How did CR Smith improve warmth, character and comfort in this coastal home renovation?

How did CR Smith support this coastal home renovation?

Undertaking a full home renovation presents the opportunity to completely rethink how a property looks, feels and performs. For Mr and Mrs Billington, who had recently returned to Scotland after 10 years in America, this project was about creating a home that felt both comfortable and true to its character.

Having previously worked with CR Smith on another renovation, they already understood the impact that high-quality windows can have, making the decision to upgrade with Lorimer windows an easy one.

Why did the Billingtons decide to upgrade their windows?

The existing windows have been in place for around 20 years and were a mix of uPVC and timber.

Not only did they lack consistency in appearance, but they also failed to enhance the character of the home or bring sufficient light into the interior. At the rear of the property, the timber windows had begun to show signs of rot, while the performance had declined throughout the whole home.

Living close to the coast also meant exposure to frequent gusty winds, with draughts and whistling noises becoming a regular issue.

In coastal areas, where wind and weather exposure is greater, upgrading to modern double glazing can significantly improve heat retention and reduce draughts within the home.

Looking to improve both comfort and design, the Billingtons chose to upgrade their windows as part of their wider renovation.

How were the new windows designed to suit the home?

To ensure that new windows complement the property’s original character, the Billingtons opted for Lorimer casement windows with Georgian bars, carefully designed to reflect the style that would have been present when the home was first built.

The front windows were reconfigured into a three-part design with equal sightlines, featuring a fixed central pane and opening sashes on either side. This creates a balanced and symmetrical appearance, both internally and externally.

The Georgian bars are integrated within the double glazed unit, maintaining a traditional look while also making the glass easier to clean, combining heritage design with modern practicality.

How did internal finishes enhance the space?

As part of the renovation, the Billingtons made the decision to switch from a dark rosewood colour to a clean white internal finish, instantly helping to brighten the interior spaces.

To complement this, they introduced royal oak interior sills and surrounds, which tie in with their furniture and add warmth and depth throughout the home.

This combination of light coloured frames and natural timber detailing creates a space that feels both fresh and cohesive, balancing modern brightness with traditional character.

How do Lorimer windows improve comfort and energy efficiency?

A key benefit of upgrading to Lorimer windows is the improvement in thermal performance.

Modern double glazing and advanced sealing technology help to retain heat within the home while eliminating draughts – particularly important in exposed coastal environments.

Since the upgrade, the Billingtons have noticed a clear difference in comfort, with the home feeling warmer and more consistent in temperature throughout.

How does CR Smith craftsmanship ensure a high-quality finish?

At CR Smith, all installations are carried out by employed joiners, ensuring a consistently high standard of workmanship across every project.

This allows for a precise and considered finish, particularly important in renovation projects where new elements need to integrate seamlessly with the existing structure.

What impact did the transformation have on the home?

The window upgrade has played a key role in the overall transformation of the property.

Spaces that once felt cold and inconsistent in style are now warm, bright and cohesive. The improved window design enhances both the interior and exterior appearance, while the upgraded glazing ensures better energy efficiency and comfort.

This project highlights how new windows can improve energy performance, reduce draughts and elevate the overall look and feel of a home during renovation.

What did the Billingtons think of their new windows?

Having already experienced CR Smith products in a previous renovation, Mr and Mrs Billington had high expectations, and the results have reinforced their confidence in the quality and performance of Lorimer windows.