Windows installed in facade with enormous air gap

[Jonathan Ersson]

I have started renovating a 1930s functionalist house with a 1970s extension. Since the old walls are very thick concrete walls with external brick, those who built the extension decided to maintain the thickness of the wall with a large air gap between the studs and the external brick.

Now that a complete renovation is in the works, including window replacement, how would you go about it? My own ideas (which are welcome for criticism) are:
1. Install new windows in the same position. Build an insulated frame in the jamb to close the thermal bridge that arises there (with external wind board and internal plastic).
2. Try to move the window further into the wall. Probably through new studs in the air gap locally around the window so that I have something to install the window into.

Does anyone have any other solutions?

General comments are also welcome. Is such a large air gap a problem, for example?

Thanking you kindly in advance

 

[Demmpa]

The windows should be flush with the insulation, meaning the windows should be moved inward.

The air gap behind the brick is usually ventilated with outside air.

 

[Jonathan Ersson]

The windows should be flush with the insulation, so the windows should be moved in.

The air gap behind the brick is usually ventilated with outside air.

Thanks for the answer! Really appreciate it! I understand that this is the norm. But there's a 200mm air gap. It won't look right if I move the windows in 200mm. I'm looking for a compromise between aesthetics and function.

 

[Duja]

Hello,
How was this resolved? 😊