Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window from Smart Systems

The development of aluminium windows has been significant over recent years. You can now buy aluminium windows for contemporary windows, minimalist windows and even steel replacement windows. Origin was the first company to pioneer the flush casement window. Origin was quickly followed by the Warmcore aluminium window. Smart Systems have now followed suit with their new Alitherm 500 flush casement window.

What is the Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window?

The Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window is intended to be an aluminium alternative for those that want to replicate the outgoing flush casement windows and looks great as a stand-alone aluminium window.

Just like the PVCu and timber equivalents, the Alitherm 500 has its sashes sitting within the frame for a flush appearance on the outside.

As you would expect from a modern aluminium window, Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Windows offer domestic-friendly B Window Energy Rating, An A+BRE Green Guide Rating and are tested to the latest security and weather performance standards.

What is a flush casement window?

Traditional windows, both PVCu and aluminium that have opening elements use a sash or vent that overlaps the outer frame and mullions. Flush casement windows replicate the look of traditional timber windows where the opening sash sits within the frame.

PVCu windows were the first to adopt the flush sash arrangement with Residence 9, Liniar and Evolution windows all offering a very credible alternative to traditional timber windows. The introduction of the Origin Flush Casement window was the first time flush sashes were seen in an aluminium window. The first generation Origin aluminium window gave us the flush casement on the one side. The next version brought the flush detail to the inside as well.

What are the benefits of flush casement windows?

Even though replacement aluminium windows are popular, there are still situations where the aesthetics of the original window need to be retained. Planning constraints or purely personal choice are other reasons. The fenestration sector understands this need and has responded accordingly with latest generation materials.

For flush casement windows, the distinct advantage is replicating the appearance of traditional timber or steel windows as well as simply fitting them because they suit the property. It also gives the customer even more choice.

Features of the Smarts Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window

• Quality aluminium extrusions with a polyamide thermal break for insulation.
• Available as a side hung or top hung opening sash.
• Internally beaded system.
• Available in the full range of RAL Colours.
• Also comes in Smart System’s exclusive Naturals, Sensations, Alchemy and Cotswold colour ranges.
• Dummy Sash option is available.

Smart Systems has looked at the proportions of the existing windows the Alitherm 500 is intended to replace. With this in mind side hung sashes are possible at 700mm and heights of 1400mm. These dimensions are often found in old timber windows.  Top hung windows are possible at 1400mm widths and heights.

The window comes with the option of 24mm or 28mm double glazed units and offers a fitter-friendly frame depth of 59.5mm. This falls nearly 15mm short of the traditional 75mm front to back dimension of most other systems but still enables the window to be suitable for new build or replacement window applications.

In line with traditional timber windows and their PVCu flush sash counterparts. Smart Systems is offering a feature transom. This is something unavailable with Warmcore and Origin aluminium windows.

To meet the requirements of most site conditions, Smart Systems offer five different cill options as well as the ETC655 corner post section to create bay windows.

Finally, Smart Systems are catering for period windows with multi-panel designs. You can choose from the ETC 580 features astragal bar that is 20mm on the face with chamfered edges and 12.5mm deep. There is also the option of the ETC582 flat Astragal Bar also with a 20mm face dimension and just 3.5mm deep.

As you would expect from a Smart Systems window, there are options of frame couplers, frame extensions, variable cill angle brackets and many other accessories.

Aluminium Flush Casement Windows with period hardware.

The Smart Systems Alitherm 500 flush casement window also comes with a choice of period hardware. You can specify the window with the ACW20100 Monkey Tail Espagnolette Handle or the ACS20101 Bulb End Espagnolette Handle. Both options are available with 8-inch or 10-inch Monkey Tail or Bulb End peg stays and come in Black or Pewter finishes. A further flat stainless steel peg stay is also available.

You can also choose the Art Deco Espagnolette Handle in Stainless Steel, Antique Brass or Satin Nickel plate. The antique range of hardware can be finished off with either standard friction stays or traditional butt hinges.

Proportions of the Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window.

A typical window with standard outer frame and sash has 63.5mm sight lines at the head or 83.5mm using the 20mm frame extension. Smarts also recommend the use of ETC572 weather bar above top hung opening sashes to improve the weather resistance and deflect water away from the window.

The same 63.5mm dimension is carried over to the dummy sash fixed light ensuring the window has consistent sight lines all round.

For the transoms and mullions, you get a 103.5mm overall dimension where two fixed lights or two sashes meet the horizontal section. The feature transom is created with ETC 572 weather bar as well.

What we think of the Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window.

The Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window is a great addition to the Alitherm range that boasts modern windows for new builds and the replacement of window.  Alitherm already has a great range of window types in its range, including the excellent Alitherm Heritage 47 used more and more as a credible aluminium system for steel window replacements.

You will not find the internal flush casement detail that Origin has pioneered but what you will find is an attractive window that is easy to install and comes with an excellent range of options.

The choice of colours offered by Smart Systems with their sensations and alchemy ranges, gives a unique dimension to this product as well.

Contact us if you would like more information about the Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window.