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When we think about what helps children learn, windows probably aren't the first thing that come to mind. But they should be. Because the right glazing, frames, and openings can make the difference between a stuffy classroom and a vibrant, high-performing learning space.
From improving concentration to enhancing wellbeing, natural light and ventilation play a crucial rolew in educational outcomes. And with the UK Government investing almost £1.4 billion into school buildings for the 2025-2026 financial year through the Condition Improvement Fund, the opportunity to think about what's possible is now.
Numerous studies have linked daylight to better student performance. One major study by the Heschong Mahone Group found that students in classrooms with more daylight progressed 20% faster in maths and 26% faster in reading than those in poorly lit spaces. What's more, students in classrooms where windows could be opened were found to progress 7-8% faster.
Natural light regulates circadian rhythms, reduces eye strain, and boosts mood - factors that contribute to sharper focus and higher engagement. But it's not just about having large panes of glass. It's about orientation, glare control, and thermal comfort too.
TECHNAL's SOLEAL Next windows were developed with this in mind. Their slim profiles maximise glazed area for greater daylight penetration, while offering multiple opening configurations to suit any classroom layout.
In a typical classroom, CO² levels can rise quickly, especially in older buildings with limited ventilation. High CO² impairs concentration and causes drowsiness. In fact, research by the University of Reading showed that even modest increased in CO² (above 1,000 ppm) can negatively impact cognitive performance in school-age children.
Mechanical ventilation can help, but it isn't always feasible. That's where smart window design steps in.
With inward and outward opening options, tilt-turn systems, and integration with smart sensors, TECHNAL windows support controlled natural ventilation strategies. This helps to maintain healthy air quality without sacrificing thermal performance or acoustic insulation.
Schools are demanding places. Windows must stand up to years of wear and tear, while still looking good and functioning flawlessly.
SOLEAL Next windows feature reinforced profiles, high-quality thermal breaks, and robust locking hardware. It's a system designed for long life, low maintenance, and adaptability with finish options to suit traditional red-brick schools and sleek new academies alike.
Plus all TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors, and facades are extruded with Hydro CIRCAL® 75R as standard and Hydro CIRCAL® 100R on request. This low-carbon alloy is made with at least 75% recycled, post-consumer scrap, reducing the carbon footprint by 85% when compared with the global average for primary aluminium production (1.9kg CO²/kg alu vs 16.7kg CO² / kg alu).
Windows are more than just functional. They're the lens through which students view the world, sometimes literally. The right window brings in light, lets in air, and helps to shape a safe, comfortable, and inspiring place to learn.
At TECHNAL, we believe that educational buildings deserve the same design attention than any landmark project. After all, what's more important than creating spaces where young minds grow?
