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Residence 7 vs Residence 9: The Complete Comparison Guide
Residence 7 vs Residence 9: The Complete Comparison Guide
Category: Buying Guide / Window Comparison
Reading Time: 9 Minutes
📌 The 10-Second Summary
- The Core Difference: Residence 9 (R9) is 100mm deep with decorative interiors (Heritage). Residence 7 (R7) is 75mm deep with flush interiors (Modern).
- The “Twins”: Externally, they look identical. Both offer the stunning “flush sash” appearance that Hampshire homeowners love.
- The Verdict: Choose R9 for Article 4 conservation areas and authentic 19th-century replication. Choose R7 for a clean, modern look and an easier installation.
When choosing between the Residence 7 and Residence 9 window systems, the decision is rarely just about “looks”—it is about architecture.
While both systems offer market-leading energy efficiency and a beautiful flush exterior, they solve different problems. R9 was built to satisfy strict planning officers in heritage zones like Winchester and Andover. R7 was built to bring that heritage look to modern homes without the installation headaches.
Table of Contents
1. The Frame Depth Difference
The most technical difference between the two is the frame depth—75mm vs 100mm. This sounds minor, but it dictates how the window interacts with your walls.
The Heritage Standard. Old 19th-century timber windows were substantial—often 100mm thick. To replicate this, R9 uses a 100mm deep frame with 9 internal chambers.
Warning: Installing a 100mm R9 frame in a modern aperture often requires cutting back internal plaster or timber sills to make it fit. It is a bigger job, but necessary for the authentic look.
The Modern Standard. R7 was engineered to match standard UK window depths (typically 70mm). At 75mm, it slots easily into existing apertures with minimal disruption to your plaster line.
For detailed guidance on whether your property requires specific frame depths due to planning constraints, we recommend visiting the UK Planning Portal.
2. Internal Aesthetics: Flush vs Decorative
IMPORTANT: Do not worry about the neighbours. From the kerbside, both windows look identical. They both feature the “Flush Sash” design where the opener sits flat against the frame.
The real difference is revealed when you stand inside the room. This is a choice between Modern Minimalism (R7) and Traditional Grandeur (R9).
3. Technical Specification
Here is the raw data comparison for the technical buyer.
| Feature | Residence 7 (R7) | Residence 9 (R9) |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Depth | 75mm (Modern Standard) | 100mm (Timber Replica) |
| Chambers | 7 Insulating Chambers | 9 Insulating Chambers |
| Internal Bead | Square / Flush | Decorative / Staff |
| Wall Suitability | Standard Brickwork | Variable-depends what it replaces |
| Corner Options | Mitre, Graf, or Timberweld | Timberweld (Standard) |
| Cost Profile | ££ (Premium) | £££ (Elite) |
4. Construction: Timberweld® vs Glass Bonding
How the windows are put together is crucial for both strength and authenticity. This is where modern engineering improves on the original design.
The Evolution: Glass Bonding vs. Timberweld®
Historically, R9 sashes relied on Glass Bonding (gluing the glass to the frame) for rigidity. While effective, this made replacing broken glass difficult and expensive.
5. Heritage Hardware
A heritage window is only as authentic as its handle. Standard white plastic handles can ruin the effect of a premium R9 installation.
At KJM Group, we finish our Residence installations with genuine heritage ironmongery. From Monkey Tail handles to Pear Drop fasteners, available in Black, Gold, Chrome, or Pewter Patina, the hardware is the jewellery of your new window.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
If you live in a conservation area or a genuine period property, yes. The 100mm frame depth and decorative internal detailing are often required to satisfy planning officers. However, for a modern home, R7 offers the same external “flush” look at a lower price point.
Yes, both Residence 7 and Residence 9 can accommodate 28mm double glazing or 44mm triple glazing. With triple glazing, both systems can achieve U-values as low as 0.8 W/m²K (Passivhaus standard).
A standard uPVC weld fuses plastic at 45 degrees, leaving a diagonal line. A mechanical joint (or Timberweld) mimics how wood is joined—straight lines where the horizontal and vertical bars meet. R9 uses this to ensure it looks like timber, not plastic.
📚 KJM Residence Knowledge Hub
Explore more about our heritage window collection:
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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