How To Build A Wall With A Window

Window Wall Blueprint: 3 Ways To Customize Your Window Wall

May 14, 2019

Beyond fixed and operable windows, and their sizes and shapes, here are iii fundamental opportunities for customizing your window wall.

When considering windows for a new abode, or changes on an existing home, almost everyone agrees that bigger is better. We want windows that requite us the all-time view, the most light and the greatest connection to our surrounding landscape. When we choose to let others look inside our homes, we want windows that frame picturesque settings of cheerful parties, family dinners, stylish decor and festive holidays.

Photograph copyright © Anice Hoachlander | Hoachlander Davis Photography

Experienced builders and designers no longer are surprised to hear homeowners request an entire wall of windows. Not merely can they meet these requests, simply many have the expertise, tools and partnerships with window manufacturers to exceed their clients' expectations.

Creating window walls every bit big as possible ways combining multiple sizes and types of windows together. To avoid having your home await similar you grabbed what you lot could find at a austerity shop, work with an architect or architect to set a cohesive design with a unified advent personalized for your home, and supported with proper installation and reliable performance.

Photo copyright © Raul Garcia

Within a window wall, or whenever two or more windows are joined, builders and designers phone call this "mulling." Ofttimes, you'll see a stock-still window – pregnant a window that doesn't open – mulled together with operable windows. The stock-still window's dimensions tin can provide an exceptionally large, uninterrupted view. More decorative designs and complex geometries also lend themselves to fixed units. Hard-to-reach corner windows or clerestory windows – those nearest the ceiling – also may be designated as fixed windows.

Photo copyright © Karl Neumann

With the exception of extremely oversized windows, most whatsoever fixed window as well could exist engineered as operable. Loftier-up and less attainable windows tin can be wired for automated functioning, opening and closing at the touch of a push button. Radius (curved), circular and even octagonal shapes can be fabricated to open and to allow the fresh air inside.

Photo copyright © Eric Rorer Photography

Generally, when we think of operable windows, nosotros think of casements that creepo out, push out or swing in, awnings that open on the bottom, or of single- or double-hung units with a height and bottom sash that open. Thinking bigger, imagine the grandeur of having three or more than double-hung units mulled together and topped with automated creepo-out awning windows; or, of 2 towering triple-hung windows flanking a behemothic fixed unit.

Photograph copyright © Fyfe Photography

Envision the pass-through potential of quad sliding window with a massive side-by-side 4 sash horizontal opening; or of a heart-opening folding window that clears 52 anxiety.

For a selection of operable functionality, tilt-plow windows alloy American flush-to-frame design sensibility with European-style hardware allowing you lot to open the window either swing exterior or to tilt inside.

Photos courtesy of CMGT Construction

For those seeking a gimmicky look, yous'll want to minimize the window framing. The big window walls' glass, or rather its transparency to the view beyond it, should be your primary focus. Directly set windows are one of the all-time choices for achieving a very narrow profile for the most expansive configurations.

Photograph copyright © Fyfe Photography

Matching profiles beyond mulled window wall connections can be a challenge, particularly when you prefer a slender, mod expect. Choosing a single manufacturer to provide all of your windows and doors helps ensure that all of your selections pair well together. But as yous work with building and blueprint professionals who listen to your wants, needs and unique ideas, you lot should experience confident that your window partner has the ingenuity and craftsmanship to provide products to your precise specifications.

Beyond fixed and operable windows, and their sizes and shapes, hither are three key opportunities for customizing your window wall:

1. Drinking glass Type, Divided Lites and Glazing Beads

Photo copyright © Marco Zecchin/Prototype Center

Understanding glass options tin be one of the nigh overwhelming aspects of window selection. Not only can you cull tint, colors, patterns and opacity, you tin work with your architect to define the right functioning for your climate and atmospheric condition. This can range from achieving strict energy efficiency standards to withstanding high winds to minimizing maintenance to reducing exterior racket. More often, information technology ways fine-tuning the windows on your abode to keep you comfy indoors regardless of what the weather is doing exterior.

For historic homes, traditional designs and special applications, you'll want to familiarize yourself with curved drinking glass, radius windows and divided lites. True divided lites visually and physically separate the windows into smaller sections. Each division contains a different piece of glass (calorie-free) framed by confined that hold information technology in place. Performance divide lites mimic the look of true divided lites using high-performance glass and a more economical approach. The bars of performance divided lites are adhered to the interior and exterior of an insulated glass unit.

To help concord the glass unit into the sash, glazing beads are applied to the sash interior of virtually windows. A beveled, ovolo or square profile is i of many details that distinguishes the interior appearance.

2. Hardware and Screens

Photograph copyright © Fyfe Photography

Much more than nails and screws, when you're talking about window hardware, you're usually looking at handles and locks on operable windows. Your hardware options will depend on the blazon of window and how it opens and closes. For example, at that place are crank-out handles, locking handles, sash lift handles, rail locks, flush finger pulls, tilt-plough, inswing handles and much more.

Virtually window manufacturers volition present you with a option of hardware styles, end and colors. Vivid, satin or antique brass; matte blackness; satin or antique nickel; rustic umber; and oil-rubbed finishes are popular offerings. You virtually likely will want a uniform appearance throughout your window wall, and you besides may want to differentiate the hardware to suit each room'southward décor.

Custodial locks, window opening control devices and automatic operation may too be helpful for windows that aren't oftentimes opened, shouldn't be opened by children or are difficult to reach to open up. When windows are open, screens may exist a wise addition in certain locations where insects can intrude.

3. Framing Materials and Finishes

Photos courtesy Ralph C. Fey, AIA Architects | © Juan Vidal Photography

As with other customizable features, yous near likely will want to choose a uniform framing cloth to create your window wall. Wood adds warmth to an interior and tin be stained or painted to complement the surrounding floor and finishes.

While some homeowners like the all-wood look inside and out, many prefer the lower maintenance and increased durability of extruded aluminum cladding on the exterior. A broad spectrum of finishes and colors are available to customize the wood interior and aluminum-clad outside, matching classic or gimmicky decorating palettes.

Photo copyright © Anice Hoachlander | Hoachlander Davis Photography

To give you the greatest creative liberty in designing your window wall, be certain to consider all of your options. Understanding what'due south possible volition assist y'all aggrandize both your vision and your view.

Source: https://www.kolbewindows.com/blog/window-wall-design-ideas

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