Oriel bay windows.
Bay and oriel windows project out from the elevation of the building. A bay rises from the floor and is carried on the wall below; an oriel cantilevers at upper-storey level on brackets. Both forms add usable floor area, generate richer daylight conditions, and read as an architectural moment on the elevation.
Bay and oriel windows are old forms — pre-Georgian English domestic architecture used both extensively, and Victorian and Edwardian houses standardised them. The form has practical advantages that survive across architectural eras: a bay or oriel adds floor area without extending the footprint of the building (and so without planning consent in many cases); the projecting geometry catches more daylight than a flat elevation; and the additional facets of glass change the light quality inside the room throughout the day.
What changes when contemporary architecture specifies a bay or oriel is the material and the geometry. The Victorian bay with its timber sash and stone surround reads differently to a slim aluminium bay with floor-to-ceiling glass and minimal corner detail. Both forms are valid; the choice depends on the elevation, the brief, and the conservation context.
Maxlight oriel and bay windows use the same slim thermally broken aluminium profile as the rest of the system catalogue. The frame, the corner details, the structural connection back to the building, and the glazing build-up are configured for the specific geometry — a faceted bay with three flat panels at angles, an oriel cantilevered on engineered steel brackets, or a curved bay with bent glass at the corners. We engineer the corner detail in-house against the geometry; the structural connection back to the building is coordinated with the project structural engineer.
Finishes follow the standard Maxlight range — RAL 7016, 7021 and 9005 stocked, full RAL palette to order, anodised finishes available. Glazing options match the rest of the catalogue: double-glazed argon-filled IGU as standard, triple-glazed for projects targeting Future Homes Standard or Passivhaus performance, low-iron Soft Coat glass available where the colour reading from the inside or outside matters to the architectural intent.
Bay and oriel forms.
01
Faceted bay window
Three or five flat panels arranged at angles to project out from the elevation, carried by the wall below. The canonical bay form — angled corners between flat sections of glass.
02
Curved bay window
A bay assembly with bent glass at the corners rather than faceted angles. Reads as a continuous curve from outside; technically more involved than the faceted form but a stronger architectural moment where the brief calls for it.
03
Oriel window
A bay-shaped window cantilevered at upper-storey level on brackets, with no support from the floor below. Reads as a glass volume hanging from the elevation. Engineering case is the bracket-and-cantilever rather than the load-bearing wall.
04
Box bay window
A square-cornered projecting window — three flat sections meeting at right angles. Less common than faceted or curved; appears in contemporary residential where the brief calls for a pure rectilinear projection.
Specification.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Frame material | Thermally broken aluminium |
| Configurations | Faceted, curved, oriel (cantilevered), box bay |
| Glazing build-up | 28 mm IGU standard, 44 mm triple optional |
| U-value (whole-window) | 1.4W/m²K |
| Air permeability | Class 4 BS EN 12207 |
| Water tightness | Class E1050 BS EN 12208 |
| Wind load resistance | Class C5 BS EN 12210 |
| Structural connection | Coordinated with project structural engineer |
| Finishes | Full Maxlight finish range — RAL, anodised, dual-colour |
Frequently asked questions
What colours are available for your products?
We offer the full RAL Classic colour range (216 colours), giving you complete flexibility to match your design vision. Whether you’re looking for bold contemporary tones or subtle architectural finishes, we can accommodate your requirements.
Do you offer anodised finishes?
Anodised finishes are available on request. Please speak to our team to discuss options and suitability for your project.
What locking options are available, and can they be colour matched?
Our doors are fitted with high-quality locking systems, including bottom locks (non-PAS 24) and PAS 24-rated side locks. While the lock barrels are not colour matched, the escutcheons (visible lock surrounds) can be finished to match your frame colour for a seamless look.
What security rating do your doors have?
Our systems can be configured with PAS 24-rated side locks, providing enhanced security for residential applications.
What security certification do you offer?
We offer systems that comply with PAS 24, a recognised UK standard for enhanced security performance.
Are your warranties transferable?
Our warranties are property-based rather than person-based, meaning they remain valid if ownership of the property change
Can I view your products in a showroom?
We offer a virtual showroom experience, which can be arranged through your sales contact.
Can I visit in person?
Yes, visits can be arranged by appointment at our showroom at 333A Western Avenue, London, W3 0BE
What are your typical lead times?
Our process is carefully structured to ensure precision and quality: - Survey Stage: Approximately 1 week to carry out a site survey, provided the site is fully prepared. We’ll supply clear guidelines in advance. - Design & Drawing Stage: Around 2 weeks (or up to 3 weeks for more complex projects such as glass boxes) from survey completion and receipt of all required technical details. - Manufacture & Installation: Approximately 8 weeks from final approval of drawings, with installation scheduled shortly after. Your project timeline will always be confirmed by your sales contact based on scope and complexity.
Do you offer bi-fold doors?
We specialise in premium glazing systems that prioritise longevity and performance. Bi-fold doors typically require more maintenance due to their multiple moving parts and top-hung weight distribution. For this reason, we focus on alternative systems that offer cleaner aesthetics, smoother operation, and reduced long-term maintenance.
Will you liaise with my architect or builder?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with architects, builders, and project teams to ensure your design is delivered exactly as intended.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across the whole of the United Kingdom.
Performance and assurance
Certified, documented, project-specific.
Glass U-value
1.0 W/m²K (glass / centre-pane figure)
Whole-window and project-specific thermal performance varies by configuration.
Warranty
- 10 years workmanship from installation
- 10 years on double-glazed units against hermetical seal failure (glass breakage not covered)
- 10 years on powder-coated aluminium
- 5 years on moving parts and accessories
The bay and the oriel are old forms; the slim aluminium expression is contemporary. Maxlight oriel and bay windows engineer the form to the geometry the project needs, in the finish range that fits the elevation. Faceted, curved, cantilevered or box — all available, all engineered, all installed by us.
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