A Brief History of Fenestration: How Have Windows and Doors Changed Over Time?

Most of us are, by nature, drawn towards the light. Therefore, achieving a naturally well-lit space is of utmost importance. This where fenestration comes into play.

Fenestration is the way that windows and doors are arranged or designed on a building, with this term coming from the Latin Fenestra meaning ‘window, opening for light’. Windows are however more than just an opening for light; they are expressive features of the house and a portal to the outside world. We take you through a brief history of fenestration to explore how windows and doors have changed over time.

When Did Windows Become an Integral Feature of the Home?

Glassmaking and the development of windows are intrinsically tied; this craft can be traced back around 4,000 years to the discovery of the method of mixing sand, soda, and lime¹. As this craft developed, glazed openings could start to replace the shutters and animal hide that was often used to cover the openings in primitive dwellings². In the fifteenth century, small glazed openings were introduced and used only on buildings of the most significance until the end of the sixteenth century when glazed windows became more commonplace³. As the sash window became more popular towards the end of the seventeenth century, the demand for Normandy glass increased, which catalysed the English Glassmaking Industry and boosted the home market for windows through the eighteenth century⁴.

How Have Innovations in Window Design Shaped the History of Fenestration?

Complementing the style of a building is an important first step to consider when determining the arrangement and size of windows. By studying the history of fenestration as well as window type, shape and detail, the correct design principles can be applied to improve the appearance of the building⁵.

Pre sixteenth century windows had little to no aesthetic consideration, being constructed from small glass panes held together by lead. These didn’t let much light in or provide a very good view of the outdoors, but just performed the basic function of allowing some light into the space. During the Tudor period, windows became larger, and mullions were used to hold the smaller panes of glass together in the larger window openings, more akin to the windows we see on homes today.

With technological advancements came the ability to increase the pane size and decrease the number of glazing bars, allowing aesthetic considerations to lead the design process.

Although panes of glass can now come in any size without the need for glazing bars, they are an important design element that should not be eradicated. They help to give the house scale and texture, but they must be used correctly to avoid an inconsistent design or too much variety in the glazing⁶.

Today, windows are an integral feature of the home and must be designed with accurate proportion, organisation, and details to create a beautiful home that feels just right.

How Have Technological Advancements Impacted the History of Fenestration?

As windows have evolved over time to become more efficient, for example with the introduction of double glazing and solar filters, their proportions have become less influenced by external factors such as weather, and more so by architectural design and aesthetic. Now, glass has likely reached its peak performance , enabling architectural boundaries to be pushed.

Speaking on the history of fenestration, Jeremy Spencer, Head of Architecture at Janine Stone states that ‘Over the centuries, windows reflected the artistic, economic and technological achievements of their time. Although they are one of the easiest elements to replace in a building, their impact on its appearance can be transformative.’⁷

An example of this is the ability to install large screens that can be almost any size without the worry of affecting the efficiency or structural integrity of the building. This is possible through using thicker or laminated glass, triple glazing, solar glass coatings and engineered timber frames that offer superior performance.

When Did Doors Become an Essential Element of Home Design?

The entrance door is the first thing that a guest will encounter when entering a home, so it’s important to make a great first impression. However, early doors were not so often used for welcoming guests.

Early examples of doors were found on Egyptian tombs, where they were used as a barrier between the living and the dead⁸. This symbolic nature of doors continued into medieval Europe, where doors included intricate designs and robust construction for castles and churches⁹. The widespread use of doors in homes can be traced back to the 17th century when they became an essential element of home design, influenced by advancements in architecture and the emphasis on privacy and security in homes¹⁰.

Today, security is a crucial feature of any front door, serving as an effective deterrent and barrier against burglars. This underscores the importance of functionality alongside aesthetics in home design. A well-designed home seamlessly integrates both elements, ensuring it is both secure and visually appealing.

What is the Impact of Well-Designed Fenestration?

Today, well-designed fenestration is essential, impacting not just the aesthetic of the house, but most importantly the experience of the inhabitant. Both aspects must be considered, with an understanding of the history of fenestration, to build a home that is a pleasure to reside in.

A study by Gerhardsson and Laike on the perception and use of windows showed how “there is much more to such experiences than the satisfaction of physical needs (modulating indoor temperatures, blocking exterior noise or enabling visual tasks). Perceiving a room to be adequately lit, pleasant and spacious seems to be equally essential, and a view of the world outside brings information to inhabitants.”¹¹

This demonstrates the need for well-designed fenestration that allows a good amount of light into the home, whilst connecting the inhabitant to the outside world. Windows help us to feel more connected to nature and the changing seasons, whilst remaining at a comfortable temperature no matter the weather. The human need for connection plays a crucial role in window design. Selecting the right windows can alleviate stress and boost our well-being, making them a valuable investment.

At Westbury, our purpose is to help you enjoy your home and its surroundings throughout the seasons. We achieve this with fenestration that delivers on the function of allowing light in and protecting the inhabitant, whilst also considering the classic design principle of simple architecture that will remain beautiful for years to come. The external aesthetic and balance of your home is equally as important as your experience from within it, so we help to make spaces that feel right inside and out, creating a home that is truly special.

1. (No date) Origins of glassmaking | corning museum of glass. Available at: https://whatson.cmog.org/exhibitions-galleries/origins-glassmaking (Accessed: 27 August 2024). ↩︎
2. British Plastics Federation (no date) A brief history of windows, British Plastics Federation. Available at: https://www.bpf.co.uk/history/Default.aspx (Accessed: 27 August 2024). ↩︎
3. Sharman, J. (2017) Windows, glass, glazing – A brief history, NBS. Available at: https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/windows-glass-glazing-a-brief-history (Accessed: 28 August 2024). ↩︎
4. Louw, H. (1991) ‘Window-Glass Making in Britain c.1660-c.1860 and its Architectural Impact’, Construction History, 7, pp. 48–50. ↩︎
5. Cusato, M. et al. (2001) Get your house right: Architectural elements to use & avoid. New York: Sterling. ↩︎
6. Cusato, M. et al. (2001) Get your house right: Architectural elements to use & avoid. New York: Sterling. ↩︎
7. Stone, J. (2021) Janine Stone’s Jeremy Spencer: ‘The impact of windows on a building’s appearance can be transformative’, Country Life. Available at: https://www.countrylife.co.uk/promoted/janine-stones-jeremy-spencer-the-impact-of-windows-on-a-buildings-appearance-can-be-transformative-231421 (Accessed: 27 August 2024). ↩︎
8. Draper, K.L. and Campbell, J.W.P. (2018) ‘Doors in English published books on architecture and Building Construction 1550–1800’, Building Knowledge, Constructing Histories [Preprint]. doi:10.1201/9780429506208-76. ↩︎
9. Draper, K.L. and Campbell, J.W.P. (2018) ‘Doors in English published books on architecture and Building Construction 1550–1800’, Building Knowledge, Constructing Histories [Preprint]. doi:10.1201/9780429506208-76. ↩︎
10. Keeble, T. (2000) ‘Boundaries, walls, thresholds and doors: Recent studies into domestic spaces’, Journal of Design History, 13(3). doi:10.1093/jdh/13.3.249. ↩︎
11. Gerhardsson, K.M. and Laike, T. (2021) ‘Windows: A study of residents’ perceptions and uses in Sweden’, Buildings and Cities, 2(1), p. 467. doi:10.5334/bc.120. ↩︎