Browse Forums Windows & Doors 1 Apr 13, 2010 10:03 pm Hi Our builder include a 500 mm by 3000 mm (approx) fixed window in lieu of a splash back in the kitchen. We are wondering whether it is a good idea or not. On the pro side it brings plenty of natural light in the kitchen. However knowing that exposed window are a bad thing when it comes to insulation would such a window be an issue then (assuming it can't be covered by a blind or curtain)? Anyone having a window like that in their kitchen? Does it cause cold draft in winter? (we are in Sydney, btw) Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 2Apr 13, 2010 11:56 pm If your talking down to bench level I wouldn't recommend it - mainly because it will look dirty all the time if you use that area a lot - and especially if it is behind your sink. Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 3Apr 14, 2010 9:46 pm I can understand how it could look appealing (watching the chef from the deck outside just like at the fancy restaurants) and would let in plenty of natural light. In terms of draughts, you mentioned it was a fixed window and therefore ventilation or draughts shouldn't be an issue at all. Also, given that you live in Sydney, depending on the glass used (tint/low-e coating etc) it can allow natural light year round and allow passive solar heat gain in winter warming the room as the sun rises in the morning. However as I said this largely depends on the type of glass used as well as other factors; orientation (east/west/north/south), shading from the outside... One important think to keep in mind is if this window is to be used as a splash back behind a hot plate or cook top then I suggest using toughened glass as it can withstand radiant heat up to 250 deg. It is not recommended to be used any closer than 140mm to the nearest burner though. Hope this helps. Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 4Apr 15, 2010 1:33 pm In the house I'm currently in we have a small splashback in the kitchen (from the sink) and then windows. I really recommend it. It's lovely to look out at something while you're washing up! Having the small splashback makes it easy to clean that part, and the windows don't get any more dirty then the others. http://taliacarbis.com Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 5Apr 15, 2010 2:15 pm we have a window in lieu of splashback behind our sink, i love it. two things though: 1. in regards to insulation, ours is a bi-part servery one which doesn't meet in the middle perfectly, can see an ever so teeny gap but it doesnt let any rain in when it rains and i can't feel any draughts. but this would happen no matter where this window was, not just in the kitchen. and you don't have to get bi-part ones. we dont have any window dressings on it; its a north facing window so the sun streams in and i love it. i dont seem to ever get glare in my eye, though i dont spend a lot of time slaving over the sink i must say LOL. 2. we have timber ones, next time i would get aluminium for maintenance ease being so close to water. for cleaning i dont find it an issue; it doesnt get nearly as dirty as the tile splashback behind the stove and is easy to wipe down when it does get dirty. here's a pic: sorry its only a night-time one, it looks good in the day too though Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ "Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions." — Elizabeth Gilbert Living in our new house. Currently scaping the land. Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 6Apr 15, 2010 2:25 pm Hi guys.. Maybe you can tint it...Not heavy tint though if you need sunlight to flow in.. However, you will be able to look outside clearly but not from outside...unless at night when the light is on... Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 7Apr 18, 2010 1:58 pm You can also get a metallic tint - we're getting this on the glass in our front doors - it kind of looks smoky from the outside and you can see your reflection a bit but up close you can see through it. It may add the effect of a mirrored splashback? I too love windows as splashbacks - we're having a bifold window just like donuts... I think I would die if i didn't have a window in my kitchen!!! Sleven Moved into our Atlantique MkII 36 by Carlisle Homes Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 8Apr 18, 2010 3:48 pm I rented a place that had a long narrow window behind the sink and think it was fantastic. It stopped just before the cooktop, which had a tiled splash back. It wasn't any harder to clean then any other type of splash back and it actually had a venetian blind on it. It let in a great amount of light. I'd consider doing it in my next house. Custom build! Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 9Jun 05, 2010 5:39 pm When my plans were drawn recently they added a splashback window along the northern wall of the kitchen where the electric, ceramic glass (touch control) cooktop will be placed and I can't decide if I want to leave this window there or delete it totally. I know it would most likely need to be fitted with toughened glass and would require regular cleaning but then so would the splashback (if the window wasn't there). If anyone has a cooktop under a window what type of window covering do you have for nightime privacy and also insulation on cold nights? What type of window do you have? sliding/awning? In my last house the kitchen sink was in a bay window with windows stretching 2.4m, it overlooked the garden as the new house will, the only difference being the sink/cooktop location. Thanks! Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 10Jun 05, 2010 7:29 pm I am planning to have a window as the spashback behind my cooktop. But mine does not look outside but into rumpus room (so no privacy issues). The other option re: privacy is to have switchable glass, can change from clear to opaque depending on the switch so this negates need for curtain or blinds. You can also get fixed windows with venetians inside the window (is a double glased window with the blind inside the cavity). These also come in toughened glass. Building tip No. 3: A raft slab will not get you down a river. A waffle pod slab does not go with maple syrup. My building thread https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=53000 Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 11Jun 05, 2010 9:27 pm We decided to put the window behind the cooktop. It will bring a lot of light which is a big plus. We had the idea of changing the fixed panel window to a 3 panels, with the left and right one being awning window and a center fixed panel behind the cooktop. That way we get light and ventilation. The blind inside a double glazed window is a nice solution to the insulation & privacy issue. We'll have to look at that... DKP Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 12Jun 06, 2010 7:34 am Thanks Barker and DKP for your thoughts. I had thought about switchable glass but it 'sounds' expensive, then again might be worth the effort for the benefits gained. I saw it in an episode of Grand Designs last year, but their budgets are usually way beyond mine. Last night (when trying to get to sleep) I suddenly thought about a 600x600 window either side of the cooktop with a regular splashback behind the cooktop. Fell asleep using the phone calculator under the doona trying to fit it all into the available space. Tragic eh?? Last week noticed a double glass entry door with a venetian in between the panes...another good idea so thanks to you both. Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 13Jun 06, 2010 10:46 am We were originally going to have a window as a 'splashback' but I wasn't sold on it because maybe it could be too messy and a glazier told us he didn't like them for same reason ......so we decided to put it above the sink & I much prefer it there. Extra light is fabulous (which we didn't have before) & once we're organised, we'll put more stag heads outside & make them a feature. http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee182/suzanne251151/kitchenview4.jpg http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee182/suzanne251151/kitchenlaundry1.jpg Jazz Life is like a lolly, suck it and see Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 14Jun 09, 2010 3:12 pm Hey Barker, when you suggested switchable glass you were also offering to pay for it, weren't you?? Argh!!!.....a real make sure you're sitting down moment...received the quote and switchable glass for two 600 x 600 windows will cost $4600 excluding GST plus fitting and freight. 'Was' a good idea at the time, but unfortunately won't be going in my house. Thanks to all who replied with your suggestions. Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 15Jun 09, 2010 3:37 pm More than happy to pay for it. Will send the money over soon. Tell them not to worry that it says Monopoly on it, just from a different country... Now I know not to bother getting a quote for switchable glass, that is ridiculous! Maybe the venetians in the glass thing would work better... Building tip No. 3: A raft slab will not get you down a river. A waffle pod slab does not go with maple syrup. My building thread https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=53000 Re: Window in place of kitchen splash back 16Jun 09, 2010 3:58 pm It's nice and would have been perfect...but it's sure out of my price range! Oh well, was better to get a quote than continually wonder. Some of the uses for switchable glass are mind blowing. Our Bondi Greenwall was impressive from day one with advanced lush plants to provide a wow factor to this recently renovated living area. The boundary was less than 1… 0 15308 Use a product like Equisol's Vitalise to clean the deck then coat with a penetrating timber oil. It will look 10 years younger and add value to your home. Visit for… 1 15798 |