Display window
According to Approved Document L2B: conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings, the term ‘display window' refers to:
…an area of glazing, including glazed doors, intended for the display of products or services on sale within the building, positioned at the external perimeter of the building, at an access level and immediately adjacent to a pedestrian thoroughfare. There should be no permanent workspace within one glazing height of the perimeter. Glazing that extends beyond 3 m above such an access level is not part of a display window except:
- Where the products on display require a greater height of glazing.
- In existing buildings, when replacing display windows that already extend to a greater height.
- In cases of building Work involving changes to the facade and glazing and requiring planning consent, where planners have discretion to require a greater height of glazing, e.g. to fit in with surrounding buildings or to match the character of the existing facade.
It is expected that display windows will be found in buildings in the following planning use classes :
- A1 Shops: including retail-warehouse, undertakers, showrooms, post offices, hairdressers, shops for sale of cold food for consumption off premises.
- A2 Financial and professional services: banks, building societies, estate and employment agencies, betting offices.
- A3 Food and drink: restaurants, pubs, wine bars, shops for sale of hot food for consumption off premises.
- D2 Assembly and leisure: cinemas, concert halls, bingo halls, Casinos, Sports and leisure uses.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
Featured articles and news
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?



















