grey externally and White internally, creating a sophisticated dual-colour finish.
Agate Grey beautifully complements the property’s traditional brick façade and areas of crisp white render. It provides enough contrast to make the new flush casement windows a distinctive architectural feature without overpowering the house.
Inside, the White finish provides a clean backdrop that works effortlessly with the newly renovated rooms.
The result demonstrates why grey uPVC flush sash windows have become such a popular choice. The colour works across numerous architectural and window styles, providing a softer alternative to darker greys while maintaining a premium contemporary appearance.
Achieving consistent proportions was especially important on this project.
Several windows were designed with dummy sashes where an opening vent wasn’t necessary. Rather than having visibly different glass areas between fixed and opening sections, this approach helps maintain equal sightlines and a balanced appearance.
The result closely references traditional timber craftsmanship while maintaining the practical benefits of a modern uPVC flush casement system.
Generous areas of glazing also allow natural daylight to flow through the property throughout the day. From the renovated original rooms to the new extension, the windows help create the bright and uplifting atmosphere central to the architectural design.
Double Glazed Windows Designed for Energy Efficiency
Performance matters just as much as appearance when investing in replacement windows.
The One Collection is designed to deliver excellent energy efficiency, helping homeowners create a more comfortable home throughout the seasons.
The double-glazed units work alongside the multi-chambered uPVC profile to reduce unwanted heat loss through the windows. One Collection uPVC windows achieve an A+ energy rating, providing modern thermal performance alongside their traditional appearance.
For projects requiring increased insulation, triple glazing is also available.
Choosing between double and triple glazing will depend on the property, specification and individual requirements, but both demonstrate how far modern flush window technology has developed from the traditional designs that inspired it.
Modern uPVC casement windows need to provide more than attractive styling.
Every opening One Collection window incorporates corrosion-resistant multi-point locking as standard, helping protect the property whether its occupants are at home or away.
The system also offers PAS 24 and Secured by Design security credentials, together with Everguard hinge protection for additional reassurance.
Easy-clean egress hinges are fitted as standard to applicable side-opening windows, allowing the sash to open to 90 degrees and helping satisfy Building Regulations where an alternative escape route is required.
These features remain discreetly incorporated within the design, allowing security and practicality to complement rather than compromise the flush appearance.
Homeowners researching replacement windows often ask: are flush casement windows more expensive than conventional alternatives?
The answer depends on the window system, dimensions, colour, glazing, hardware and overall project specification.
Flush designs can carry a premium compared with some standard casement windows because of their specialist profile, styling and detailing. However, homeowners are investing in more than appearance.
High-quality flush casement windows offer a combination of authentic styling, modern security, thermal performance and low-maintenance materials. For homeowners who love traditional timber aesthetics but don’t want the maintenance associated with real wood, that combination can make a uPVC flush window particularly appealing.
The smallest details can make a significant difference to the finished appearance of a window.
The One Collection offers a choice of contemporary and heritage-inspired hardware, including pear drop and monkey tail handles alongside traditional-style dummy pegs and stays.
There is also an extensive selection of colours and finishes, with approximately 30 colourways available, ranging from traditional Rosewood and White to contemporary grey shades.
Woodgrain finishes can further enhance the appearance of a traditional timber window, while dual-colour configurations allow homeowners to select one colour for the exterior and another for the interior.
This flexibility makes the collection suitable for homeowners seeking either subtle heritage character or a distinctly contemporary finish.
The finished Charvil renovation demonstrates how carefully specified glazing can become an integral part of an architectural transformation rather than simply a finishing touch.
Working from the plans created by Napier Architects allowed the homeowners and our designer Joe to consider the complete property from the beginning, including the existing house, extension, window proportions and overall exterior appearance.
The Agate Grey uPVC flush sash windows now sit beautifully against the traditional brick and white render. Their clean flush fit, slim sightlines and balanced proportions introduce contemporary detailing while respecting the established character of the detached home.
Inside, generous glazing helps natural light flow through the renovated living spaces, while the White internal finish maintains the property’s bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Most importantly, the homeowners haven’t had to choose between character and performance. Their new flush casement windows provide the authentic appearance inspired by traditional timber alongside modern security, excellent energy efficiency and virtually maintenance-free uPVC construction.
From the architect’s original plans through to the final installation, the uPVC One Collection proved to be the ideal window system for this ambitious Charvil renovation and extension, giving the property a distinctive new identity and a finish designed to perform beautifully for years to come.
See the before and after images in the gallery.
SUPPLIERS:
Design Director: Joe Ciccarello
Architects: Napier Architects
We can provide you with full colour 3D visualisations, allowing you to explore options that you may not have considered, with complete peace of mind.
Our showroom consists of:
Thames Valley Window Company
Head Office & Showroom
44 Longshot Lane
Bracknell
Berkshire RG12 1RL
United Kingdom
Designed so you can view most of our product range, our show room will help you understand what options will work best for you and your home.
Making plans to improve your home is exciting. If you would like to download any of our product brochures, please visit our brochure download page.
