depends on your climate and how much ventilation is needed...in tropical climates when you already have deep eaves the casements or louvres should provide a greater volume of air flow but in my colder climate the awnings are good for more modest ventilation...for second storey windows there would also be a safety factor for window heights and opening sizes and being able to lock the window in a part open position for ventilation with security...don't forget flyscreening and we've also found that electric window openers have greatly improved convenience for hard to reach windows for a relatively small extra cost

Awning windows are about the cheapest configuration available. Can work ok for second storey's as they don't open all the way open so are fairly safe. Also ok for rain as noted.

Casements are better but as noted need to face the right way to pick up breezes.

I've used awnings in a hillside home and it picks up cooling breezes up the valley from the east. Potentially working better than casements but horses for courses. If theres a roof below the awning window it can heat the breeze before entering the rooms...

Louvres are a great choice but budget can knock these out. Sliding windows are also good but they have a stop lock so they can't be open too far (BCA) or install a mesh safety screen to stop people (kids) falling out....

Thank you. Maybe the awning choice by builder is also based on cost too, but I can specify.

We are in Melbourne so the more temperate, cooler climate as oklouise points out maybe worth while. Will definitely have flyscreens, and winders that i can accesswithout removing flyscreen as is the case with an old casement window * built 12 years ago.

I think I should stop overthinking too much about this, at least any form of ventilation is important, but trying to make the best informed decision.

How does one know the direction of breeze in a new house build to help with casement fixed positioning?

we're very happy with our double glazed awning windows, we think they create a better uninterrupted view but specify where the windows and doors are located so that breezes can be drawn across the room diagonally for better ventilation.see yourhome.gov.au.glazing for specific advice about window orientation, ventilation and especially insulation..(in a colder climates it's also worthwhile to block the draft by making stairwells closeable with doors or even heavy curtains)

We have awnings windows in our current house, but dont tend to use them as they are quite low to ground and not easily accessible. Makes sense for have handles placed at easier height. which is obviously better for half windows.

Some of the sliding windows we open the most in the house are highlight windows, positioned high, and slide for ventilation. No view but the benefit is no one can see inside the house and no curtains blocking the ventilation.

I didnt appreciate how open awning windows still allow a great uinterrupted view.

electric opening awning windows are ideal for anywhere you have highlight windows as the motor can control quite a few windows and makes opening so much easier if handles are hard to reach

oklouise, you previously commented on my window design in the living. We have still opted to go for some clerestory windows in a 3.6m living space -north and south.Attached picture.

I wonder whether electric windows openers would have value in 1 of the 3 clerestory windows if I make them openable say awning style. Would be a good idea to clear hot air quickly, but will change the clean lines and of course add to cost.

check with your window supplier about costs for the window opener...the windows can still be opened manually but the electric opener adds extra convenience if the window handles are too high to reach easily

Are European style tilt and turn windows an option? They tilt inward at the top rather than outward at the bottom as an awning window does. You can have them open when it rains and they can be secured for 2nd storey safety. They have heaps of other features and benefits too. If you are in the Breaside are sometime, you should stop by our factory and showroom. I can show you an option that your builder hasn’t shared with you.

Gabrielle

Enertec Window & Door Systems

If you want flyscreens, consider how they will function on your window choice. For example very awkward on a awning window unless you have winders.

Absolutely! Trying out the different types of windows is the best way to know which one is the right type for you.

Gabrielle

Enertec Window & Door Systems

Thanks all for your help. Ive been talking with a window supplier and they have had a look at plans. It fascinating the science/theory how cross ventilations works and how to maximise it

hi M B,

I've replaced my Awning windows with Stegbar Louvre Windows - they are wonderful..!

you get as much ventilation as you want... or, as little and they are very safety conscious - …. love my new windows..

the awning windows did not get enough ventilation, in my opinion - okay for the bathroom .. but, not for a lounge room or bedroom...

Thanks Ushi. I can imagine how effective those louvre glass windows can be for ventilation, but not as energy efficient ( not double glazed / leakage ). Are you in the more northern stats of Australia where I think this would be very effective. In Melbourne/Tas/Canberra, too many of these windows would be a problems, but 1 or 2 could be effective!

hi MB - I live in Sydney .. I designed my house in 1988 to be 'passive solar' - I looked at Louvres back then but chose Awnings bcoz the Louvres in 1988 did not have screens or Locks… I think if you lived somewhere really cold you get more benefit from 'double glazing'- but, these days the really cold Northern countries use 'triple glaze' and thermal energy...

for you, opting for a few on your Northern side with deep eaves would be sensible

A couple of years ago, I finally replaced my Block-Out Verticals with Plantation Shutters - the Plantations look great and when shut keep heat and cold out... the verticals did the same thing but the look was outdated and got ratty ….