If you’ve ever been involved in a window specification, whether that’s for a renovation, a new build, or a heritage project, you’ll know it’s rarely as simple as picking what looks good.
On one side, you’ve got planning requirements, especially if the property sits in a conservation area or has any kind of historical significance. On the other hand, there’s the expectation that windows should perform like modern products: energy-efficient, secure, and built to last.
That’s exactly where Mumford & Wood’s Classic and Conservation ranges come in.
At a glance, they can look very similar. Both are timber. Both suit traditional properties. Both are made to a high standard. But once you get into the details, they’re designed for slightly different properties. Let’s break these two ranges down properly and explore the Classic range and Conservation range.
What the Conservation Range Is Really Designed For
Mumford & Wood’s Conservation Range is the most versatile option, designed for a wide range of applications, from sensitive refurbishments to new-build projects that require a traditional appearance.
The Conservation Range Specification Details
- Glass: 24mm, 14mm or 4mm double glazed or single glazed
- Glazing Bar: Applied glazing bar which sits on the glass internally and externally
- Security: Meets PAS24 security standards
- Acoustics: 33-44dB Rw (dependent on the product and glass type)
- Energy: 1.3 to 1.6W/m2K U-Value (dependent on the product and glass type)
- Profiles Available: Georgian Ovolo, Victorian Lambs Tongue and Contemporary Square (18mm, 22mm or 28mm)
Conservation Range Warranties
- Timber: 30 year warranty
- Hardware: 10 year warranty
- Glazing: 10 year warranty
- Paint: 10 year warranty
- Stain: 5 year warranty
The Conservation Range faithfully replicates traditional timber detailing, including:
- True glazing bars
- Period-specific mouldings and profiles
However, unlike more rigid heritage solutions, it offers the flexibility to incorporate modern double glazing where permitted.
This makes it particularly well-suited to:
- Conservation areas with fewer restrictions
- Period renovation projects
- High-end new builds
One of the key advantages of the Conservation Range is its ability to bridge the gap between planning constraints and building regulations.
Specifiers can achieve:
- Improved thermal performance
- Enhanced acoustic insulation
- Compliance with modern standards (where required)
The Conservation range is ideal if you require maximum specification flexibility, if your project sits within a conservation area or a mixed planning context, and if you require traditional detailing with optional modern performance upgrades.
The range includes Box Sash and Casement windows, alongside French and Bi-fold doors, all meticulously crafted with period-appropriate detailing to preserve architectural character while incorporating modern levels of performance.
Glazing Options for the Conservation Range
Mumford & Wood’s Conservation range typically features factory-finished, argon-filled double-glazed panels with low-E coating as standard, providing a balance of traditional aesthetics and modern thermal performance.
For specific applications, glazing can be customised:
- Obscure glass for modesty areas
- Laminated glass for added protection, ideal for landings, staircases, or high-traffic locations
Double-glazed units are available in 12mm, 14mm, and 24mm thicknesses, with 24mm as the standard. Wider gaps between panes enhance thermal performance, while slimmer 12mm and 14mm units are often preferred in period properties for their more authentic, slender sightlines.
Where the Classic Range Fits In
Mumford & Wood’s Classic Range has been specifically developed for period properties and conservation settings where maintaining traditional character is essential, while also prioritising improved performance.
The Classic Range is ideal for projects subject to stricter planning requirements and includes Box Sash, Spring Sash, Casement, French, Single, Balcony, and Bi-fold doors, offering an authentic appearance with improved thermal performance.
The Classic Range Specification Details
- Glass: 14mm double glazing
- Glazing Bar: Through / solid bar system
- Security: No performance data
- Acoustics: No performance data
- Energy:1.6 to 2.0W/m2k (depedent on product and glass type)
- Profiles Available: Georgian Ovolo and Victorian Lambs Tongue (24mm)
Classic Range Warranties
- Timber: 30 year warranty
- Hardware: 10 year warranty
- Glazing: 5 year warranty
- Paint: 10 year warranty
- Stain: None
Each unit incorporates:
- Slim 12–14mm profile double glazing
- True glazing bars
- A traditional external putty-faced finish
This combination ensures a highly authentic appearance while subtly integrating modern glazing technology. For projects requiring an even greater level of visual accuracy, options such as Victorian sheet or Crown glass can be specified to recreate the subtle distortions of historic glazing.
The Classic Range is particularly well-suited to:
- Listed buildings
- Properties in conservation areas
- Sensitive renovations
Which Range Do I Need?
Choosing the right Mumford & Wood range comes down to the type of property, planning constraints, and the level of design and performance flexibility you need. Here’s a clear guide:
Conservation Range
The Conservation range offers the most flexibility of all Mumford & Wood ranges, making it suitable for a wide variety of projects.
- New builds that require a traditional aesthetic.
- Properties in conservation areas where planning guidance encourages period-accurate design.
- Historic renovations or sensitive refurbishments where both single- and double-glazing may be required.
Why choose the Conservation range?
If your project requires adaptable glazing options, a variety of profiles, and the ability to meet modern performance standards, the Conservation range provides the ideal balance of heritage styling and versatility.
Classic Range
The Classic range is best suited for projects where stricter planning requirements apply and preserving original character is essential.
- Listed buildings that demand high heritage fidelity.
- Historic renovations where the appearance must closely match original timber joinery.
- Period property upgrades in conservation areas with tighter planning controls.
Why choose the Classic range?
If your project prioritises heritage accuracy with slim-profile double glazing and requires compliance with strict planning rules, the Classic range ensures modern performance without compromising on period-appropriate detailing.
Choosing the right window and door range for your project can feel complex, especially when balancing heritage authenticity, planning requirements, and modern performance. Mumford & Wood’s team of experts is here to help.
From initial consultation to technical guidance, we provide tailored advice on which range, whether it be Conservation or Classic, best suits your property and project goals. With in-depth knowledge of planning regulations, historic detailing, and glazing options, Mumford & Wood ensure you achieve a solution that not only meets your aesthetic and performance requirements but also preserves the character and integrity of your building.
Contact our team online for further support, or download our brochure to view the full Timber Windows & Doors range.
