I get asked about awning windows a lot. And honestly it’s not hard to see why. They’re one of those window styles that just makes sense once you understand how they work. For homeowners across Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast, they solve a problem a lot of people don’t even realise they have until they’re mopping up a wet sill after leaving a window open during a summer shower.
What is an aluminium awning window?
An awning window is hinged at the top of the frame, so the sash swings outward from the bottom when you open it. The glass acts like a little roof above the gap. Rain hits the glass and runs off outside. Your floor stays dry, your curtains stay dry, and you keep the fresh air coming through. Simple as that.
You open and close them by turning a winder, which is a small crank handle on the frame. You can crack it just a little or open it all the way. That level of control is handy when you want airflow but the wind is picking up or rain is threatening.
Why awning windows suit the Hunter Region climate
Newcastle and the broader Hunter get those long humid afternoons, sudden summer downpours and afternoon sea breezes coming off the coast. Awning windows are one of the few window styles where you don’t have to choose between ventilation and weather protection.
They work especially well in bathrooms, laundries and bedrooms, where you want air moving through the room all day without giving up privacy or worrying about rain getting in. A smaller awning window positioned up high on the wall does both jobs at once.
For homes in bushfire-prone areas of the Hunter Valley and Cessnock, the BAL-40 bushfire rating available across all three Aura awning window ranges is also worth knowing about.
Can you leave awning windows open in the rain?
Yes, and this is probably the most common reason people choose them. Because the sash opens outward and the glass sits above the gap, light to moderate rain runs off the outside of the glass rather than coming in through the opening. Most homeowners leave them cracked open during showers without any issue.
In heavy driving rain with strong wind, it’s worth closing them up like you would any window. But for the average Hunter Region afternoon storm, awning windows handle it fine.
Which awning window range is right for your home?
Aura makes awning windows across three ranges, and the right one depends on your project.
The Essential range is the standard residential option. Its got double glazing options, key lockable handles, BAL-40 rating and a 52mm frame. Most Newcastle and Hunter homeowners doing a renovation or new build will find everything they need here.
The Signature range has a 100mm frame and wider panel options, so its a better fit for larger openings or if you want something with a more architectural profile. Good for feature walls or homes where the windows are a design statement rather than just functional.
The Commercial range is built for multi-storey or high-end commercial projects. One standout feature is that the glass can be replaced from inside the building, which is a real practical advantage on upper floors. All three ranges can be paired with fixed panels to create feature walls or bring in more light. If you’d like to compare other window styles, have a look at our full aluminium window range.
Are aluminium awning windows energy efficient?
They can be, yes. All three Aura awning window ranges offer double glazing, which significantly improves thermal performance. The Essential range achieves a U-value as low as 2.8 with double glazing, and the Signature sits at 3.2. For context, lower U-values mean less heat transfer through the glass, which means less reliance on air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
If noise is also a concern, Aura’s Sound Smart system is available across the range and can noticeably reduce outside noise from traffic, neighbours or nearby schools. All Aura awning windows are manufactured to comply with relevant Australian Standards — something supported by Aura’s partnership with Bradnam’s, one of Australia’s leading aluminium systems providers.
Colours, glass options and customisation
Frame colours run across the standard Colorbond-inspired palette including Textura: Black, Monument, Woodland Grey, Dune, Surfmist, Silver, and White. There are also decorative colour options including the non-textured variants of the standard range as well as other formerly popular colour choices in years gone by, to marry up with extensions and renovations to match existing windows and doors.
At Aura you will find a myriad of glass choices to cover maximum light and energy efficiency as well as a range of privacy options. If you’re going for a Hamptons look, the colonial bar option is worth considering. Winders are available in standard black or decorative colours, with key locking as standard.
All of our awning window openings can be restricted to cover Australian standards and regulations.
Made and supplied locally in the Hunter
All Aura awning windows are manufactured at Mayfield West, which means lead times are generally a lot better than imported products. They comply with relevant Australian Standards across the board, and Aura offers full design, supply and installation services across Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast.
If you want to compare specs or talk through what configuration suits your project, have a look at the aluminium awning windows product page, browse our common questions about aluminium windows, or book a free in-home consultation and one of the team will come out to you.
