Tilt & Turn Windows

Tilt & Turn Windows

Two ways to open. One of the most thermally efficient windows on the market.

Tilt-and-turn windows are a European-style dual-action design. The single handle operates in two positions: tilt inward from the top for secure ventilation (drafts through, hand through a child can’t get out), or turn to swing the sash fully inward like a door for cleaning or emergency egress.

Because the sash opens inward, tilt-and-turn windows are the obvious choice for flats, high-rise buildings and anywhere external window cleaning is impractical. They also consistently achieve the lowest U-values of any operable window style — with Passivhaus-certified options from both REHAU and Liniar.

Why Choose a Tilt & Turn Window?

Two functional modes from one handle	Turn the handle 90° to tilt the top inward for ventilation. Turn it 180° to swing the sash fully inward. Simple, intuitive, no secondary latches or restrictors to operate.
Exceptional thermal performance	Inward-opening sashes seal against the frame on all four sides via compression gaskets. This delivers some of the lowest U-values achievable in any window style — as low as 0.71 W/m²K on Liniar Zero|90, 0.73 W/m²K on REHAU GENEO.
Ideal for flats, high-rise, restricted access	Because cleaning happens from inside the building, tilt-and-turns are the default for apartment blocks, hotel rooms and upper floors where external access is unsafe or prohibited.
Secure trickle ventilation	In tilt mode, the opening is limited to a small top gap — providing airflow without compromising security or allowing small children to climb through.
Emergency egress	In turn mode, the fully opened sash gives a clear aperture equivalent to a door — satisfying emergency escape and rescue requirements on habitable rooms.
Passivhaus-grade options	Both REHAU GENEO and Liniar Zero|90 are Passivhaus Institute certified, making tilt-and-turn the standard specification for low-energy and Passivhaus new-builds.

Profile Systems at a Glance

	REHAU GENEO / ARTEVO	Liniar 70mm / Zero|90	Smart Alitherm Tilt & Turn
Material	RAU-FIPRO fibre-composite uPVC	uPVC multi-chamber (lead-free)	Aluminium (thermally broken)
Profile depth	Multi-chamber, centre-seal	70mm or 90mm	Alitherm frame dimensions
Reinforcement	None required — fibre-composite strength	Reduced steel	Aluminium structural
Best U-value	0.73 W/m²K (GENEO, triple-glazed)	0.71 W/m²K (Zero|90, triple-glazed argon)	See Alitherm system-level figures
Passivhaus	Passivhaus Institute certified (GENEO, ARTEVO)	Passivhaus certified (Zero|90)	Not Passivhaus-certified
Security	RC2 / RC3 burglary resistance (without steel)	PAS 24 + Secured by Design (70mm); Part Q (Zero|90)	PAS 24 achievable
Max sash (ARTEVO)	Up to 2.8m openings via RAU-FIPRO	—	Heavy-duty vent option available
Typical use	Passivhaus, low-energy new-build, acoustic-critical	Mainstream T&T; Zero|90 for Part Q / Passivhaus	Contemporary aluminium, commercial

REHAU GENEO & ARTEVO

GENEO is REHAU’s flagship Passivhaus-certified tilt-and-turn window system. It’s built from RAU-FIPRO — a fibre-composite reinforced uPVC that delivers structural strength without the conventional steel reinforcement that causes thermal bridging in traditional uPVC windows.

Key capabilities:

• Uw up to 0.73 W/m²K (Passivhaus Institute certified)
• Centre-seal design for superior weather resistance
• Optional thermo-modules for passive-house specification
• Acoustic class up to 5 (STC up to 45) — significant sound reduction
• Over 170 RAL colour options
• Optional ALU Top aluminium front panel for exposed weather-facing elevations — combines aluminium’s weathering with uPVC’s insulation
• RC2 / RC3 burglary resistance without steel reinforcement

ARTEVO extends the GENEO platform with the fibre-composite strength to support openings up to 2.8m (9.2ft) — the go-to when architectural plans call for floor-to-ceiling tilt-and-turns on Passivhaus or zero-energy builds.

Liniar 70mm Tilt & Turn / Zero|90

Liniar offers two tilt-and-turn platforms:

• 70mm Tilt & Turn — the mainstream residential option. U-values as low as 0.93 W/m²K triple-glazed, with Liniar’s patented bubble gasket and the full EnergyPlus colour range. PAS 24 and Secured by Design certified.
• Zero|90 — the 90mm premium platform. Passivhaus-certified, U-values as low as 0.71 W/m²K triple-glazed with argon fill, and Approved Document Q (Part Q) compliant for new-build security requirements.

Both use Liniar’s lead-free, multi-chamber uPVC profile. Zero|90 is the spec of choice when thermal performance must hit Passivhaus numbers at a lower price point than REHAU GENEO.

Smart Systems Alitherm Tilt & Turn

Smart Systems offers tilt-and-turn options within the Alitherm range, including Alitherm Heritage for steel-look slim sightlines and Alitherm 300 for contemporary aluminium specifications. A heavy-duty vent option is available for larger sashes.

Aluminium tilt-and-turns are typically specified where the aesthetic (contemporary slim-sightline, steel-look heritage) takes priority over ultimate thermal performance. For passive-house grade Uw values, REHAU GENEO or Liniar Zero|90 in uPVC are the go-to choices.

PAS 24 enhanced security is achievable across the Alitherm tilt-and-turn options.

Tilt & Turn vs Casement

	Tilt & Turn	Casement
Opening direction	Inward (two modes)	Outward (single mode)
Best thermal U-value	0.71 W/m²K (Passivhaus certified)	0.8 W/m²K
Cleaning	From inside — swing sash inward	Reach through the open sash from inside
Ventilation modes	Tilt (secure) or turn (full)	Open only (with restrictor)
Child safety	Tilt mode limits opening to a small gap	Requires separate restrictor hardware
Furniture placement	Needs swing clearance inside the room	No internal clearance required
Best suited for	Flats, high-rise, Passivhaus, acoustic projects	Houses, cost-conscious replacements, traditional aesthetics
Price position	Premium	Cost effective

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a tilt-and-turn window work?

A single handle controls both operating modes. Turn the handle 90° upward to unlock the top — the sash tilts inward from the top for secure ventilation. Turn the handle a further 90° (to horizontal) and the sash swings fully inward on a side hinge like a door, for cleaning or emergency exit.

Are tilt-and-turn windows more thermally efficient than casements?

Yes, typically. Inward-opening tilt-and-turns seal against the outer frame with compression gaskets on all four sides. Both REHAU GENEO and Liniar Zero|90 achieve Passivhaus-certified U-values around 0.73 W/m²K or better — a level that very few casement specifications match.

Are tilt-and-turn windows secure?

Yes. REHAU GENEO achieves RC2/RC3 burglary resistance (equivalent to and beyond PAS 24) without any steel reinforcement. Liniar 70mm T&T is PAS 24 + Secured by Design, and Zero|90 adds Approved Document Q compliance for new-build security requirements.

Do tilt-and-turn windows need internal space?

Yes — when fully opened (turn mode), the sash swings inward into the room. Plan for a clear sweep-space matching the sash width. In tilt mode this is not an issue; the top opens only a few centimetres inward.

Can I get Passivhaus-certified tilt-and-turns?

Yes — both REHAU GENEO/ARTEVO and Liniar Zero|90 are certified by the Passivhaus Institute. For new-build Passivhaus projects or deep retrofits targeting low-energy performance, either is a safe specification. Smart Systems aluminium is not Passivhaus-certified.

What’s the difference between GENEO and ARTEVO?

Both use REHAU’s RAU-FIPRO fibre-composite profile. GENEO is the core Passivhaus tilt-and-turn system; ARTEVO extends the platform to handle larger openings (up to 2.8m) using the composite’s additional structural strength. For standard apertures, GENEO is specified; for floor-to-ceiling tilt-and-turns on Passivhaus new-builds, ARTEVO is the call.

Can I have tilt-and-turns on a period property?

Technically yes, but aesthetically they look modern — the inward-opening mechanism and continental styling are rarely appropriate for conservation areas or traditional elevations. For heritage specifications, sash windows or flush casements are usually the right call.

Ready to specify?

Request a quote for tilt-and-turn windows — our team can advise on the right profile system (REHAU GENEO, Liniar Zero|90 or Smart Alitherm), Passivhaus specification and colour options for your project.