Window architraves yes or no?

4 years ago

We're currently extending our California bangalow with a new living/dining/kitchen area.

The builder has suggested not putting architraves around our aluminium windows just a nice "shadow line". The justification is that it's a modern look.

What's everyone's opinion? I'm struggling to decide. I can't even imagine what it would look like when complete. I tried googling images. I'd love some images if anyone has any.

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. Best wishes.

Windows without architraves

Windows with architraves

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PRO

Dr Retro House Calls

4 years ago

Definitely go with architraves as they are more traditional, will help conceal any cracking in the plasterboard around the window, and will probably be easier and cheaper to install than a properly built plasterboard shadowline. I would ask you builder for a detail to understand exactly how it is constructed as it is not a standard detail. However you finish your window should be completely gap and draft proof and architraves make filling any gaps much easier.

Martin House · More Info

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

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Comments (10)

dreamer
4 years ago
Are you having a brick extension or is it gyprock and wooden frame? Are you having a modern look extension or is it the same features of your California bungalow? If your windows are aluminium, then not to have architraves, would be the normal thing to do in a current build, here in Perth. However, if you a going for a traditional look to blend in with original home, then install architraves. Here in Perth it is a rare thing to see architraves on an aluminium window. And also we still build in double brick, so once walls are rendered and plastered, there is no need to cover up any joins.
gamma H thanked dreamer
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dreamer
4 years ago
,,
gamma H
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you so much for your input "dreamer" and "Dr Retro".

It's a modern extension, yes we're having timber frame and gybrock. I now get the point of architraves!

The pictures are very helpful.

We're not having cornices but we're putting "plain" skirting boards.

No architrave looks "naked" or "unfinished" but if they are not needed they're only decorative. Which won't suit the modern look.

Thanks again.
PRO
Paul Di Stefano Design
4 years ago
Typically the "shadow line" detail that your builder is referring to is a plaster finishing detail, commonly referred to/known as in the industry as a "P50" which is particular plaster edging/stopping profile that creates a 10mm shadow between the edge of the plaster and whatever it is abutting - it's a detail inherited from commercial construction, and is usually a more expensive detail to achieve if done properly.

Also unless it's managed carefully from a design point of view, and committed to throughout a project, across joinery and other aspects, it can actually achieve more of "bland" effect and I'd argue that shadowline is an incongruent detail to a traditional renovation/extension project, unless you are clearly articulating the old and the new, have a super slick architectural design to the project, and/or you'd prefer the "hospital room" vibe
gamma H thanked Paul Di Stefano Design
oklouise
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
our latest architrave dilemma resulted in a look that could be worth considering ..instead of the standard mitred corners we have something that has a pleasant vintage look achieved with 66mm side architraves and 90mm tops made with square edged maple
gamma H thanked oklouise
PRO
Pure Creative Group
4 years ago
Shadow lines are much more modern. It just depends on what look your going for!
gamma H thanked Pure Creative Group
PRO
Still Space Architecture
4 years ago
You can choose a very plain modern architrave , and when painted the same colour as the wall you wont notice it. It can also help seal up the window frame.

If the plasterers do a poor job you will notice very easily with a P50 shadowline, an architrave is more forgiving.
gamma H thanked Still Space Architecture
dreamer
4 years ago
More aluminium windows with no architrave, definitely no "hospital vibe" with these windows.
gamma H
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you all for your input. Truly appreciated. After weighing in all those ideas. I’ve decided to go with no architraves. All the best to you all.