How did new windows and doors modernise and enhance the security of a family home in Dalkeith?

At a glance:

• Location: Dalkeith, Edinburgh
• Homeowners: Mr and Mrs Battle
• Product: Lorimer uPVC casement windows and TimberLuxe door
• U-value: 1.4W/m2k
• Security: PAS 24 multi-point locking system
• Challenge: Dated design with thick frames reduced natural light within the home. Poor thermal performance and decreased security – not ideal for a young family.
• Solution: Modern slim-frame Lorimer windows with enhanced thermal performance and sleek design. A Secured by Design TimberLuxe door with a three-star cylinder and five-point Thunderbolt locking system.
• Results:
  • Achieved U-value of 1.4W/m2k for improved heat retention
  • Installed Secured by Design TimberLuxe door with Thunderbolt five-point locking system
  • Increased glazing by removing central transoms
  • Reduced draughts from the previous door installation
  • Created a cohesive slim-frame casement design throughout the home

Why did Mr and Mrs Battle decide to upgrade their windows and doors?

Following a recent extension, the Battle’s began modernising the rest of their Dalkeith home to ensure it matched the new space in both performance and style.

With a young family, improving the thermal efficiency and security of their home was a top priority. The existing windows were thick-framed and varied in style, including fixed panes with hopper openings and tilt & turn windows with a wide central transom. While functional at the time, they no longer delivered the comfort, light levels or cohesive appearance the family wanted.

The goal was clear: introduce slimmer frames, create a consistent window design throughout the home and improve both security and energy performance.

How have slim frames increased light and modernised the home?

One of the most transformative changes was the move to Lorimer slim-frame casement windows in the front living room. The original tilt and turn windows featured a central horizontal transom, which divided the glazing and reduced the amount of daylight entering the rooms.

By removing the transom and upgrading to a single, uninterrupted double-glazed pane of glass, the natural light entering the rooms has increased significantly. Lorimer casement windows have been designed and engineered to be the slimmest frame in Scotland, allowing us to maximise natural light without compromising strength and thermal performance.

The result is a room that feels instantly brighter, more open and visually modern, both inside and out.

How did changing the bedroom window style improve practicality?

In the master bedroom, the previous layout consisted of two tilt and turn windows positioned side by side. This configuration not only limited the overall glazed area but also interfered with blinds and curtains when opened.

The new design replaces this with one large reversible window. This change has dramatically increased the amount of natural light entering the room while improving functionality. The outward-opening operation allows for easy ventilation without disrupting window dressings. While the 180-degree rotation allows the outside of the windows to be cleaned from the inside with ease.

This change has been a practical improvement repeated throughout the other bedrooms.

Throughout the home, switching from tilt and turn windows with a central transom to carefully styled casement and reversible windows has created lighter, brighter and more usable spaces that better suit modern family living.

How has thermal performance improved for the family?

With young children in the home, maintaining a warm and comfortable indoor environment was essential.

The previous windows, with their thicker frames and older configurations, did not offer the advanced insulation of modern systems.

With a U-value of 1.4W/m2k, the new Lorimer windows from CR Smith deliver significantly improved insulation compared to the previous installations, helping to maintain a more consistent internal temperature throughout the year.

At the rear of the property, the original back door presented a significant issue. It was dated, lacked robust security features and had a noticeable gap between the building and the frame. It was a prime source of cold draughts and was seen as a potential security risk.

Replacing this with a Sanford engineered TimberLuxe door from the Country Collection has resolved these concerns. The engineered timber construction offers enhanced insulation, while advanced locking systems provide greater security and peace of mind.

How has security been strengthened?

Security was a key driver behind the upgrade. The TimberLuxe door from CR Smith features a Thunderbolt five-pint locking mechanism designed to provide superior protection compared to the previous installation. The Lorimer windows also meet PAS 24 security standards, further enhancing protection throughout the home.

For a young family, this added reassurance is invaluable. Combined with the strength and performance of the new Lorimer windows, the entire home now feels safer and more secure.

What is the overall impact of the transformation?

Mr and Mrs Battle’s Dalkeith home now benefits from a cohesive, modern window design that enhances kerb appeal while delivering meaningful improvements in light, warmth and security.

By removing bulky frames and central transoms, upgrading to slim-profile casement windows and reversible windows, while also installing a high-performance engineered timber door, the family has created a brighter, warmer and more secure home. 

Supported by A-rated Lorimer windows achieving a U-value of 1.4W/m2k and a Secured by Design TimberLuxe door with advanced locking systems.