Hardwood windows made to measure: Bespoke solutions for high-end builds

When specifying hardwood windows made to measure for luxury residential or commercial projects, architects and contractors need more than standard joinery. They need precision-engineered, high-performance timber windows crafted to accommodate unique dimensions, complex openings, curved elevations, and architectural features that demand absolute accuracy.

For over 10 years, GB Joinery has been designing and manufacturing premium bespoke timber windows, offering contractors reliable turnaround times, technical consistency, and exceptional customer support. This guide explores how custom hardwood windows are built, what materials to choose, and the performance tolerances that matter.

What “made to measure” means for hardwood windows

“Made to measure” goes far beyond simply selecting custom sizes. For contractors and architects working on complex or prestige builds, it means windows engineered specifically for:

• Non-standard openings
• Curved, arched, or bowed frames
• Large-span glazing
• Irregular geometries in heritage or contemporary builds
• Bays, oriels, and corner junctions
• Ultra-slim or heavy-duty profiles

GB Joinery’s bespoke process ensures every component, from frame depth to glazing bead, matches the unique design intent of the project.

Hardwood vs modified timber – choosing the right material

When selecting timber for high-end fenestration, understanding the performance characteristics of each species is essential. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly specified options.

Oak

A premium choice for luxury builds, oak offers:

• Exceptional hardness and strength
• Naturally attractive grain with high-end visual appeal
• Superb longevity

Ideal for heritage restorations, executive homes, and properties requiring a statement finish.

Sapele and other dense hardwoods

Hardwoods like sapele deliver:

• Excellent dimensional stability
• Good resistance to moisture and weathering
• Strong structural reliability

Perfect for modern builds demanding clean lines and consistent colouration under paint or stain.

Accoya (modified timber)

Accoya, though not a traditional hardwood, offers Class 1 durability, minimal swelling, and outstanding stability. Many architects specify it for:

• Slim-frame designs
• Precision joinery
• Low-maintenance installations
• Large sashes requiring structural accuracy

Accoya is designed to bridge the gap between hardwood aesthetics and engineered performance.

Custom geometries – engineered for complex builds

One of the greatest advantages of made-to-measure hardwood windows is the ability to match architectural features with exacting precision.

Curved and arched designs

GB Joinery uses advanced steam-bending techniques and laminated sections to produce:

• True-radius curved frames
• Gothic or elliptical arches
• Bow and shaped heads

This capability is essential for period estates, historic restorations, and contemporary designs using feature glazing.

Bay and projection windows

Bespoke bays require:

• Tight joinery tolerances
• Perfect angle calculations
• Matching sightlines across multiple units

GB Joinery ensures consistent geometry, so the final installation sits flush and performs reliably.

Asymmetric and oversized designs

For luxury homes with panoramic glazing, oversized casements and tilt & turn systems can be produced with reinforced laminated sections for enhanced rigidity.

Performance tolerances that matter to architects

High-end builds demand high-end performance. GB Joinery manufactures hardwood windows to strict tolerances in line with British Standards and modern energy requirements.

Seal integrity

• Multi-layer seal systems
• Precision-machined rebates
• Air-tight joint construction

These ensure maximum thermal retention and reduced air leakage.

Structural accuracy

Every frame is machined using modern CNC technology, achieving:

• Consistent sightlines
• Smooth operational performance
• Millimetre-level accuracy

This makes installation faster and ensures long-term reliability.

Thermal and acoustic performance

Paired with modern glazing, hardwood windows provide:

• Excellent insulation
• Reduced thermal bridging
• High acoustic reduction ratings

Perfect for high-end apartments, executive homes, and commercial environments.

Why architects and contractors rely on GB Joinery

For more than 10 years, GB Joinery has built a reputation for:

• Craftsmanship with technical precision
• Reliable, stable lead times
• Fully bespoke production capabilities
• Outstanding support for contractors and architects
• Premium, specification-compliant materials

Whether you’re designing a luxury home, renovating a listed building, or developing commercial properties, GB Joinery provides bespoke hardwood windows engineered for exceptional performance and visual impact.

Contact GB Joinery today to find our more. You can call us on 0161 477 1818 or send us a message using our online contact form.