Get the Story of Wonderful Windows From Both Sides
by John Hill · 16 photos · 11 comments
Modern architecture's elimination of the window in favor of all-glass walls is one of its most significant achievements, rooted in technology (manufacturers' ability to create large panes of flat glass) and the desire to visually merge inside and outside.
Of course, large expanses of glass result in the home's inhabitants being on display. Large curtains or screens are one solution, but design that takes into account privacy is important, so glass walls face onto exteriors only where prying eyes don't venture.
by SchappacherWhite Ltd. Of course, large expanses of glass result in the home's inhabitants being on display. Large curtains or screens are one solution, but design that takes into account privacy is important, so glass walls face onto exteriors only where prying eyes don't venture.
This view out through full-height walls reveals a yard with surrounding trees, a controlled view to a private outdoor realm.
Note the grilles on the floor in front of the glass wall. Even with insulated glass, areas with glass walls are a source of heat loss, so they need to be heated carefully, ideally from down low, given that heat rises.
by SchappacherWhite Ltd. Note the grilles on the floor in front of the glass wall. Even with insulated glass, areas with glass walls are a source of heat loss, so they need to be heated carefully, ideally from down low, given that heat rises.
Sometimes privacy can't be so carefully controlled, especially in cities. This residence in Brooklyn, New York, has a large storefront facing the sidewalk, hardly an ideal place for lots of see-through glass. Breaking up the floor-to-ceiling glass into smaller squares allowed translucent panes to be inserted.
by KIMOY Studios
The translucency of the lower panes comes across from inside. These pieces allow light to enter the space but not the eyes of passersby. In effect the clear glass at top is a clerestory that allows views of the trees.
by KIMOY Studios
Not all modern architecture abolishes the more traditional idea of a window; witness this tall window. The wooden slat shade mounted on the exernal frame illustrates one way of shading interiors.
by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects
The effect of the wood screen is apparent here, as is the way it is sized appropriately for the window — a gap at the top gives views of the trees, and an equal gap at the bottom allows an operable vent to open.
by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects
The corner window looks flat from outside, but inside the depth of the wall really comes across. The eye-level window carefully frames a view of the surrounding trees. The small column is a nice touch that makes one aware of the weight of the wall above the window.
by D-CRAIN
The shape of a window has a lot of bearing on its appearance, but it's rare to see shapes that are not orthogonal (not square or rectangular). This circular window comes across as something special, highlighting what looks to be a chair inside and the stone construction that helps make the opening possible.
by Marco Antunio
The window and the chair inside have a symbiotic relationship — the view exists to be enjoyed from the chair. The circle is resolved on the inside with a bookcase that accentuates the aperture's shape.
by Marco Antunio
More typical rectangular windows derive many of their differences from details. In this case the color of the window frame is particularly important, setting it off from the bark siding. The inclusion of divided panes also gives the window a finer scale that is appropriate given the siding.
by Christopher Kellie Design Inc.
Elsewhere on the same house, a wide window with an arced top relates to the rise of the gable above it. The window also works with the large composition of the elevation, sitting between the roof and the rectangular window below, and straddling the change in siding.
by Christopher Kellie Design Inc.
The window's shape relates to the distant view of the hills and the sky from the inside. A flat top would have cut off the sky, but the curve opens up the view to take in more blue.
by Christopher Kellie Design Inc.
This last example is a Mediterranean house with an interesting window design. The rectangular opening is dived into two, then cut in half again. The result is like a small rectangle (in the middle) inside the larger opening. It's intriguing, because of the way it departs from other operable window types.
by NURIT GEFFEN-BATIM STUDIO
The design creates casement windows that occupy the middle zone, above and beside fixed panes.
by NURIT GEFFEN-BATIM STUDIO
In the kitchen of the same home we can see not only how the casements look when open, but what the fixed panel at the bottom allows: plants and other objects can sit on the sill and still allow the windows to open. The plants occupy a zone between the indoors and the trees beyond. They are a bit of manicured vegetation that positively affects the view through the window.
More: Explore window designs in the Houzz remodeling section
by NURIT GEFFEN-BATIM STUDIO More: Explore window designs in the Houzz remodeling section
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Should we ever move again, I'd like to have a circular window. I find them particularly enchanting.
I especially love the colored frames and unique shapes, I would love to show you some designs in Germany where our windows have been put into some insane configurations. One in particular was a solid mahogany window shaped into a butterfly for a little girl's room. We finished the inside off in pink!
Also are we related? My last name is Hill : )