http://www.ecostardoubleglazing.com.au/upvc-double-glazed-windows/

Thanks for this suggestion. I need to be as snug as possible in the cold winter months here in Beechworth, ( the rest of the year is glorious), and I'm looking for the most effective insulation for the windows. I believed cellular blockouts would achieve this, but then thought Double glazing + blockout might be "over the top". I can't see draped curtains being so effective; perhaps I might settle for the blinds, and add some curtains for decorative effect. I can pay $3000.00 if they will achieve the insulation I need.

Hi Joey! If privacy is an issue for you, go with translucent roller blinds. If sunlight is an issue for you, a nice block out blind will do the trick. If both are an issue, then dual roller blinds will be perfect! Keep in mind, when the roller blinds are down you may need to have the louvre window closed as it will protrude into the blind. We offer a full service, so get in touch with us if you would like any further advice or a quote! - Cass (The Gezellig Room)

Hello, There are lots of options and it depends on your budget and the style of house you are going for. I would really encourage people to consider this element in the overall design rather than just look at it as an 'add on' to the building. Definately agree with Macyjean in that you should try to keep the sun off the glass in the first instance. Once the heat has penetrated the glazing, ventilation or artificial cooling is the only remedy. Internal curtains and blinds have limited impact. If you can keep whatever external treatment you use away from the windows by a small amount that would be good to encourage external air movement. If louvres or shutters are too close to the window, they will trap the heat which will ultimately go through the glass. They also limit your ability to open those windows. In Brisbane I used fixed timber slat screens that were 50/50 solid/open and about 500mm away from the western facade and windows, which also had glass louvres to keep the air moving. Maybe not necessary in south Victoria, especially in winter. I also used various coloured glass to give an awesome effect in the evenings. This could work nicely in your dining room. Consider larger roof overhangs on the west to delay the afternoon sun coming in the higher windows. If you want to maintain all the view to the west, louvres can be be deeper so they can be further apart to reduce afternoon sun but if they are not adjustable, the sun will come directly in at some point as the sun passes by and lowers. This will be earlier in the afternoon in summer if the louvres run vertically. Another option, depending on the space you have, is to grow climbers up a separate frame outside the building. If it is deciduous, the sun will get in for the colder months. This is a very old tried and tested method if you look to mediterranean homes. Even concrete screens can be incorporated. If they are away from the wall by a little bit, they will absorb the suns heat and radiate it away as the evening temperature drops. These can be a standard product or something custom if you budget extends to this. Corten steel screens with laser cut patterns are pretty popular at the moment but these would have to suit your house style. Good luck, C.