Wooden Windows: 4 Models According To Your Home's Architecture

Changing your windows also affects the façade, and therefore the character of the house. A wooden window designed for a Haussmannian building has little in common with one from a contemporary house: the design of the moldings, type of closure, thickness, wood species... everything changes. Here are four custom wooden window models and the architectures they suit best.

Wooden windows: one in ten windows sold in France

The wooden window now represents about one in ten windows sold in France, and its share is increasing. In 2023, just over one million wooden windows were sold in a market of 10.3 million units, accounting for 10.1% of sales compared to 8.3% two years earlier.

PVC remains the majority material, but wood benefits from the RE2020 regulation, which penalizes highly carbon-intensive materials in new constructions. In renovations, the main issue is energy efficiency: in a poorly insulated house, 10 to 15% of heat loss occurs through the windows. However, it is essential to choose a model that is consistent with the building's architecture...

Wooden window for old house: the Estilou and its espagnolette

For an old house, a longère, or a manor house, the most suitable wooden window takes inspiration from the past without retaining its flaws. This is the principle of the Estilou window, which the manufacturer Atulam presents as its "authentic" window.

Specifically, the Estilou is an overlapping window (the sash overlaps the frame, improving airtightness) with traditional sheep and wolf mouth closure. On the hardware side, there are two options, neither of which looks archaic: the espagnolette, which gives a slightly southern flair, or the genuine surface-mounted crémone, with either an olive handle or a lever handle.

The model is available in straight or arched shapes, with small panes and interior shutters as options. A detail that appeals to lovers of the old: after assessment, the old crémones and espagnolettes can be salvaged and reinstalled on the new joinery.

Haussmannian wooden window: the Tradilou for character buildings

For a Haussmann-style apartment, a private mansion, or a listed building, a wooden window that faithfully matches the original joinery, down to the details, is required. The Tradilou, known as "the Haussmannian," was designed for these renovations and to meet the requirements of the architects of the Buildings of France.

The Tradilou is designed for the right bank: the opening fits into the frame without overlapping, just like old windows. It features a sheep's mouth and wolf's mouth closure, notched hinges in the wood, and either a locking mechanism or a genuine crémone. It is made from oak or exotic African wood, with moldings tailored to each façade (the Haussmann style has indeed influenced architecture well beyond Paris, from Lyon to Marseille).

Protected sector windows: what the architect of the Buildings of France may require.

Near a historical monument or in a remarkable heritage site, changing windows requires prior authorization and the agreement of the Architect of Buildings of France (ABF). The rule applies to all work that modifies the exterior appearance of a building protected under the surrounding area regulations.

In the absence of a defined perimeter, these surroundings cover buildings located within 500 meters of the monument and visible from it, or simultaneously with it. Many historic centers are affected: the ABF issues around 400,000 opinions per year, more than half of which concern the surroundings of historical monuments. The prior declaration is submitted to the town hall, and the ABF can impose the material, the design of small woodwork, or the color. Atulam has also designed a specific support nose, called "ABF," for these projects.

Modern wooden window: the Estibelle for contemporary renovation and new builds.

For a contemporary house, an extension, or new construction, a wooden window with clean lines and varied openings is preferable. The Estibelle, "the Modern" from the Atulam range, meets this need with a recessed locking mechanism and a centered handle.

The Estibelle is a flush window with adjustable fittings, accommodating all types of openings: tilt-and-turn (practical for ventilation without fully opening), outward-opening, or hopper. It is also available as a French door, and the manufacturer offers a sliding bay and an accordion-fold model for large openings.

Minimalist wooden window: the Estibelle lite, the streamlined version.

For a minimalist interior, the most suitable wooden window is often the most discreet. The Estibelle lite, nicknamed "the Essential," focuses on simplicity: recessed locking mechanism, off-center handle, overlapping design, and adjustable fitting hardware.

This model is suitable for lofts, architect-designed homes, or renovations with a stripped-down style, where the carpentry should blend into the background.

Oak, larch or exotic wood: which type for a wooden window?

The choice of wood depends on the desired finish, exposure, and budget. Oak is appealing for its grain, exotic wood for its density, and softwoods for their insulation or price.

• Oak: brown and veined, perfect under a stain or oil. A more affordable, finished version is available for painting.
• African exotic wood (sapele, bosse): at least as dense as oak, with a fine grain that gives a smooth appearance under paint.
• Scots pine: softer, valued in mountainous areas for its thermal performance.
• Larch: a robust softwood that withstands the elements well.
• Red grandis eucalyptus: an FSC-certified wood with a red hue, presented as an economical alternative.

Regarding finishes, factory paint is guaranteed for 15 years at Atulam, with over 1,400 colors. Stain enhances the wood more but requires more maintenance. For the advantages of the material, our file dedicated to custom wooden windows covers the topic thoroughly.

Thickness 56 or 68 mm: the numerical comparison of wooden windows

On a wooden window, the thickness of the sash determines that of the glazing, and thus the level of insulation. In the Estilou range, for example, the 68 mm version achieves up to 4 decibels of acoustic attenuation compared to the 56 mm version.

• 56 mm Version: frame of 53 mm, glazing up to 24 mm, double glazing 4/16/4 with enhanced thermal insulation as standard, acoustic attenuation up to 36 dB.
• 68 mm Version: frame of 65 mm, glazing up to 36 mm, asymmetrical double glazing 10/20/4 as standard, acoustic attenuation up to 40 dB.

The 56 mm version meets current thermal requirements and is often sufficient. The 68 mm version is justified on busy street edges or to enhance security.

Changing windows in 2026: what assistance is available since the end of MaPrimeRénov' by gesture?

Since September 1, 2026, replacing windows on its own no longer qualifies for MaPrimeRénov' as a gesture. Joinery remains eligible for funding as part of a large-scale renovation (energy audit and bundle of works), and several other schemes remain available:

• the energy bonus (CEE), paid by energy suppliers, with amounts varying from one offer to another
• the zero-interest eco-loan, up to 7,000 euros for glazed surfaces only
• the VAT at 5.5%, for a property completed more than two years ago

All these aids impose thermal performance criteria, and most require a certified RGE installer: a point to check right from the quote.

Atulam: a Creuse-based manufacturer voted the French people's favorite brand.

Behind these four models is Atulam, a French manufacturer of wooden windows based in Jarnages, in the Creuse region, where its 10,000 m² workshops produce custom windows, patio doors, and entrance doors.

In 2024, Atulam was voted "Favorite Brand of the French" in the Windows category, during a survey conducted by Femme Actuelle and Statista. Conducted among 5,000 consumers, the survey awarded it an overall score of 7.70/10, with the functionality of the windows standing out as its main strength.

The manufacturer also creates specific joinery: oculus, sliding windows, tilt-and-turn windows, or arched windows. It is worth noting that Atulam does not sell directly. One simply needs to request a quote on its website to be directed to one of its partner resellers, who then supports the project until installation.

Whether it's a village house, a Haussmannian building, a contemporary villa, or a sleek loft: every architecture has its wooden window. It's worth considering, as joinery lasts for decades... and is visible from the street every day.

Note Well

• Sheep and wolf's mouth: a closure where the rounded profile of one leaf (the sheep) fits into the recessed profile of the other.
• Espagnolette and cremone: two mechanisms often confused. To eliminate any ambiguity, the espagnolette rotates a rod equipped with hooks, while the cremone slides two rods up and down.
• Acoustic attenuation: expressed in decibels (dB), it measures a window's ability to reduce external noise.