We're looking to go with tripled glazed windows in our current project.

The units meet the PAS 24 and the Police accredited Secured By Design standard. But building control are now telling us that all external panes need to be laminated to meet Part Q (Security) of the Building Regulations.

Our windows company, who are FENSA registered, are a bit bemused.

If we have to laminate, then there's quite a cost implementation and also need to consider the weight of the final glazed units. Seems a shame that we might have to downgrade from the triple glazing to double, only to save money (and weight) if we have to go ahead with laminated external panes.

I would also like to know if there is a way to get around having trickle vents, as they're pretty ugly. I guess MHVR might be worth a look, but is not within original budget. I've seen a passive system somewhere but can't seem to find it again.

Thanks.