When it comes to home improvement, it’s not just ab
out the final result—it’s about the story behind it. And for one homeowner in the charming Cornish village of Mousehole, the goal was clear: to create a light-filled, practical extension that enhanced both the beauty and functionality of her traditional cottage. Working with Philip Whear Windows & Conservatories, that dream became a reality thanks to Omnia; VEKA’s innovative flush sash window and door system.
A Unique Project in the Heart of Mousehole
Set against the backdrop of Mousehole’s winding lanes and sea views, this project was all about blending old-world charm with modern performance. The homeowner approached us with a vision: she wanted to add a usable space to her property that not only served a practical purpose but also flooded the interior with natural light. Maintaining the character of her home while elevating its usability was at the forefront of every decision.
From the initial consultation through to completion, the entire project was managed by the Philip Whear team. This included overseeing the masonry work—ensuring the structure met both aesthetic and structural needs—alongside our core expertise in windows and doors.
Designed for Performance and Style
The star of the project? VEKA’s OMNIA system—a double-flush, double-rebated profile that’s setting new standards in fenestration. What makes OMNIA truly stand out is that it’s not only flush on the outside, but also on the inside, providing a sleek, symmetrical finish that suits modern and traditional homes alike.
In Mousehole, where cottages are often compact and full of quirks, the clean lines of OMNIA helped to create a seamless extension that felt like it had always been part of the house. It offers a perfect balance of heritage style with high-performance benefits.
Why OMNIA was the perfect choice:
- Slim sightlines maximised the amount of light entering the space—crucial in a home where light can be limited.
- U-value – 1.1 W/m²K helped ensure the new space was energy-efficient, even on cooler days.
- PAS 24 accreditation provided reassurance that the homeowner’s security needs were taken care of.
- Authentic detailing – respected the character of the area, which is especially important in heritage-rich locations like Mousehole.
A Personal Touch, Right Down to the Colour
What truly brought this project to life was the attention to detail—and that extended to the colour of the frames. Once the OMNIA frames were manufactured at our factory in Redruth, they were finished in our on-site spray booth in a custom paint colour chosen by the customer herself. This bespoke finish ensured that the new extension felt personal and well-integrated with the rest of the cottage’s aesthetic.
Having the capability to spray in-house meant we could guarantee the quality and precision of the finish while giving our customer complete freedom in her design choices. Whether it’s classic creams, heritage greens or bold contemporary shades, OMNIA’s colour versatility means the only limit is imagination.
A Full-Service Installation, Start to Finish
One of the reasons homeowners in Cornwall turn to Philip Whear is our ability to manage every aspect of a project under one roof. This Mousehole job was no exception. From the initial planning stages and consultations to the masonry, installation, and finishing touches, our team handled it all. This ensured a smooth process and clear communication throughout, which was particularly important given the tight access and traditional build of the cottage.
Our hands-on approach also meant we could make quick, thoughtful adjustments as needed—something that’s often crucial when working with older buildings.
OMNIA: The Future of Windows and Doors
While the Mousehole project is a beautiful example of OMNIA’s potential in traditional settings, this system is just as at home in sleek, modern architecture. Its versatility, combined with its impressive performance metrics, is why it’s considered the future of window and door design.
Developed by VEKA in response to real homeowner feedback, OMNIA challenges the standard by providing a true double-flush profile. It answers a long-standing question: why should the inside of your windows be less attractive than the outside? With OMNIA, both sides are equally beautiful—designed with the homeowner in mind.
Why Choose Philip Whear for Your OMNIA Project?
We’re proud to be among the first in Cornwall offering VEKA’s OMNIA system. But more than that, we’re proud of the full-service approach we provide. Whether you’re looking to create a modern garden room, a light-filled kitchen extension, or simply upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and style, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Our experienced team handles:
- Bespoke design consultations
- Manufacturing
- In-house frame spraying in custom colours
- Project management including masonry, groundwork and finishing
- Expert installation from our trusted in-house team
A Home That Works for You
In Mousehole, our customer now enjoys a beautiful, light-filled space that blends effortlessly with her home’s character. With the performance of VEKA’s OMNIA system and the personalised service of Philip Whear Windows & Conservatories, the result is a space that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
If you’re dreaming of creating something similar in your own home—whether in Mousehole, St Ives, or anywhere else in Cornwall—get in touch with our team today. We’d love to help you bring your vision to life.