Double Hung sash windows have been around since the 1600s, it is believed that the design was developed in France then imported to Britain, where they first developed just as bottom opening windows
By the 17th century in Britain, the design was developed to have the top sash opening and before long, was seen as a status symbol by the aristocracy, Hampton court, Chatsworth house to name a few The design was seen as more practical and weatherproof as when they were closed, created smaller gap than the standard hinged casement style window. They were seen as a superior design also due to the top ventilation benefit.
The Georgians took the style and developed further, and large sash windows are synonymous with that style of architecture. During the Georgian period glass manufacture and technology increased and the sashes were often built with 6-12 panes of Glass supported with glazing bars
The first sash windows that were built in Australia were the colonial style, which are similar in style to the Georgian in style, but often had no mechanisms and were often held up with stoppers. We have restored or repaired colonial style in such suburbs as the Rocks, Hunters Hill, and Balmain etc.
During the Victorian period in Australia the sash window was taken to the next level in craftsman ship and some really beautiful examples can be seen in around the Inner West , Strathfield, Hunters Hill , Eastern Suburbs mansions, Mosman and all over Sydney. The windows were Built with a high level of craftsman ship and superior materials such as Australian cedar and Australian Hardwood Sills (As a point of interest, some of the Victorian sash windows I have restored have not moved even I millimetre in over 120 years)
During the Federation years and as our colony grew, Sash Windows from that period can be seen all over Sydney from Beecroft to Randwick, from Strathfield to Vaucluse, all over Sydney and have withstood the test of time. There are still thousands of houses full of beautiful Federation Double hung sash windows of varying styles and glass types, all built by the quality craftsmen of the day who had time to do the job properly ,these windows were built to last. Sometimes people say to me, they are beyond repair, nothing could be further from the truth these windows should be restored and we should be proud of this heritage.
During the Art Deco period in Sydney there are many examples of zinc and leadlight sash windows in houses and units all over Sydney and these too are beautifully made windows and are well worth restoring correctly
The Californian bungalow usually has sash windows along the side of the house and casements at the front By the mid-fifties mas produced spiral balance windows took the place of these icons due to higher labour and material costs.
If you have traditional sash windows restore them and enjoy them.
We love them
