We live in a similar aged blond brick apartment building and are in the process of upgrading balustrading and common areas. After much research, we have decided to go with a stainless steel and glass system to bring it up to compliance standard and give it a much needed facelift. Frosted glass for the lower levels for privacy. This is still a work in progress (having matching curtains or blinds would make a big difference, but it's difficult getting owners to comply). I'd say that new modern balustrading, new uniform awnings and consistent painted white trim (lower level unit needs to paint their timber windows and doors) would make a big difference. Using mid or dark grey as a highlight is a popular choice for modernising older brick buildings. Perhaps painting the cream slab would add some contrast to the facade, or maybe going with a darker colour blind.

Cost is not necessarily a big issue as some would expect. The cost's may not be that much different, many say it's more but forget to say by how much....... Some 'standard' but exceptional quality aluminium window and door systems are way more expensive than timber. Some other aluminium systems are quite poor in every aspect, apart from the glazing itself. Not really comparing apples with apples as the quality varies considerably and is quite complicated with so many manufacturers all offering various products at various thermal performance levels. Even some well known brands can be quite poor performing..... requiring double glazing where a comparably priced product but better quality only needs single..... Buyer beware! Window systems are becoming more of a priority during design than ever before. I'd shop around and get costings first rather than giving them boot just yet in particular if you really love them. Maintenance is really just painting (every 5 years?) or oiling the timber. Just keeping everything cleaned goes a long way to lowering the workload. Also being brick, that has reduced your workload again allowing some extra time to look after and admire the timber which you'll be looking at everyday when inside or out.

Clau2000 our manufacturer was in Melbourne, supplier in Canberra. Despite being happy with the product we really struggled with the level of service from the supplier. Quite frankly the business owner was rude, uncommunicative and very difficult to deal with and I would hesitate to recommend her business to anyone. At one point we contacted the manufacturer but he insisted we had to go through his ACT supplier and could not order directly from him (either us or our builder). Our first set of windows were installed on a westerly facing wall & get direct sunlight for the hottest part of the summer afternoon, they have been installed for 4 years and are showing no sign of deterioration. We went with E10 glass, double glazed and they do an amazing job of blocking the summer heat.

Thanks everyone! It is kinda tricky because we want the screen/security on the outside so as not to "ruin" the nice look. But so far those that have come to quote said it can only be done inside. Which does defeat the purpose of having beautiful doors. We'll keep googling and calling!