In so many aspects of life, plumping for the tried-and-tested often feels nice and safe – be that your usual coffee order, or the holiday destination you head off to year-on-year – but that doesn't automatically mean this way is the best way.
This is particularly true when it comes to how we approach house design. Standard-sized fixtures and fittings, neutral colour schemes, the classic upstairs downstairs layouts – all are often taken as a given. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these approaches, but they don't necessarily always make the most of a property. While I am certainly no design pioneer when it comes to my own home, I have lately been questioning whether the types of windows I was thinking of (rectangular, rather unsurprisingly) will be quite right for the extension we have planned.
Keen to introduce more natural light into the centre of the house, we were considering a fixed picture window – the only thing it will look out onto is a hedge, but having recently seen some stunning examples of circular windows turning even the most mundane views into works of art, I am beginning to change my mind. I set about grilling the experts about the ins and outs of specifying round rather than rectangular windows – here's what they had to say.
What is the point of circular windows?
What first piqued my interest in using a circular window was, quite simply, the fantastic examples I have seen lately of projects using them. In these homes, they seem to have a way of adding a bit hit of excitement and interest – something that I feel is often lacking in my own interior spaces.
Architect Pippa Grayson, from Nimtim Architects, explains why they used a circular window within the design of their Peek-a-Blue project (below). "A circular window was used externally as a graphic compositional element, and also to align with a nearby tree in the garden – framing a specific view."
It is the idea of using glazing to frame a view that I like too – despite said view being of a hedge. Richard Gill, founder and director at Paul Archer Design, says that this is a great reason to use a circular window. "Not only can circular windows be used to break up the repetition of square shapes and bring light into tight spaces, but the framed view changes because there are no straight lines. There's a fun, softer element to round windows."
That said, Rhys Owen, founder and director at Pensaer, pointed out to me that round windows are not always a great idea – they need to have a reason for being there. "The successful use of circular windows needs to have a clear architectural purpose, whether that be to frame a view or to establish a focal point around which a room can be arranged. Without that rationale, there is a risk that they become a decorative gesture rather than an integral part of the architecture."
Pippa Grayson completed both her Bachelors and Masters in Architecture degrees at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2015. She later concluded her studies at Kingston University and is an ARB registered architect. Since graduating, Pippa has worked in London on small scale residential projects, and prior to joining Nimtim was working in south-west London, completing residential refurbishment and extension projects within the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames.
Richard graduated from Hull School of Architecture with Distinction and went on to work for award-winning practice Fletcher Priest Architects. He gained a wealth of experience in the commercial sector working on several corporate headquarters. Richard is adept at problem solving and coupled with a focus on detail, delivers highly regarded contemporary design.
Before setting up Pensaer, Rhys managed teams for large established practices in London, and he now enjoys the freedom and creativity of running his own practice and working closely with clients. Rhys founded Pensaer to be able to focus on architecture that delivers on craftsmanship as well as on meaningful social and environmental values. He has worked on many urban masterplans and cultural projects, both internationally and in the UK, and he is a visiting lecturer at several schools of architecture.
Are circular windows more complicated to install than rectangular?
When renovating and extending our first two projects, we actually fitted a few of the windows ourselves – these were rectangular, standard-sized windows and therefore the whole process was not too tricky. But how about when it comes to choosing windows without straight edges?
"The principal consideration is how the circular opening is formed and supported," picks up Rhys Owen. "In a wall, the structure above must be carefully resolved, particularly in masonry, where a bespoke lintel or supporting frame or arch may be required. The junction between the circular frame and the surrounding construction also needs careful detailing to maintain insulation, airtightness and weather protection."
Rhys goes on to explain that in one of the practice's projects they installed a circular rooflight but came up with a clever way of simplifying the process slightly. "With a rooflight, drainage and waterproofing become particularly important. We avoided any of these complications by installing a conventional square rooflight externally and forming the circular opening within the ceiling below. This provided the architectural quality of an oculus while retaining a standard, well-tested roofing product."
Can circular windows be opened?
The new circular window I have planned will be cut into an existing cavity wall, predominantly with the intention of bringing in light. However, we are losing the bifold doors at the end of the room due to the utility room extension we plan on adding here, so the option to bring some fresh air in could be a good one.
"Circular windows can open," reassures Rhys Owen. "Bespoke circular windows are available with pivoting, tilting or hinged opening mechanisms, although these will generally be more expensive than a fixed window and may have more substantial framing. If ventilation is not required, a fixed circular window will usually provide a neater result."
There are also some really beautiful examples of internal circular windows around, which could help solve my dark 'middle room' issue further. Pippa Grayson explains how an internal round opening enhances the experience of residing in one of their recent projects. "A circular window was used internally to create visual connections between spaces. The window creates a playful view onto a staircase landing at ‘feet-level’, and its circular shape helps to express that playfulness."
Are there any disadvantages to circular windows?
Speaking to the experts has only made me more excited about the prospect of installing a circular window. An injection of design flair, a way of creating a view out of nothing and a method of softening a linear space – what's not to love?
"The disadvantages are primarily practical – circular windows and rooflights are bespoke, generally more expensive and require careful detailing," picks up Rhys Owen.
It is clear then that I'll have to bring in some professional input in order to get the round window I'm hankering after – and possibly find a way around the issue of how to keep the light out too.
I wonder if the approach Rhys Owen's practice took to the circular rooflight could be translated into my window though. "We counteracted these issues by creating the circular opening internally while positioning a standard square rooflight externally. This achieves the spatial character and softness of the circular form without the additional cost and complexity of commissioning a custom-made rooflight."
FAQs
What kind of blinds or curtains do circular windows need?
It seems then that a circular window could be just the thing for framing a view and creating some architectural playfulness – but from a practical point of view, I was wondering how you can shut out the light using curtains or blinds.
"Circular windows are generally most successful when left uncovered, as the clarity of the form is part of their architectural character," explains Rhys Owen. "Bespoke circular blinds and shutters can be made, but they add cost and can appear visually complicated.
"If privacy or solar control is essential, it is preferable to consider this from the outset," adds Rhys. "With the aforementioned circular rooflight, a standard blind can be fitted to the square rooflight above the circular ceiling opening. This allows the light to be controlled discreetly, without introducing a covering across the circle itself."
If we don't decide to go with a circular design, a picture window is my second choice – another method of creating striking views in a really modern way.
