Two brands often stand out when it comes to timber-look and flush windows: Residence 9 and Evolution Windows. Both offer timber-effect uPVC windows that replicate the charm of traditional wooden windows without the higher cost, longer lead times and perceived additional maintenance. Residence 9 vs Evolution Windows is frequently a consideration for people, and we’ve put together a comparison of these two fine uPVC window brands to help you decide which is the best fit for your property.
Residence 9 vs Evolution Windows – how should you choose?
Heritage windows are designed to replicate the appearance of traditional timber windows found in older and period properties and those originally fitted with timber windows.
Both of these windows are brilliantly designed and made with features of fine joinery, excellent attention to detail and fantastic thermal performance. They feature classic design elements like flush casements, authentic glazing bars, and period-appropriate hardware. The window joints on both windows are first class, as is the interior styling with beautiful rounded profiles, again typical of crafted wood windows.
Evolution Windows came to market before Residence 9. In fact, there is a history of window innovation because the founders of Evolution Windows went on to design arguably the best collection of aluminium steel-look windows and doors in the UK right now.
Why Choose Timber-Effect Windows?
While real timber windows offer great authenticity, they are more expensive, take longer to make, and may people incorrectly perceive them to be high maintenance. Timber-effect uPVC windows provide the best of both worlds:
- Low Maintenance: uPVC is durable, safe, secure, weather resistant and a low-maintenance product.
- Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than real timber windows.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Designed to closely mimic the look of traditional timber windows.
An Overview of Residence 9 Windows
R9 windows are designed with impeccable attention to historical detail, replicating the timeless elegance of 19th-century timber frames. Their flush sash exterior ensures a visually authentic look that meets the stringent standards often required in Conservation Areas, preserving your home’s character without compromising on modern efficiency.
By bonding the glass directly to the frame, these windows offer enhanced structural integrity and improved insulation, allowing them to achieve outstanding thermal performance while maintaining their graceful, heritage-inspired design.
Beyond their aesthetic refinement, the R9’s substantial 100mm frame depth provides a reassuring sense of solidity and durability. This robust construction contributes to their energy efficiency and long-term reliability and reinforces their position as a premium choice for discerning homeowners who value authenticity and performance. With R9, you enjoy the perfect blend of classic period charm, innovative engineering, and year-round comfort.
Performance
- Energy Efficiency: A+ energy rated as standard, helping to reduce energy bills.
- Glazing Options: Available with double or triple glazing.
- Chambers: Features 9 chambers within the profile for superior thermal and acoustic insulation.
Customisation
- Colours and Finishes: 14 colour and woodgrain finish options, including heritage colours and dual-colour options.
- Hardware: Offers a range of authentic forged handles, including monkey tail and teardrop designs.
- Period Detailing: Exquisite detail options like authentic butt hinges and timber-look window cills.
An Overview of Evolution Windows
Evolution Windows were pioneers in bringing timber-effect uPVC technology to the market, setting the benchmark for heritage-inspired designs.
With their choice of flush casement or stormproof window styles, they encapsulate the classic appeal of traditional wooden frames while embracing modern engineering. This versatile balance ensures they complement both period restorations and contemporary homes, offering a look that feels authentic, warm, and perfectly in tune with any architectural era.
Their 82mm frame depth maintains a slender profile without sacrificing thermal efficiency, providing a subtle refinement that supports comfort and energy savings year-round. Unlike bonded glass systems, Evolution Windows’ traditional glazing method allows for simpler, more cost-effective glass replacement, ensuring long-term practicality. Altogether, Evolution Windows blend time-honoured style with present-day convenience, delivering reliable performance and enduring elegance.
All Evolution windows and doors are fitted with Yale hardware as standard, including the Yale Rapide on all Storm casements, a Yale shootbolt system on flush windows, and Yale cylinders with multi-point locks on doors, ensuring they benefit from Yale’s lifetime security guarantee and have been tested to meet and exceed PAS24, Part Q, and BS6375 standards.
Performance
- Energy Efficiency: A+ energy rated as standard, with some ranges achieving A+ ratings.
- Glazing Options: Available with double or triple glazing, featuring thicker double glazing for improved energy efficiency.
Customisation
- Colours and Finishes: Unlimited colour and woodgrain finish options, allowing for extensive customisation.
- Hardware: Offers period hardware options like monkey tail and curved handles, as well as modern designs like the teardrop handle.
- Period Detailing: Provides exquisite detailing, including authentic butt hinges and timber-look window cills ranging from 160mm to 200mm.
Comparative Table: Residence 9 vs Evolution Windows
| Feature | Residence 9 Windows | Evolution Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Depth | 100mm | 82mm |
| Energy Efficiency | Meets Current Building Regulations | Meets Current Building Regulations. |
| Colours and Finishes | 14 colour and woodgrain options | 10 colours and 7 woodgrain finishes and colour matching service. |
| Glazing Options | Double or triple glazing | Double or triple glazing |
| Security | Multi-point shoot-bolt locking mechanisms | Trusted Yale high-quality locks with lifetime guarantee. |
| Period Detailing | Exquisite detail with authentic butt hinges and window cills | Exquisite detail with authentic butt hinges and window cills |
| Hardware Options | Range of forged handles including monkey tails and teardrops | Monkey tail, period curved, and modern teardrop handles |
| Flush Casement | Yes | Yes and optional Storm Casement |
| Glass Replacement | Bonded glass (more complex to replace) | Internally beaded glass (easier to replace) |
| Suitable for Conservation Areas | Yes (often approved) | Yes (subject to approval) |
| Price Indicator | Generally more expensive ££££ | Slightly less expensive £££ |
Residence 9 vs Evolution Windows: Which Should You Choose:
When comparing Residence 9 and Evolution Windows, consider not just aesthetics and price but also the calibre of the businesses behind these two fine brands. We’ve seen both of these fine windows manufactured. In our view, Evolution Windows beat Residence 9 in terms of how they’re made, the skill involved, and the hand-finished product.
Evolution products are bespoke-made in their Biggleswade factory, where experienced fabricators combine traditional, time-honoured techniques with the latest technological advancements. This is quite an achievement, considering this is a uPVC profile and not timber. The way Evolution Windows are made ensures that every window and door achieves an exceptional standard of craftsmanship, reflecting a heritage of meticulous attention to detail while providing the modern benefits of energy efficiency and durability.
There’s a fantastic blending of old and new with Evolution windows, where we’ve seen the vast majority of the windows hand-assembled and finished. Whether it is a Georgian astragal bar or a mock horn detail, every element is shaped and fitted. uPVC is not the most forgiving of materials, yet the finished product looks outstanding.
Residence 9 is a more complex product with its glass-bonded design compared to the conventional beaded method of Evolution windows. The bonded design does add a layer of complexity to the windows. In the future, should the glass fail, break or otherwise need replacement (and when the windows are out of warranty), replacing the glass on Evolution Windows will be much easier than on a Residence Window.
The build quality, fit, finish, and how the window handles look and feel when you open and close Residence 9 are sheer luxury. It’s great to see the colour foiling reaching even into the hidden parts of the frame, making the entire window look like wood and further adding to its authenticity.
The best way to appreciate Residence 9, like Evolution, is to see them up close. R9 is a big window front to back with its 100mm frame depth. Evolution does look sleeker from many angles.
Evolution: The Original Timber Alternative Windows
It’s worth noting that while Residence 9 is a well-known brand in the timber alternative market, Evolution Windows was the original company to produce timber-effect uPVC windows. Their long-standing experience in the industry has allowed them to refine their products to offer advanced features and customisation options.
For a deeper comparison, you might find our flush window brands comparison useful.
If you appreciate the look and feel of timber-effect windows but require more customisation options and potentially lower costs, Evolution windows present an attractive choice. They are traditionally glazed, which makes replacing glass simpler and often less expensive than bonded alternatives, and they offer virtually unlimited colour and finish options. With a slightly slimmer frame depth of 82mm, Evolution windows can also prove advantageous in certain installations, providing a neat, unobtrusive finish.
It is important to consider, however, that the slimmer frames may require additional work to ensure a proper fit when replacing original timber windows. Furthermore, while Evolution windows generally blend well with a variety of architectural styles, their suitability in conservation areas should be confirmed before proceeding, as local regulations may require more historically accurate dimensions or materials.
Residence 9 Windows
If you love a bolder and more distinctive look, Residence 9 windows are particularly suited to heritage and period homes, especially those that need to replicate 19th-century timber authentically. Their deeper frame depth closely mirrors the proportions of original timber windows, and fully foiled rebates enhance the timber-like appearance, making them a strong choice for conservation areas where maintaining historical accuracy is paramount.
It is worth noting, however, that these windows come with certain practical and financial considerations. The glass is bonded to the frame, which can complicate and increase the cost of future glazing replacements. Additionally, Residence 9 products typically command a higher price point due to their enhanced authenticity and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in their creation.
Considerations for Conservation Areas and Period Properties
When comparing Residence 9 vs Evolution Windows with your home in a conservation area, obtaining approval for window replacements can be challenging. The main requirement is that new windows must preserve the property’s heritage aesthetics. As modern windows with excellent overall performance, Evolution and Residence 9 windows should easily gain approval from local conservation officers, who appreciate the careful attention to heritage detail. They provide a low-maintenance solution that balances timeless aesthetics with modern engineering, making them a strong choice for anyone restoring or upgrading homes in protected areas.
Both Evolution and Residence 9 windows adhere to Article 4 Conservation Area guidelines, authentically recreating the look and proportions of traditional timber windows. You should always seek consent from your Local Authority, and the choice is ultimately down to them. We know of some who loathe plastic windows, even those as refined and premium as these two brands and will insist on wood. But in the main, they do get approval.
Evolution Windows: Also suitable but may require additional discussions with local authorities to ensure compliance.
Residence 9: Often approved by planning authorities due to its adherence to conservation guidelines and authentic design elements.
Genuine Wood Windows vs Residence 9 vs Evolution Windows
While both Residence 9 and Evolution Windows offer impressive timber-effect designs, some homeowners may still prefer real wood windows.
You may often read online, see in brochures, or hear from salespeople that timber windows are high maintenance. In reality, this isn’t always the case. Thanks to improvements in manufacturing techniques, as well as better quality paints and stains, modern timber windows can offer guarantees comparable to those of aluminium or PVCu products, including those in the Residence Collection and Evolution Windows.
It’s worth noting that any window with a painted finish—whether it’s timber or powder-coated aluminium—requires proper care. If the finish on an aluminium window becomes damaged and isn’t repaired, the paint can blister and crack, and the metal beneath may start to oxidise. This is no different from leaving a damaged timber window paint finish without repairing it.
Today’s timber windows come with excellent guarantees. For example, Timber Windows provide 30 years against fungal and insect damage, 10 years on sealed units, hardware, and workmanship, 12 years on paint, and up to 6 years on stain.
In comparison, guarantees for the uPVC windows vary by installer, but most offer around 10 years. Many only provide five years for the glass. This means that when you compare them to a company like Timber Windows, a uPVC window doesn’t necessarily come with a longer guarantee just because of the material. So timber windows are a viable option where budget is not the deciding factor.
Helping you find the best timber-look windows. Contact us today.
Choosing Residence 9 vs Evolution Windows needn’t be a massive decision. Go see the products, understand their styling, how they are made. Of course, you must have confidence in your chosen installer. Do bear in mind all installers of these windows are independent and unrelated businesses.
At the Door and Window Experts, we’re dedicated to connecting you with the best products from proper suppliers. Our impartial, independent, and expert advice ensures you have all the information you need to make the best choice for your home. Contact us to find the best windows from the right suppliers, whether upvc, aluminium, timber, steel or the latest industrial style windows and doors.
