Intelligence
INTELLIGENCE: India’s window to a sustainable future as sector undergoes design-led transformation
India’s fenestration market is undergoing a structural transformation as sustainability, energy efficiency, and design innovation converge to reshape the role of doors and windows in modern architecture. Once viewed as functional add-ons, these building elements are now at the heart of conversations around smart living, green construction, and aesthetic personalisation.
The shift is being driven by an intersection of regulatory encouragement for sustainable development, rising consumer aspirations, and a rapidly urbanising population. With the government pushing for green building norms and the private sector investing in innovative product lines, the market is increasingly prioritising materials like aluminium and PVC-U. These materials are lauded not only for their thermal and acoustic insulation properties but also for their recyclability and durability.
“New design trends in doors and windows are shaped by a clear shift toward minimalism, open spaces, and greater personalisation,” says Saket Jain, Business Head at Fenesta. “Modern homeowners want solutions that maximise natural light, improve connectivity, and create seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.”
This trend is manifesting most strongly in premium residential and commercial developments. Floor-to-ceiling sliders, corner windows, and slim-profile frames are growing in popularity, particularly in Tier 1 and emerging Tier 2 and 3 cities. Industry leaders are investing in advanced technologies to meet rising demand. “We see significant growth potential in smaller cities and plan to expand our product lines with smarter, more customisable solutions,” notes Amir Hashmi, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Profine India.
Aluminium has emerged as a key material in this transition. According to Theodoros Axouristos, Managing Director of Alumil India, aluminium is favoured for its slim profiles, high strength-to-weight ratio, and sustainability credentials. Meanwhile, PVC-U’s lifecycle recyclability and low maintenance appeal to a cost-conscious but increasingly eco-aware market.
Manufacturers are doubling down on R&D to refine performance attributes. Mahesh Londhe, Technical Head at Veka Private, highlights developments in acoustic insulation and carbon footprint reduction during production. “Future solutions will focus on enhancing recyclability and thermal efficiency while aligning with global sustainability standards,” he says.
Design is playing an equally pivotal role. Ravi Balakrishnan, Managing Director of Aluplast India, argues that aesthetic trends in 2025 will prioritise architectural harmony, sophistication, and consumer individuality. “We are seeing the market mature from cost-driven choices to design-conscious preferences,” he notes. That sentiment is echoed by Dr Mario Schmidt of Lingel Windows and Doors Technologies, who sees expansive glazing and smart automation as the next frontier for innovation.
The demand landscape is broadening. Ajay Balakrishna, CEO of Schon Doorways, sees robust prospects in high-performance fenestration, especially in luxury housing and commercial real estate. “We’re investing in intelligent and adaptive systems and deepening our footprint in South India,” he says.
With domestic players embracing global design cues and international quality benchmarks, India’s fenestration industry is poised for an inflection point. As urban density rises and environmental pressures mount, smart, sustainable, and aesthetically refined windows and doors are no longer optional—they are integral to the future of Indian architecture.
Why this matters: India’s economy is gathering pace, fuelling a surge in personal wealth and a growing appetite for aspirational living. Housing is at the forefront of this shift, with demand rising for high-spec glazing that reflects a taste for minimalism, open-plan design and personalised finishes. Window and door manufacturers are responding, investing heavily in next-generation products to meet the needs of a more affluent and design-conscious market.
