Replacement Sash and Case Windows for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Edinburgh’s historic homes deserve windows that look the part, and perform like they belong in the 21st century. At Eco Sash & Case, we manufacture and install replacement sash and case windows that faithfully match the character of listed buildings and conservation areas, while giving you the warmth and quiet that original single-glazed windows often can’t.
Our joiners, glaziers and painters bring over 100 years of combined experience to every project. Every window is made in our own Edinburgh workshop from responsibly sourced timber, using traditional techniques that local council planners recognise and respect.
If your home is listed or sits in a conservation area, those windows carry extra significance, and extra responsibility. Changes are controlled by law, and the wrong approach can lead to refused applications, costly delays or even enforcement action.
At Eco Sash & Case, we’ve worked on heritage properties for over 10 years.
Why choose replacement windows?
Repair has its place, but for many heritage homes, new windows are the better long-term investment. After decades or even centuries of weather, paint build-up and patch repairs, original windows often reach the point where repairs become a recurring cost rather than a solution.
Well-made replacements offer:
- Far better thermal performance: new sashes can be designed around slimline double glazing from the outset, rather than adapted to fit it
- A quieter home: modern glazing and precision-made frames dramatically reduce street noise, a real benefit in busy city streets
- No more draughts: tight tolerances and integrated seals keep the cold out
- Smooth, easy operation: new weights, pulleys and cords, with sashes that glide rather than stick
- Lower maintenance: new timber, properly primed and finished, with none of the hidden rot and failed joints of ageing frames
- Long-term value: a single investment that can last for generations with sensible care
- Less disruption over time: one well-planned installation instead of repeated repair visits
Heritage appearance, modern performance
The key to a successful replacement in a listed building or conservation area is getting the details exactly right. Before we make anything, we carefully survey and record your existing windows, then match:
- Overall proportions and sash split
- Astragal profile
- Horns and other details
- Traditional weights and pulley mechanism
The result is a window that sits naturally within its historic setting, so neighbours and passers-by see a traditional sash and case window, while you enjoy the comfort of a modern one.
Slimline double glazing for heritage homes
One of the biggest advantages of new windows is the ability to incorporate slimline double glazing. These thin units are designed to keep sightlines narrow and reflections close to traditional glass, so the window reads as historic from the street. The standard double glazed unit makeup for a listed building is 4/6/4 (14mm) but in some cases we can go up to 4/8/4 (16mm).
Every double glazed unit in an Eco Sash & Case window is manufactured in house by our own team.
Made to measure. Heritage windows are rarely standard sizes, so each unit is made to the exact dimensions of its sash. The result is a precise fit and clean sightlines.
Quality controlled. We oversee every stage, from cutting the glass to sealing the unit, and our glaziers work alongside the joiners making your sashes so everything fits together perfectly.
Glass to suit your home. We can offer low-emissivity, acoustic, safety and privacy glass, depending on your property and what your council will accept.
Better for the environment. Local manufacturing means fewer deliveries, less packaging and a shorter supply chain, in keeping with the eco ethos at the heart of everything we do.
Understanding listed buildings in Scotland
Listed buildings in Scotland are designated by Historic Environment Scotland in three categories:
- Category A: buildings of national or international importance
- Category B: buildings of regional importance
- Category C: buildings of local importance
Listing covers the whole building, not just the front. Replacing windows on a listed building will almost always require Listed Building Consent from your local council. Councils will want to see why replacement is justified and that the new windows are a faithful match. This is where a specialist like us makes all the difference.
If you’d like to check whether your home is a listed building, you can find this information through Historic Environment Scotland.
We help you get consent
We work with a trusted local Edinburgh architect to ensure your Listed Building Consent application is approved. You don’t need to deal with the complicated paperwork yourself, as we take care of it from start to finish.
How it works:
- Survey: we carry out a detailed survey of your existing windows and their condition
- Evidence: we record photographs and notes documenting decay, previous repairs and performance problems
- Technical drawings: our architect prepares the detailed drawings your application needs
- Submission: the architect submits the application to the council on your behalf
- Production: once consent is approved, your new windows go straight into production in our Edinburgh workshop
This process we have developed is designed to make getting consent as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Understanding conservation areas
Much of Edinburgh lies within conservation areas, and the Old and New Towns form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If your home is in a conservation area but isn’t listed, the rules are far more flexible than many people realise.
Timber windows: you can replace your windows without applying for permission, as long as the new windows are timber.
Thicker double glazing: because your property isn’t listed, you can also have double glazing units up to 20mm thick (4/12/4). That gives you even better thermal performance, meaning a warmer, quieter and more energy-efficient home.
uPVC windows: if you’re considering uPVC, permission is required for windows on the front and side of the property. Windows to the rear, however, can be replaced in uPVC without permission.
Not sure whether your property is listed, or which rules apply to you? Get in touch and we’ll talk you through your options.
Sustainable replacements
Choosing new windows doesn’t mean compromising on your environmental values. Our replacement windows are made with:
- Responsibly sourced timber
- Eco-friendly paints and finishes
- Natural, plastic-free organic cotton sash cords
And for every completed sash window project, we plant a Scots Pine to help offset our carbon footprint. Better-insulated windows also mean lower heating demand for years to come.
Where repair still makes sense
If your windows are in good overall condition, or if your council requires original fabric to be retained, we also offer expert repair, draught-proofing and restoration. We’ll always tell you honestly which option suits your property.
How it works
- Get in touch: tell us about your window goals
- Survey: we inspect every window and talk you through your options.
- Quotation: you receive a clear, itemised quote.
- Consent: we provide the drawings and information your application needs.
- Manufacture: your windows are made to measure in our Edinburgh workshop.
- Installation and finishing: fitted and painted by our own team.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the windows in a listed building?
Yes, with Listed Building Consent. Councils need to be satisfied that replacement is justified and that the new windows match the originals closely. We provide the survey, evidence and drawings to support your application.
Can I have double glazing in a listed building?
Yes, slimline double glazed units are approved in listed buildings.
Do I need permission to replace windows in a conservation area?
If you are placing with timber windows then no permission is required. If you are changing the material of the windows then permission is generally required.
Will new windows look different from my originals?
No, when we make your new windows we will make exact replicas. The only difference will be that double glazed units will be installed.
How long do new timber sash windows last?
With regular painting and maintenance, quality timber sash windows can last for many decades.
Can I spread the cost?
Yes, we offer flexible monthly payment options.
Book your survey today
Give your heritage home windows that look beautiful and perform brilliantly. Contact us to book your survey and discover how replacement sash and case windows can transform your property.
