Renovating
A Beginner’s Guide to Oriel Windows
Why you should consider these elegantly protruding windows and how to choose and install them
The oriel window is a close cousin of the bay window, providing extra light, architectural interest and a great place to sit with a book or drink. While they’re often seen as a decorative feature on period properties, they work brilliantly in modern buildings, too.
Here, three professionals on Houzz explain everything you need to know about oriel windows, including what they are, the benefits of having one, how to install one and how much they cost.
Professional advice from: Patrick Michell of Platform 5 Architects; Ana Maria Mihaila of Atudori Construction Services; Peter Clement of Clement Windows Group
Here, three professionals on Houzz explain everything you need to know about oriel windows, including what they are, the benefits of having one, how to install one and how much they cost.
Professional advice from: Patrick Michell of Platform 5 Architects; Ana Maria Mihaila of Atudori Construction Services; Peter Clement of Clement Windows Group
What are the benefits of oriel windows?
Most of us unthinkingly upgrade or replace our windows with conventional models, but an oriel can add a distinctive feature or touch of grandeur. In fact, they were often features of gatehouses and mansion-house entrances in Tudor and medieval times.
“One of the key reasons homeowners opt for oriel windows is their ability to enhance the overall aesthetics of a property,” Ana says.
“From a design point of view, they are capable of adding just that little piece of something extra special and are often very much a talking point,” Peter agrees.
However, oriels are functional as well as decorative. “They were often used to add articulation and interest to street-facing façades while also bringing light further into the building,” Patrick says.
Peter agrees their “greatest asset, subject to how they are constructed, is the ability to allow natural light to penetrate the room in a way that conventional windows or doors can find it impossible to do. From the interior, an improved vista is often the result, too.”
In addition, oriel windows “provide additional interior space”, Ana adds, with many being used for extra seating.
Most of us unthinkingly upgrade or replace our windows with conventional models, but an oriel can add a distinctive feature or touch of grandeur. In fact, they were often features of gatehouses and mansion-house entrances in Tudor and medieval times.
“One of the key reasons homeowners opt for oriel windows is their ability to enhance the overall aesthetics of a property,” Ana says.
“From a design point of view, they are capable of adding just that little piece of something extra special and are often very much a talking point,” Peter agrees.
However, oriels are functional as well as decorative. “They were often used to add articulation and interest to street-facing façades while also bringing light further into the building,” Patrick says.
Peter agrees their “greatest asset, subject to how they are constructed, is the ability to allow natural light to penetrate the room in a way that conventional windows or doors can find it impossible to do. From the interior, an improved vista is often the result, too.”
In addition, oriel windows “provide additional interior space”, Ana adds, with many being used for extra seating.
How much does an oriel window cost?
Patrick says that a typical oriel in a modern home might need a budget of between £6,000 and £10,000.
“The cost of oriel windows can vary significantly based on factors such as size, materials and design complexity,” Ana says. “Generally, the larger the window and the more intricate the design, the higher the cost. Homeowners should consider their budget and consult with professionals to determine the most suitable option for their needs.”
Find architects and builders in your area on Houzz.
Patrick says that a typical oriel in a modern home might need a budget of between £6,000 and £10,000.
“The cost of oriel windows can vary significantly based on factors such as size, materials and design complexity,” Ana says. “Generally, the larger the window and the more intricate the design, the higher the cost. Homeowners should consider their budget and consult with professionals to determine the most suitable option for their needs.”
Find architects and builders in your area on Houzz.
Do oriels work in a modern property?
In a word, yes. “These windows come in various styles, ranging from traditional to modern, allowing for versatile integration into different architectural designs,” Ana says.
When it comes to a contemporary home, Patrick says, “We find oriels more interesting and versatile than simply putting in sliding glass doors to the rear of a house, allowing you to occupy the façade rather than simply gazing through it to the outside.
“They work well in living spaces and also bedrooms,” he continues, “creating a little nook for contemplation while being connected to the rest of the house.”
In short, they are a brilliant way to add interest to properties that might otherwise look ordinary, so it’s worth discussing options with your architect or builder. “Over the years, I’ve seen some beautiful examples,” Peter says. “They create a superb feature, whether part of a traditional or modern build.”
In a word, yes. “These windows come in various styles, ranging from traditional to modern, allowing for versatile integration into different architectural designs,” Ana says.
When it comes to a contemporary home, Patrick says, “We find oriels more interesting and versatile than simply putting in sliding glass doors to the rear of a house, allowing you to occupy the façade rather than simply gazing through it to the outside.
“They work well in living spaces and also bedrooms,” he continues, “creating a little nook for contemplation while being connected to the rest of the house.”
In short, they are a brilliant way to add interest to properties that might otherwise look ordinary, so it’s worth discussing options with your architect or builder. “Over the years, I’ve seen some beautiful examples,” Peter says. “They create a superb feature, whether part of a traditional or modern build.”
How are oriel windows supported?
Traditional oriel windows are typically supported by brackets or corbels. “These architectural elements not only add to the visual appeal of the windows, they provide essential structural support, too,” Ana says. “The design and placement of brackets should be carefully considered to ensure proper weight distribution and stability.”
Modern oriels, however, tend to have more of a ‘floating’ look. “The sides, sill and roof are typically supported by weight-bearing timbers or steels in the bottom of the structure and this should be invisible to the naked eye, all adding to the oriel’s mystique,” Peter says.
Patrick adds, “At our Mapledene Road project [seen here], the structure was connected back to the floor slab with a steel bracket and suspended beyond the brickwork of the original house, so it floats over the concrete terrace.”
Traditional oriel windows are typically supported by brackets or corbels. “These architectural elements not only add to the visual appeal of the windows, they provide essential structural support, too,” Ana says. “The design and placement of brackets should be carefully considered to ensure proper weight distribution and stability.”
Modern oriels, however, tend to have more of a ‘floating’ look. “The sides, sill and roof are typically supported by weight-bearing timbers or steels in the bottom of the structure and this should be invisible to the naked eye, all adding to the oriel’s mystique,” Peter says.
Patrick adds, “At our Mapledene Road project [seen here], the structure was connected back to the floor slab with a steel bracket and suspended beyond the brickwork of the original house, so it floats over the concrete terrace.”
How should you install an oriel window?
Because oriel windows need extra support, it’s wise to consult a professional with experience of installing this type of window.
“When installing oriel windows, it’s imperative to seek professional guidance,” Ana says. “Architects, contractors and structural engineers can help determine the appropriate type and placement of support elements, ensuring the longevity and safety of the installation.”
More: 17 Modern Oriel Windows With Wraparound Views
Because oriel windows need extra support, it’s wise to consult a professional with experience of installing this type of window.
“When installing oriel windows, it’s imperative to seek professional guidance,” Ana says. “Architects, contractors and structural engineers can help determine the appropriate type and placement of support elements, ensuring the longevity and safety of the installation.”
More: 17 Modern Oriel Windows With Wraparound Views
Can you retrofit oriel windows?
Yes you can, but, Ana warns, take care. “Retrofitting oriel windows into an existing structure is indeed possible, but it requires careful planning,” she says.
“Factors such as the load-bearing capacity of the existing structure, foundation considerations, and local building [regulations] must be taken into account,” she continues. “Retrofitting oriel windows involves assessing the structural integrity of the building. Adequate support, often through additional framing or reinforcement, is crucial to ensure the new window is properly sustained.
“This process may involve collaboration with a structural engineer,” she adds, “to guarantee the safety and stability of the retrofit.”
Tell us…
Would you like to install an oriel window in your home? Or do you already have one? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
Yes you can, but, Ana warns, take care. “Retrofitting oriel windows into an existing structure is indeed possible, but it requires careful planning,” she says.
“Factors such as the load-bearing capacity of the existing structure, foundation considerations, and local building [regulations] must be taken into account,” she continues. “Retrofitting oriel windows involves assessing the structural integrity of the building. Adequate support, often through additional framing or reinforcement, is crucial to ensure the new window is properly sustained.
“This process may involve collaboration with a structural engineer,” she adds, “to guarantee the safety and stability of the retrofit.”
Tell us…
Would you like to install an oriel window in your home? Or do you already have one? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
You might not be familiar with the term, but oriel windows are really just a spin on the traditional bay window.
“Oriel windows are architectural elements that project outwards from a building’s main wall, creating a bay-like structure,” Ana Maria Mihaila of Atadori Construction Services says.
Patrick Michell of Platform 5 Architects explains that the oriel window has its origins in gothic medieval architecture. “It’s similar to a bay window, but with a projecting form that does not touch the ground,” he says.
In older properties, they generally feature visible brackets or ‘corbels’ of stone or wood underneath to support the projection.
“They are little known outside of the fenestration and architectural industry, but the oriel window can look amazing from both the inside and outside of a room,” Peter Clement of Clement Windows Group adds.