The Residence Collection is a premium collection of uPVC windows designed in classic timber, flush and contemporary styles. With excellent design, manufacturing quality, and brand reputation, the Residence Collection has expanded into one of the go-to luxury PVCu brands.
In this article, we delve into the Residence Collection, a suite of premium uPVC windows designed to replicate traditional timber aesthetics while offering modern performance benefits. We’ll explore the differences between the Residence 9 (R9), Residence 7 (R7), and Residence² 2 (R2) windows to help you determine which option is best for your property.
An Overview of the Residence Collection
The Residence Collection is renowned for its authentic timber-look windows, crafted with modern uPVC materials for enhanced durability and low maintenance. All three window types—R9, R7, and R2—feature a flush exterior, providing a sleek and elegant appearance from the outside. The primary differences lie in their interior aesthetics, frame depth, and design details.
The best advice regarding this premium product is to see the windows close up. Only then can you appreciate the detailing, especially the corner construction, textured and coloured foils and the quality of the window hardware. Get in touch for more information on the Residence Collection and your nearest showroom.
Residence 9 (R9): The Ultimate Timber Alternative
When it comes to uPVC timber-alternative windows, Residence 9 is the original. The internal and external styling, the way the corners are machined and the overall look of the window are superb.
The intent is to replicate heritage and 19th-century windows, and R9 does it superbly for what is a upvc window. You’ve got to get close to see this is not a wood window.
R9 Design and Aesthetics
- Exterior: Flush sash that replicates 19th-century timber windows.
- Interior: Decorative, featuring traditional detailing for an authentic heritage look.
- Profile Depth: 100mm with 9 chambers, providing superior thermal and acoustic performance.
Where you can use R9 Windows.
- Heritage and Period Properties: Victorian, Georgian, and stately homes.
- Conservation Areas: Designed to meet Article 4 Conservation Area guidelines.
- Homeowners Seeking Authenticity: Those who desire windows that closely replicate traditional timber aesthetics.
Key Features
- Butt Joints: Mechanically jointed frames mimic traditional joinery.
- Fully Foiled Rebates: Enhances the timber-like appearance.
- Colour Options: 11 foiled finishes and 3 unfoiled colours, including Grained White, Golden Oak, and No.38 Grey.
Residence 7 (R7): Modern Versatility with a Flush Finish
It’s hard to choose between the R9 and the R7 as both these windows are expertly crafted with a 1st class build quality, fit and finish.
Both are flush outside, but R7 benefits from being flush on the inside as well. Flush windows on both sides aren’t that common, and this balanced look inside adds to the appeal of the R7. rare to come across
Design and Aesthetics
- Exterior and Interior: Both are flush, offering a clean and contemporary appearance.
- Profile Depth: 75mm with 7 chambers, making it suitable for most standard installations.
- Symmetrical Sightlines: Equal glass sightlines provide a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.
Where you can use R7 windows
- Modern Homes and New Builds: Perfect for properties seeking a contemporary style.
- Renovations: Suitable for both traditional and modern British homes.
- Versatility Seekers: Homeowners wanting a blend of traditional flush aesthetics with modern design elements.
Key Features
- Joint Options: Mitre Weld, Graf Weld, Timberweld, and MechWeld joints available.
- Colour Choices: 11 colours including Silvered Oak, Clotted Cream, and No.10 Black, fully foiled throughout the rebate.
- Flexibility: Its 75mm depth allows for easier integration into various property types.
Residence² (R2): The Aluminium Look internally
For a long time, aluminium windows have had a square detail inside, and R2 replicates this look well.
Its styling is indeed similar to that of aluminium windows, with the OW-70 by Origin being its closest in appearance. However, you have to credit the Residence Collection designers for the well-designed and executed window.
Stylish outside, slimline and appealing inside, Residence² is crafted to exceptional design standards. It offers a highly effective, contemporary look that is balanced and symmetrical with excellent attention to detail.
Design and Aesthetics
- Exterior: Flush sash with sharp, clean lines.
- Interior: Square and contemporary, offering a minimalist aesthetic.
- Profile Depth: 100mm with 9 chambers, mirroring the depth and performance of R9.
Where you can use R7 windows
- Contemporary Homes: Perfect for properties with modern architectural designs.
- Aluminium Window Replacements: Offers the look of aluminium with the benefits of uPVC.
- Homeowners Seeking Cutting-Edge Design: Those who prefer unconventional and unique window styles.
Key Features
- High Performance: Engineered to CEN A wall thickness—the highest classification in Europe.
- Superior Strength and Security: 9-chamber design enhances durability.
- Colour Options: A range of contemporary colours to suit modern aesthetics.
At-a-glance table of R9, R7, and R2 Windows Features
| Feature | Residence 9 (R9) | Residence 7 (R7) | Residence² (R2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profile Depth | 100mm | 75mm | 100mm |
| Chambers | 9 | 7 | 9 |
| Exterior Aesthetic | Flush | Flush | Flush |
| Interior Aesthetic | Decorative (traditional) | Flush (modern) | Square (contemporary) |
| Suitable Property Types | Heritage, period homes (Victorian, Georgian, etc.) | Modern, new builds, traditional homes | Contemporary homes, aluminium alternative |
| Energy Efficiency | A+ Energy Rating 0.8Wm2K U-Value. | A+ Energy Rating 0.8Wm2K U-Value | A+ Energy Rating 0.8Wm2K U-Value |
| Glazing Options | 28mm double or 44mm triple glazing | 28mm double or 44mm triple glazing | 28mm double or 44mm triple glazing |
| Price Indicator | ££££ (Most Expensive) | £££ (Moderate) | £££ (Moderate) |
Choosing the Right Residence Collection Window for Your Property
Heritage and Period Homes
- Recommended Product: Residence 9 (R9)
- Why? R9 is designed to replicate 19th-century timber windows, making it ideal for properties in conservation areas or those wanting to maintain historical authenticity. The deeper 100mm profile and decorative interior enhance its traditional appeal.
Modern and New Build Homes
- Recommended Product: Residence 7 (R7)
- Why? R7’s flush design both inside and out offers a sleek, modern look. Its 75mm profile depth makes it compatible with newer properties, and the symmetrical sightlines provide a contemporary aesthetic.
Contemporary Designs and Aluminium Alternatives
- Recommended Product: Residence² (R2)
- Why? R2 provides the sharp, square lines associated with aluminium windows but with the thermal benefits of uPVC. It’s perfect for homeowners seeking a minimalist and modern appearance.
Why Does R9 Have 9 Chambers and a 100mm Frame Depth?
The R9 window’s 9-chamber design and 100mm frame depth serve multiple purposes:
- Thermal Efficiency: More chambers mean better insulation. The multiple air pockets reduce heat transfer, leading to superior thermal performance.
- Acoustic Insulation: The additional chambers help dampen sound, making it ideal for homes in noisy environments.
- Strength and Security: The increased depth and chamber count enhance the window’s structural integrity, providing improved security.
- Replicates Wood Windows: Many original windows were created with a deeper frame which R9 is intended to replicate and does it well.
Residence Collection vs Real Timber: Is It Worth Considering Wood?
While the Residence Collection windows offer an authentic timber appearance with the benefits of modern uPVC, you might wonder if opting for real wood is a better choice.
The obvious differences are cost and the different materials. The Residence Collection will undoubtedly cost less, require less maintenance, and have shorter lead times.
If budget is not the primary concern, there is no reason not to consider and compare a timber-look window with the genuine article.
Advantages of uPVC Timber Alternatives
- Low Maintenance: Unlike real wood, uPVC windows do not require regular painting, staining, or sealing.
- Durability: uPVC is resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage.
- Cost-Effective: Generally, uPVC windows are less expensive than real timber windows.
- Energy Efficiency: The multi-chambered designs provide excellent thermal insulation.
Advantages of Real Timber Windows
- Authenticity: Genuine wood offers a natural aesthetic that is hard to replicate. Residence Collection replicates wood windows.
- Environmental Considerations: Sustainably sourced timber is a renewable resource.
- Customisation: Timber windows can be crafted to exact specifications and easily refinished.
Maintenance and Guarantees on Residence Collection Windows vs Timber Windows
You will read on the Internet, in brochures and hear salespeople say that timber windows are high maintenance. We can tell you that not all are. Timber windows’ manufacturing methods, materials, paint and stain quality are so good that their guarantees are on par with those of aluminium and PVCu windows, including the Residence Collection.
Every window with a paint finish (whether painted wood or powder-coated aluminium) needs to be protected. If an aluminium window’s paint finish is damaged and left unrepaired, the paint will bubble and crack, and the metal underneath will start to oxidise.
The guarantees on real wood windows today are excellent. For example, Timber Windows offers:
- Fungal & Insect: 30 Years Guarantee
- Sealed Unit: 10 Years Guarantee
- Hardware: 10 Years Guarantee
- Workmanship: 10 Years Guarantee
- Paint: 12 Years Guarantee
- Stain: Up to 6 Years Guarantee
The individual installation companies set the guarantees on the Residence Collection and vary from business to business. What we can tell you is that most will offer a ten-year warranty, but many only provide five years on the glass. So compared with a company such as Timber Windows, you are not getting a window with a longer guarantee, despite it being a uPVC window.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing between uPVC timber alternatives and real timber windows comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of your property.
The Residence Collection offers a compelling blend of traditional aesthetics and modern performance, providing a low-maintenance solution that doesn’t compromise on style or efficiency.
Residence collection window profiles are extruded by the system house and made by a network of approved manufacturers. Because these are all separate businesses, the quality may vary. One area is the glass. On Residence Windows, the glass i bonded to the frame. There’s nothing wrong with bonded construction other than the added manufacturing complexity and the challenges of a regular glazier replacing the glass in the future. We know of problems with people buying unglazed windows for glazing by others or on-site, which affects the quality and performance of the windows. For this reason, always buy your Residence Windows pre-glazed from the factor.
While Residence 9 is often celebrated as a pioneer in timber alternative windows, it’s worth noting that Evolution Windows holds the accolade for being the first in this niche. If you’re interested in exploring how Evolution compares with R9, it is worth comparing with Evolution windows and other flush casement brands.
Let us help you find the best windows from the right suppliers.
Choosing the right windows for your home is a significant decision that affects not only the appearance of your property but also its comfort and value. At the Door and Window Experts, we’re dedicated to providing you with the information you need to make the best choice. From PVCu, timber look, aluminium, steel, commercial or steel-look windows or doors, we can help you find the best products from the right supplier. Contact us for free help and advice.
