Tilt and Turn Windows
Two ways to open. One exceptionally practical window.
Tilt and turn windows originate from German engineering and have become one of the most practical and sought-after window types for modern London homes, apartments and high-rise buildings. Their defining feature is a dual-action mechanism that gives you two completely different opening modes from a single handle – secure background ventilation at the tilt, and full inward opening at the turn. The result is a window that is safer, easier to clean and more thermally efficient than a conventional outward-opening casement, without sacrificing any of the light or view.
How tilt and turn windows work?
The mechanism is elegantly simple to operate, even if the engineering behind it is sophisticated.
Tilt mode – turn the handle 90 degrees and the top of the window tilts inward by approximately 10–15 cm. This creates a controlled, secure gap for continuous background ventilation. The sash remains locked at the bottom and sides, meaning the window cannot be forced open from outside – making it ideal for night ventilation, ground floors, bathrooms and basement rooms where security and privacy matter.
Turn mode – turn the handle 180 degrees and the entire sash swings fully inward on side hinges, like a door opening into the room. This allows complete, unrestricted access to both faces of the glass for cleaning, provides maximum ventilation, and creates a large emergency escape route where required.
A single handle controls both functions sequentially, and a mechanical interlock within the hardware prevents the window from being operated incorrectly.
Types of tilt and turn windows
We work with leading manufacturers to supply a full range of tilt and turn configurations for London homes and developments:
The brands we work with
Benefits of tilt and turn windows
Tilt and turn windows offer a distinct set of practical advantages that few other window types can match:
When tilt and turn windows are the right choice
Tilt and turn windows are particularly well-suited to:
Flats, apartments, and high-rise buildings – where external window cleaning is impractical, access is restricted, and safe ventilation without outward projection is essential. One of the most widely specified window types in London apartment buildings is precisely for this reason.
Upper-floor bedrooms and bathrooms – where secure overnight ventilation and easy cleaning without ladders are both priorities.
Basement and ground-floor rooms – where tilt mode delivers ventilation without the security risks of a fully open outward casement.
Contemporary new builds and extensions – where the clean lines, slim aluminium frames and large glass areas of a tilt and turn complement modern architecture.
Rooms with restricted external clearance – where an outward-opening casement would project into a narrow passageway, over a patio, or close to a boundary.
Passivhaus and low-energy projects – where the combination of triple glazing and thermally broken aluminium frames helps achieve demanding U-value targets.
Commercial and residential developments – where a consistent, practical and safe window specification is required across multiple units or floors.
Finishes, hardware and security
Finishes & colours
Aluminium tilt and turn windows are factory powder-coated across a full RAL colour range, including popular contemporary shades such as anthracite grey, matt black, sage green and bronze, as well as classic white and cream. Dual colour finishes are available, allowing a different shade on the interior and exterior faces. Composite systems offer a full range of timber interior finishes alongside the aluminium exterior colour.
Glazing options
All tilt and turn windows we supply are available with:
Double glazing – the standard choice for most London homes, meeting current Part L building regulation requirements for thermal performance.
Triple glazing – triple glazed window units for positions near busy roads, rail lines or flight paths, or for projects targeting Passivhaus levels of insulation.
Acoustic glass – laminated acoustic units particularly well suited to London’s urban environment, reducing traffic, rail and ambient noise in bedrooms, living rooms and offices.
Hardware & security
The defining feature of a tilt and turn window is its hardware. All systems use a single ergonomic handle to control both tilt and turn functions, with a mechanical interlock preventing incorrect operation. Multi-point locking engages at multiple points around the frame when the window is closed. Additional options include key-lockable handles, child safety restrictors that limit operation to tilt mode only, and night vent positions. All windows can be specified to PAS 24 security standards.
FAQ
Yes – they are one of the most widely specified window types for London apartment buildings and high-rise developments. The inward-opening mechanism means no external access is needed for cleaning or maintenance, and tilt mode provides safe, secure ventilation on any floor level.
Generally not on principal or street-facing elevations. Their contemporary European profile does not suit the character of Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian properties, and planning authorities in London's conservation areas are unlikely to grant approval. On rear or side elevations of non-listed properties, they may be acceptable. We always recommend checking with your local planning authority before specifying.
No – in aluminium, tilt and turn windows require very little maintenance. The mechanism should be inspected periodically and lubricated if needed, but the inward-opening design means both glass faces can be cleaned easily from inside, reducing the need for external maintenance visits entirely.
Yes, typically around 20–30% more than a standard outward-opening casement window of the same size, owing to the more complex dual-action hardware. However, the added functionality – safe cleaning, secure ventilation, emergency escape compliance and enhanced security – makes them a cost-effective choice for upper-floor and apartment positions where those features have real practical value.
Quality aluminium tilt and turn windows typically last 40 years or more. The mechanism is built for long-term use, though hardware components may require servicing or replacement over time like any moving part. All windows we supply come with a manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind.
Yes. One of the advantages of the tilt and turn mechanism is that it can support larger, heavier sashes than a standard casement hinge, making it well suited to large-format glazing in contemporary extensions and apartment buildings.