Broad window frames Alpine views from corrugated copper villa

A family of five, having relocated from Chicago, sought to fully integrate with the natural landscape of Boulder County. Their 7,600-square-foot home, situated on four acres with views of the foothills and diverse terrain, initially offered limited connection to the renowned Flatirons, particularly from its west-facing living room. This space featured only a standard sliding glass door and a single window, underscoring a design that was somewhat disconnected from its impressive surroundings. To address this, the homeowners enlisted architects Huili Feng and Ross Barney to undertake significant renovations. The primary change involved replacing the existing living room wall with a 30-foot-wide set of folding glass doors. This transformation dramatically enhanced the natural light within the living room and adjacent kitchen, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior environments. When these doors are open, the distinction between inside and outside is effectively blurred, allowing the family to immerse themselves in the surrounding nature. Complementing this expansive opening, the architects focused on interior elements to foster a sense of coziness and integrate the home's modern aesthetic. The living room's existing paneled and beamed ceiling, which evoked a ski chalet atmosphere, was enhanced with custom white-oak millwork throughout the house. This millwork included art and plant display shelves near the staircase and a built-in kitchen banquette designed for family activities such as meals, games, and homework. The design emphasized rounded edges, prioritizing a kid-friendly and calming environment. The selection of furnishings also played a crucial role in establishing the home's new modern aesthetic. The family, having previously favored more traditional styles, embraced streamlined designs with soft textures. Key pieces included an Eero Saarinen Womb chair and B&B Italia’s modular Tufty-Time sofa, which can be reconfigured to face either the fireplace or the mountain views. Upholstery fabrics were chosen for their organic materials and nature-inspired hues, such as soft leathers, plush alpaca fiber, and felt, used for various seating options and accessories. Functional and stylish solutions were integrated throughout the home. A custom media room seating platform, designed by the architects, maximized space by eschewing conventional home theater seating in favor of two tiers of classic modern sofas and chairs, alongside sleek stools. This design demonstrated that comfort can be achieved without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Another innovative design feature was the repurposing of the space beneath the stairs. Inspired by Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, Feng and Barney created a play nook for the three boys. This involved carving three spherical, interconnected seats into a high-density foam structure, reinforced with fireproof fiberglass, and finished with a coat of lime plaster. Despite the complexity of its three-dimensional curve, this space became a favorite retreat for the children. The renovation also extended to custom art pieces, specifically commissioned to reflect the home’s surroundings. An abstract painting featuring sky blues and autumnal ochres was installed near the living room fireplace. In the dining room, acrylic paintings depicted translucent branches and leaves, inspired by a treetop photographed on the property. The primary suite featured a woven wall hanging that mirrored the silhouette of the foothills, visually linking the interior to the external landscape. These strategic design choices collectively transformed the Boulder County home into a residence that fully embraces its spectacular natural setting and its modern style. #HomeDesign #BoulderCounty #FlatironsView #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #CustomMillwork #GlassDoors #FamilyHome #SeamlessTransition

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a design element that maximizes natural light and offers expansive views, making a space feel larger and more connected to its surroundings. This architectural feature is particularly impactful when a home boasts a spectacular vista, whether it's a sprawling forest, a serene beach, or a vibrant city skyline. The glass panels often extend both vertically and horizontally, creating an almost alfresco living experience. Beyond the visual appeal, these windows bring abundant light into interiors throughout the day. A kitchen, for instance, can be bathed in bright, cheerful morning light, while a living room can be imbued with a warm glow as the sun sets. To further enhance the aesthetic impact of floor-to-ceiling windows, design considerations can include painting the window sashes and mullions in a dark hue. This choice creates a striking contrast against the outdoor scenery, making the vista pop even more. However, the inherent beauty of the view itself often negates the need for elaborate additional adornments. The article showcases 25 diverse examples from the Architectural Digest archives, illustrating how floor-to-ceiling windows are integrated into various residential settings. These examples highlight a range of interior design styles and geographical locations, demonstrating the versatility of this architectural element. In a Connecticut house by Carrier and Co., cube chairs by Desiron are positioned to face the living area's floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting inhabitants to engage with the exterior. Kara Ross and Stephen Ross's New York apartment, designed by Ingrao Inc., features city views through curtained windows, complemented by vintage French mahogany floor lamps and a papier-mâché sculpture. A San Francisco residence, furnished by Ken Fulk, boasts a 27-foot-tall window in the great room, offering sweeping cityscapes. The master bedroom of a New York Hudson River Valley retreat, designed by architect Joel Sanders, includes a Poliform platform bed and a CB2 Peekaboo table by the windows, paired with a vintage Frank Gehry Wiggle chair. An art-collecting couple's home in Amagansett, New York, by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, features a sun-drenched open living area framed by Duratherm doors and windows, with custom-made sofas upholstered in Rubelli fabric and a Stark rug. In Laguna Beach, California, a home by Ehrlich Architects integrates a window wall in the master bedroom that slides open to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, with beds by Roche Bobois. Designer John Barman's Miami Beach apartment utilizes a retractable, floor-to-ceiling door to provide immediate ocean views from every room, showcasing Thonet chairs and vintage accessories. A Los Angeles house decorated by Dan Fink features a Poul Kjærholm leather-top stool and a Vladimir Kagan sofa within a great room that connects to the outside through large windows. A Manhattan apartment by Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper incorporates a Jeff Koons sculpture and vintage Fritz Henningsen chairs at a window wall. Architect Antoine Predock designed a New Mexico home with a master bedroom offering mountain views, where coyotes have been observed walking outside the windows. Jamie Drake’s New York City living room combines a custom cocktail table and sectional sofa with a Pedro Friedeberg Hand chair and gold-leafed floor lamps, all benefiting from ample natural light. A home by Lake|Flato Architects near Austin, Texas, provides broad views of downtown through expansive windows, accented by a large-scale artwork by Vik Muniz. The Florida living room of Judy Blume and George Cooper, renovated by Thomas E. Pope and Malcolm James Kutner, is bordered by a garden rich with palms and orchids, visible through its windows. Adam Levine’s Hollywood Hills living room, designed by Mark Haddaway, is a carefully curated space of vintage pieces, illuminated by natural light. Lee F. Mindel of Shelton, Mindel & Assoc. designed a New York City apartment living area with stools and wicker lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm, arranged on a custom-made V’Soske carpet. In Nashville, Tennessee, a family room by McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors features a Sutherland lounge chair and a Flexform sectional sofa, with Donghia fabric curtains. A Commune-designed house in Los Angeles incorporates reclaimed-oak paneling in its double-height living room, benefiting from large windows. Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan’s Shelter Island, New York, home features custom-made ceramic tiles in a sunken living area that is brightened by natural light. A New York City pied-à-terre by Jennifer Post Design Inc. includes a vintage Stilnovo light fixture and a Minotti sofa in a living room filled with light. The kitchen of a New York City residence by ODA-Architecture features red-lacquer cabinetry and stainless-steel counters, with light streaming in through large windows. Gilles Mendel’s Manhattan apartment living room showcases an Earl Reiback artwork between nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, offering unobstructed northern city views. A Manhattan apartment’s master bath, designed by Cooper, Robertson & Partners and De la Torre Design Studio, is clad in Jerusalem Gold stone and features custom-made mirrored cabinets. A Sagaponack, New York, home by Christoff:Finio Architecture has a dining area with a Geoff Kuzara mobile and vintage Walter Gropius chairs, situated to take advantage of natural light. Lastly, a Shelter Island, New York, master bedroom by Michael Haverland Architect and Philip Galanes is lined with Carolyn Ray wallpaper and benefits from significant window space, and a New York City living room by Len Morgan features a George III sofa and antique Irish armchairs, illuminated by the natural light from the windows. #FloorToCeilingWindows #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalFeatures #LuxuryHomes #ModernLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #StunningViews

The article showcases Micro House, a 430-square-foot dwelling designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for an artist. Located on a sloping meadow in Vermont with views of Camel’s Hump peak, the project aimed to create a beautiful, compact, and energy-efficient home on a tight budget. Herrmann approached the design as an opportunity to advance the conversation around tiny homes, moving beyond mere utilitarian features to focus on aesthetic and spatial experiences. Despite its small footprint, Micro House achieves a sense of spaciousness through deliberate design choices. Herrmann utilized strategic window sizing and placement to define interior areas without resorting to traditional room divisions. This approach ensured a continuous flow throughout the open-plan home while providing distinct focal points and optimizing natural light and ventilation. The architect specifically lauded Marvin Windows and Doors for their wide range of window sizes, which allowed for precise fine-tuning to meet her design vision. This meticulous selection of windows contributes significantly to the home’s ability to frame specific views, offering a constant connection to the surrounding landscape. A large picture window serves as a central feature, offering a dramatic vista of Camel’s Hump and the Green Mountains, effectively turning the natural scenery into a living artwork above the kitchen/work table. Other windows, including vertical casement and horizontal awning types, are thoughtfully positioned to orient the various "rooms" and provide a meditative link to the site. For instance, awning windows in the kitchen invite both views and the mountain breeze, while long, narrow windows above the beds evoke the vastness of the forest. Given Vermont’s harsh winters, energy efficiency was a critical consideration. The large picture window is equipped with Lo-E 272 argon-filled glass, boasting a low U-factor for superior insulation and thermal performance. This ensures that the home remains comfortable despite the extensive glazing, addressing the challenge of maintaining efficiency with large windows in a small space during cold seasons. The exterior also features a gray-stained, cedar rain screen, further enhancing its ability to withstand the elements. The architectural form of Micro House blends a cabin-in-the-woods feel with a contemporary and innovative shape. Herrmann strategically carved out a corner for a sleeping loft and another for a front porch, contributing to the home's unique cubic structure. The sloping roof design encloses more private areas, such as the bathroom and sleeping space, at its lower end. The careful consideration given to defining spaces and creating a fluid experience within the home underscores Herrmann’s appreciation for the craftsmanship and flexibility offered by Marvin, highlighting their ability to execute complex and special designs. #TinyHome #MicroHouse #VermontArchitecture #EnergyEfficiency #SmallSpaceDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #WindowPlacement #ArtistRetreat #SustainableDesign

This article showcases 12 modern ski chalets across various locations, each embodying unique design elements and offering luxurious winter retreats. The collection begins with an Aspen, Colorado, ski chalet redesigned by Ghislaine Viñas and S2 Architects, which transformed a three-level, nearly 6,000-square-foot structure. The chalet's low-pitched hipped roof was replaced with a contemporary gabled one, extending to create deep eaves over a cantilevered balcony. Inspired by Aspen's early Swedish settlers, traditional Alpine architecture, and vintage ski-bum culture, the southern facade features expansive glass, offering views of the snowy landscape. Another Aspen property, a three-level rustic-chic ski chalet, underwent modernization by Rowland+Broughton. This 1990s stone-and-glass dwelling, known for its sensitive integration with mountain surroundings, received architectural interventions such as enlarged, view-enhancing windows and sliding doors, alongside meticulous editing of existing glazing mullions. In Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada, Chalet Bertha, designed by Perron, is situated on a hillside in the Laurentian Mountains. This 7,500-square-foot snow chalet features clean lines, inviting textures, and abundant natural light. Its design, inspired by Germanic mythology's Alpine goddess, aims to evoke a "winter spirit indoors" warmed by human connection. The three-level structure offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and the Saint Lawrence River. The article then moves to Norway, where Snorre Stinessen Architecture conceived a ski chalet-style lodge in the Lyngen Alps. Originally conceptualized as a cabin, it evolved into a luxurious hospitality destination for guests seeking world-class skiing and glacier trekking. The design emphasizes a connection with the landscape through simple, earthy materials and floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views. A rustic cabin in Breckenridge, Colorado, renovated by Amy Pigliacampo, blends old and new. This 1976-built A-frame ski chalet, located at an elevation of 11,000 feet, underwent a significant transformation. Pigliacampo painted the original pine paneling white, opened up the space with a new window above the kitchen, and incorporated materials like cane, caramel leather, creamy wool, and various wood tones to achieve a "1970s Modern Alpine Chalet" aesthetic. Studio Shoo designed a hotel in Kogalym, Western Siberia, for Ibis Styles. This 7,600-square-foot property, conceived as a winter wonderland, draws inspiration from the region's subarctic climate. The Moxy Banff, formerly the Voyager Inn, is a Canadian ski lodge that received a $30 million overhaul by Workshop/APD and Metafor. Built in 1964, the motor lodge was revitalized to combine the Moxy brand's playful personality, Banff's outdoor spirit, and its mid-century architectural roots. In Park City, Utah, a property by CLB Architects and Iluminus co-founder David Ostrander offers striking views of the Wasatch Mountains. The design utilizes a material palette established by the building's exterior, including Croatian limestone, shou sugi ban cedar cladding, steel-framed windows, and a copper roof. A unique "pop-up perch" provides 360-degree views, reminiscent of forest-fire watchtowers. Loren Daye of Studio Love is Enough transformed a Hudson Valley country inn into the Alpine-inspired Little Cat Lodge, a 14-room ski hotel, tavern, and bar. The subtle makeover includes reclaimed mushroom box-clad walls, checkered daybeds, Isamu Noguchi lanterns, and custom maple furniture. In Truckee, California, a Martis Camp retreat designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and the Wiseman Group is a 12,200-square-foot, three-level ski residence positioned to take advantage of Pacific Crest Trail views. The west-facing facade is almost entirely glass, complemented by overlapping cedar screens for privacy. The article also highlights two mid-century buildings by Herbert Bayer at the Aspen Institute in Colorado. The 1973 Boettcher Building was renovated by Rowland+Broughton, while the three International Style "ski chalets" for the Aspen Meadows Resort had their interiors reinvented by Michael Suomi, who incorporated legacy furniture pieces referencing Bauhaus origins. Finally, a single-story glass house by ACDF Architecture in Quebec’s Lanaudière region emphasizes its natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows maximize natural light and offer sweeping views. The interior features minimal furniture, muted tones, polished concrete flooring, and wooden plank ceilings with gaps to soften direct sunlight, creating spaces for both connection and privacy for a young family. #SkiChalets #WinterGetaway #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #AlpineDesign #RusticChic #SustainableDesign #GlassHouses

This blog post highlights a 4,000-square-foot, cedar-clad home in Rumson, New Jersey, designed by Narofsky Architecture, which seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings through extensive use of windows and doors. From the street, the home appears to be a single story, but closer inspection reveals a second ground level and a prominent glass-encased stair tower. The full geometric and angular composition, coupled with expansive glass, becomes evident from the rear. The homeowner, Kerry Ancheta, sought a modern yet organically harmonized dwelling. Narofsky Architecture achieved this by strategically placing the main living spaces on the lower level, fostering a strong connection to the outdoors. The design team incorporated solutions from Kolbe Windows & Doors' VistaLuxe® Collection to enhance this indoor-outdoor flow. The ground level, featuring an open floor plan encompassing the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, along with a guest bedroom, is enveloped by nature through floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. Stuart Narofsky, FAIA and principal architect, noted that the VistaLuxe Collection allowed for maximum heights and widths, accommodating doors along the entire length of the kitchen and family rooms. A unique aspect of the home is the absence of a traditional bedroom wing. Instead, sleeping quarters are arranged in separate areas, connected by the home’s open layout. A catwalk extends across the center of the home, linking the master bedroom to additional rooms on the opposite end. A cantilevered cube on the top level houses a second guest bedroom, projecting over the backyard. All these spaces are unified by a glass-enclosed floating pine staircase, which serves as a light-filled passageway. The stair tower, which travels vertically above a Zen garden, allows residents to look down into this tranquil space. The selection of windows and doors prioritized maximizing sight lines and complementing the home’s modern aesthetic. The VistaLuxe Collection's clean, minimalist design offers narrow sight lines and slim corner posts, creating a nearly frameless view from the interior. The collaboration between architects and Kolbe resulted in a wide selection of windows and doors with low-maintenance extruded aluminum exteriors and warm wood interiors, ideal for modern floor plans and large expanses of glass. For instance, a corner window unit in the living room provides an unobstructed view of the swimming pool, further blending the interior with the exterior. #ModernArchitecture #WindowDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableDesign #HomeIntegration #GlassWalls #NewJerseyHomes #NarofskyArchitecture

The Orchard Creek Overlook residence in Orono, Minnesota, exemplifies a harmonious blend of nature and modern suburban living, meticulously designed by John Quinlivan of Gordon James Construction & Development and Tommy Everson of Everson Architect. Situated on a private 39.5-acre parcel, this 5,300-square-foot home is the second of five approved structures, benefiting from its unique location adjacent to a protected wetland, ensuring privacy and expansive views. The homeowners, a family with two children, sought a sprawling single-story house inspired by Mountain Modern styles found in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Aspen, Colorado. A core design principle for the Orchard Creek Overlook was to maximize the panoramic views of the western wetlands. The great room was strategically oriented parallel to the wetland, featuring extensive glazing to capitalize on these vistas. Similarly, main-level bedrooms were positioned along the west side to offer each room its unique natural outlook. This open floor plan, combined with large custom windows and doors, facilitates an abundance of natural light throughout the primary living spaces, seamlessly connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape. The design also incorporates unique finishes such as bespoke ironwork railings, hand-blown glass light fixtures, and locally sourced limestone flooring, adding personalized touches to the architectural aesthetic. A critical element in achieving the home’s indoor/outdoor integration was the selection of high-quality, custom-crafted windows and doors. The clients chose Kolbe Windows & Doors, specifically the VistaLuxe WD LINE, after visiting a Kolbe showroom. They were drawn to the collection’s clean lines, elegant details, and sleek grids, perceiving them as unmatched by other manufacturers. The VistaLuxe WD LINE features a low-maintenance extruded aluminum exterior frame paired with a natural wood interior, boasting an industry-leading frame-to-daylight-opening ratio that enhances the viewing area. For the Orchard Creek Overlook, the Flush profile style was selected for its contemporary and streamlined appearance, with many windows and doors showcasing a Colonial pattern muntin grid with performance divided lites. This choice perfectly suited the home's hybrid design, which blends traditional forms, modern detailing, and rustic materials, offering a sophisticated yet rustic aesthetic. On the exterior, the window and door frames are finished in a dark Corbeau color, complementing the metal roof. Inside, the natural wood is painted black, creating a striking contrast with white walls and ceilings and effectively framing the outdoor views. Natural materials such as wood and stone floors, exposed wood beams, and a stone fireplace further extend the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. To ensure optimal performance, Everson specified standard double-pane glass with low-e coatings throughout the home. This glass choice helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures during both cold winters and hot summers, while also mitigating direct UV exposure to protect interior furnishings and artwork. The homeowners expressed immense satisfaction with the final outcome, particularly appreciating how the Kolbe products contributed to the home's integrated feel with its natural surroundings. #OronoHome #IndoorOutdoorLiving #KolbeWindowsDoors #VistaLuxeWDLine #EversonArchitect #GordonJamesConstruction #MountainModernDesign #CustomHome #ArchitecturalDesign #WetlandViews

This article highlights a remarkable prefab residence located in Bend, Oregon, designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and built by CS Construction. The home, spanning 2,800 square feet, is situated on a forested plateau of ponderosa pine, along the edge of a lava escarpment. Its design aims to harmoniously blend with the dual nature of its setting, offering both intimate forest immersion and sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains. The owners envisioned a modest home that could capture these contrasting elements effectively. The architectural approach emphasizes simplicity in program, clarity in siting and design, and the use of elementary materials and construction methods, resulting in a home that is both visually dramatic and inherently comfortable. A distinctive feature is a bridge clad in green fiber cement panels, which serves as the entry point between the garage and the main living areas. Upon entering, residents are greeted by a bold yellow wall that immediately frames a verdant view, introducing the impressive mountain peaks in the distance. Inside, natural light is thoughtfully integrated to illuminate key areas, such as a long counter workspace, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The structural design incorporates a series of open-web trusses combined with dimensional wood framing. This construction method allows for broad overhangs, providing shade and architectural interest, while also creating ample space for insulation. Plywood is used for the finished ceiling, contributing to the interior's clean and modern aesthetic. An aluminum window system, attached to laminated wood columns, forms a prominent wall of glass. This expansive window wall is strategically oriented to maximize the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, establishing a strong connection between the interior and the outdoors. To the right of this view-oriented space, and running parallel to it, are the main living areas and bedrooms. These private spaces are edged by a walkway that extends to a private deck, further integrating the home with its natural environment and offering additional outdoor living space. The overall design demonstrates a thoughtful balance between human-made structure and natural beauty, ensuring that the residence complements its stunning Oregon setting while providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing living experience. The project showcases how prefab construction can achieve sophisticated architectural results that are deeply connected to their environment. #OregonPrefab #ModernArchitecture #BohlinCywinskiJackson #BendOregon #PrefabHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #GlassWalls #ForestLiving #MountainViews

This article explores the use of clerestory windows in residential architecture, highlighting eight distinct projects that demonstrate how these high-level glazed strips enhance natural light, privacy, and ventilation within home interiors. Clerestory windows, traditionally found in churches and cathedrals, are increasingly integrated into modern residential designs, positioned just beneath the roofline to maximize daylight penetration. The featured projects showcase diverse applications and aesthetic outcomes. In Australia, Architecture Architecture's 'Sunday' cottage extension in Melbourne incorporates large, translucent clerestory glazing above a mono-pitched roof, blending indoor and outdoor spaces with hollow breeze-blocks and drawing ample light into the home. Proctor & Shaw's 'Heath House' in north London, an extension to a Grade II-listed villa, uses clerestory glazing alongside floor-to-ceiling openings in its kitchen and dining areas to optimize natural light, complementing a material palette of wood and white brick. Denis Joelsons' renovation of 'Sítio Rio Acima' in Brazil, a residential complex near São Paulo, includes the addition of a vaulted ceiling with an arched clerestory window in the main home, which transforms into a luminous 'lantern at night.' In Fukushima, Japan, IGArchitects' 'Forest of Pillars' homes utilize a ring of clerestory windows beneath the roof to ensure privacy from surrounding properties while still allowing light to enter through their slender timber column frames. K59 Atelier's 'Di Linh House' in Vietnam, constructed with local rammed earth and timber, features a strip of clerestory glazing on its west facade positioned above smaller windows. This design strategically enhances privacy and provides effective sun shading in the remote location. Sam Crawford Architects' renovation of the 'Hidden Garden House' in Sydney, Australia, aims to brighten a previously dark interior. The ground floor kitchen features a concrete ceiling that curves upwards, coupled with operable clerestory windows, to draw in winter sun and offer shading. In Hyderabad, India, Kiron Cheerla Architecture designed 'Pott House' with a lantern-like roof that draws both light and natural ventilation into the timber-gridded home. The design centers around a full-height living and dining space beneath exposed timber trusses. Finally, IGArchitects' '2700' in Japan, a two-story home on a narrow plot, uses clerestory windows to increase privacy on the ground floor while simultaneously drawing light into its layered living spaces, defined by exposed concrete walls. These examples collectively illustrate the versatility and functional benefits of clerestory windows, demonstrating their capacity to transform residential spaces by providing optimal daylight, improving natural ventilation, and offering privacy solutions without compromising illumination. The article compiles these projects as visual inspiration from Dezeen's archives, emphasizing the architectural and interior design trends that leverage these specific glazing elements. #ClerestoryWindows #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeInteriors #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernHomes #ResidentialExtensions #PrivacySolutions #SustainableDesign

The Entourage private residence in Zomergem, Belgium, seamlessly integrates rustic and modern architectural elements. The original structure features light blonde wooden panels and bricks, while a new extension incorporates expansive glass openings, an outdoor deck, and several ponds. A key feature of this modern extension is the corner glass sliding windows, provided by Orama Minimal Frames. Orama Minimal Frames supplied its Omicron glazing system for the open corner design of the residence. This system utilizes double glazing to create wide, unobstructed views and features sliding glass partitions. An integrated insect screen enhances comfort by allowing fresh air and natural light while protecting residents from insects. The Omicron system is characterized by its minimal aluminum frames, contributing to a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. It is available in various colors and offers a range of accessories, including automatic motors and discreet posts. Orama Minimal Frames also offers the ONE and Z° series, which, when combined with Omicron double glazing, can achieve floor-to-ceiling openings. This allows for maximum natural light penetration and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The company emphasizes customization, providing a variety of colors and optional features such as insect screens, motorized panels, and additional posts to meet diverse design requirements. This project, completed in 2018 by TARCH Architects, showcases the Omicron Double Glazing Corner Solution with an insect net as a prime example of modern residential glazing applications. The article highlights the product's suitability for exterior windows and residential applications. Key characteristics of the Omicron system include its minimal visual impact, the inclusion of a mosquito net, hand-made components, invisible drainage, an adjustable base, smooth sliding operation, thermal and sound breaking properties, enhanced safety features, and quick assembly. The system offers impressive size capabilities, with maximum leaf heights up to 6.5 meters, maximum leaf widths up to 3 meters, and glass thickness ranging from 30 to 54 millimeters, supporting a maximum leaf weight of up to 1000 kilograms. This robust design allows for large, imposing glass installations that maintain structural integrity and performance. #CornerWindow #OramaMinimalFrames #OmicronGlazingSystem #ResidentialArchitecture #MinimalFrames #GlassSlidingWindows #ModernDesign #BelgianArchitecture

For decades, architects and government officials have recognized the importance of energy-efficient buildings, especially since the 1970s energy crisis. Buildings, including their construction, materials, and associated infrastructure, contribute up to 40 percent of global carbon emissions, making energy efficiency a critical concern. This understanding is foundational in North American architecture schools and has been emphasized by European institutions for even longer. The "Passive House Design" approach, pioneered by German architects, considers a building's entire interconnected system, focusing on its integration with the site, climate, and social support. This philosophy extends beyond residential structures to all building types. A more recent evolution, the "Net Zero Design" approach, also led by German designers, takes this further by requiring buildings to be highly efficient, use minimal energy, and replace all the energy they consume, potentially even contributing excess energy back to the local power grid. Europe, with its advanced energy design and construction history, has developed numerous innovative building cladding systems that contribute to energy efficiency. These systems often incorporate specialty fabrics in intelligent ways, such as vertical shade systems, retractable awnings, and entire building wraps. Industry experts, including Steve Fredrickson from Serge Ferrari North America, note that Europe is significantly ahead of North America in this area due to a lack of air conditioning standardization in European homes and retail, creating a greater need for heat barrier solutions. Additionally, European building codes are more adaptable to new energy-reducing products and developments. In contrast, existing North American building codes and the time required for their amendment make widespread adoption of fabric shade systems more challenging. Architect Samuel Armijos observes that while European markets showcase many examples of vertical fabric systems, such projects are scarce in the U.S. This lack of visible examples hinders broader acceptance and design incorporation. Architect Nicholas Goldsmith, however, notes a growing recognition among North American designers that exterior shading, particularly in specific regional climates, offers advantages over other cladding systems, such as being lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective. Mike Squizzato of Stobag North America Corp. highlights that Europeans prioritize shade for cooling due to higher electricity costs, whereas North Americans typically rely on air conditioning. He believes that as electricity costs rise and climate concerns grow, North American markets will rapidly adopt shading solutions, with awnings and vertical shading providing natural air-conditioned environments and potentially saving over 50 percent on electricity bills. Paul Snustead, director of facades at Structurflex, acknowledges Europe's lead but points to Structurflex's efforts to advance fabric facade architecture in the U.S. Tensile facades, also known as textile, fabric, or flexible facades, offer an innovative, long-lasting, and cost-effective alternative to traditional metal mesh screens, often costing about 50 percent less. These systems act as a 'second skin' for buildings, providing screening and shading, which can contribute to reduced energy consumption and LEED certification. Despite the clear benefits, the adoption of fabric-based shading systems in North America faces challenges. Traditional cladding materials remain strong competitors. Armijos notes a decline in leads for shade jobs, with parking garages being the primary market, but even there, fabric competes with pre-fabricated concrete and metal mesh systems. He suggests a major global event might be needed to spur a push toward textile facades. Andrew Trowbridge of Ronstan International observes a shift away from stainless steel cables in fabric structures towards greening systems and perforated aluminum panels for shade and facade coverage. Conversely, Fredrickson sees growth in both static and retractable vertical shading options across North America. Snustead describes an exponential expansion in the fabric facade architecture market, particularly for tensile fabric meshes, membranes, and foils, initially driven by parking garage screening requirements. Structurflex has seen an 800 percent increase in facade projects annually, with fabric facades becoming a significant part of their operations. Squizzato predicts that as temperatures rise, North Americans will increasingly seek cost-effective cooling solutions beyond air conditioning, leading to buildings with more colorful awnings and widespread vertical shading, eventually mirroring European practices within 15 years. For companies looking to enter or expand in this market, experts emphasize the need for knowledge, education, and accessibility of information. The ideal company size varies by region and market, but success hinges on having the right products and expertise. Fredrickson warns against using cheap, unproven products, which can harm the market's reputation. Snustead highlights the versatility of tensile facades, which can span large distances with less structural support and use materials that are often 100% recyclable with long lifespans. Squizzato points out that many existing businesses, from awning companies to landscape architects, can leverage sun shade protection to expand their services, provided they have appropriate insurance, training, and competent staff. The overall outlook for vertical fabric shading remains positive, with continued growth anticipated, especially as architects and contractors become more familiar with the medium's innovation and economic advantages. #BuildingFacades #VerticalShading #EnergyEfficiency #FabricArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalTextiles #NetZeroDesign #ClimateControl #ConstructionInnovation

Picture windows offer a unique architectural element that seamlessly integrates a home's interior with its surrounding environment, providing stunning, expansive views and enhancing the sense of connection to nature. This article showcases 15 distinct examples of homes that effectively leverage picture windows to frame diverse and breathtaking landscapes, ranging from serene lakesides and dramatic coastlines to mountainous regions and urban vistas. Among the featured homes is a vacation rental on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, designed by Dualchas Architects, which boasts expansive windows perfect for whale watching from a luxurious living room. In the Italian Alps, architect Alfredo Vanotti's Casa VI features north-facing larch-framed windows that capture views of the Orobie Alps. McCall Design and Planning’s Cliff House in Idaho, situated on a steep slope overlooking Payette Lake, incorporates large, triple-glazed windows and even a boulder into the entrance foyer to emphasize indoor/outdoor living. The Qiyunshan Tree House in China, designed by Bengo Studio, offers a minimalist reading room with a floor-to-ceiling window framing a lush mountain view. In the Netherlands, Marc Koehler’s "House with 11 Views" uses 17th-century Dutch landscape paintings as inspiration for windows that frame various natural scenes. Ireland's Lost Cottage vacation rental features a massive picture window in the principal bedroom overlooking Caragh Lake and a glass roof above a sunken tub for stargazing. On British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, a renovated vacation home by Falken Reynolds Interiors now serves as a primary residence, with added skylights and a picture window providing panoramic coastal views. Butler Armsden Architects and Leverone Design reimagined a Sea Ranch retreat in California, using clear, vertical grain fir and ample windows to highlight the Pacific Ocean and surrounding meadows. Ampuero Yutronic’s Casa Hualle in Chile’s Lake District, a black timber home, uses strategically placed windows to offer dramatic views of a nearby volcano and lake. In Chicago’s Motor Row District, Vladimir Radutny Architects’ renovation of a century-old loft reveals unexpected vantage points and views as one moves between levels. Salmela Architects’ Hyytinen cabin in Minnesota, situated on a wooded plot sloping towards Lake Vermilion, has a fully glazed east end to capture scenic outdoor views. A semi-modular beach house in Tasmania, designed by Stuart Tanner, minimizes the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces with extensive use of glass to celebrate the rugged landscape. Stafford Architecture’s Sydney home is designed to respect its natural sandstone ridge, with a picture window on the lower level offering a view of the rock formation. The Nooq Cabin in Whitefish, Montana, by Alex Strohl and Andrea Dabene, features Scandinavian-style gabled sections with expansive windows overlooking mountain slopes. Finally, Hacker Architects remodeled a 1970s condo in Oregon, streamlining the interiors to maximize natural light and showcase the surrounding views. These examples collectively demonstrate how thoughtful window placement and design can profoundly impact a home's aesthetic and its occupants' experience of their environment. #PictureWindows #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDesign #NaturalLight #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ScenicViews #ModernHomes #WindowDesign

Designer Zoë Feldman transformed a dark and dated living room in a 2022 Whole Home in Atlanta into a bright, airy space with an indoor/outdoor feel. Initially, the room, despite its pitched ceilings and ample natural light, suffered from dark beams, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and antiquated Gothic fixtures that made it appear dim. Feldman's vision was to create a versatile space that functioned as a living room, garden room, and sunroom. The renovation began with the replacement of energy-inefficient windows with a large arched window from Pella and glass steel doors. Instead of the standard black finish, Feldman chose to paint these elements a subtle green-blue, complementing the newly painted creamy white walls and beams. The ceiling was tented with a variegated black-and-white striped wallpaper, adding a unique design element overhead. The existing fireplace was modernized with a fresh plaster coating and a new corrugated stone mantel, which became a central focal point. Feldman describes the finished room as feeling like a "jewel box, even though it's a large space." The expansive room features six openings to adjacent areas, leading Feldman to strategically float most of the furniture in the center. This arrangement facilitates natural conversation and ensures easy flow throughout the space. To maintain a slightly informal atmosphere, a slipcovered sofa from Lee Industries was chosen, along with a daybed from Serena & Lily, which received a custom upgrade with Sanderson fabric. A small alcove within the living room was designed to incorporate a built-in settee. Feldman upholstered the settee in a Morris & Co. floral velvet, accented with custom Fabricut trim. The alcove is further enhanced by Circa Lighting sconces and a painted Moroccan table, creating what Feldman calls a charming, unexpected "little moment." The design incorporates warm, antique, and antique-inspired accents, which lend a familiar and inviting sensibility to the bright space. The inclusion of the built-in bench and daybed adds versatility, allowing the room to serve various functions for the occupants. This thoughtful combination of structural changes, color palette, and furnishing selections successfully transformed the living room into a sophisticated and welcoming indoor/outdoor oasis. #InteriorDesign #LivingRoom #HomeRenovation #ZoeFeldman #ArchedWindow #IndoorOutdoorLiving #HomeDecor #DesignTransformation #AtlantaHome

This lookbook explores eight diverse living spaces that incorporate industrial Crittall-style windows and doors, showcasing their enduring appeal and versatility in contemporary home design. Crittall windows, characterized by their gridded metal frames typically made of steel with a bold black finish, originated in the late 19th century and became prominent in Art Deco and modernist architecture. Today, they are experiencing a revival, valued for their clean graphic lines that inject an industrial aesthetic into modern residences worldwide. The featured projects highlight various applications of Crittall-style elements. The Ghost House in the UK, designed by BPN Architects, features a double-height Crittall-style window that serves as a wall to an open-plan living and dining area within a concrete house, contributing to its "ethereal presence." In Tel Aviv, interior designer Maayan Zusman and architect Amir Navon utilized gridded black window frames to create an "airy yet framed" interior in an apartment renovation, complemented by other delicate black furnishings. Xu Fu-Min's Returning Hut in rural China offers a peaceful retreat with a living room featuring a giant wall of glazing framed by gridded metal, which slides open to connect seamlessly with the garden. Surman Weston's Ditton Hill House in the UK integrates Crittall-style windows with exposed steel floor decks, overlooking the garden in an open-plan living area, reflecting the client's preference for industrial aesthetics and nodding to nearby mock-Tudor homes. Little Peak in the USA, a holiday home designed by Berman Horn Studio, features black gridded windows and doors that punctuate its facade. These elements were chosen for their industrial look and to draw focus to the natural textures and colors of the surrounding landscape. Will Gamble Architects' Burnt House in the UK, a residential extension inspired by a Japanese tea house, employs Crittall-style windows and doors to achieve a minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of a shoji screen, paired with a blackened wood window seat. The Binh Thuan House in Vietnam by MIA Design Studio uses white gridded frames on sliding doors, harmonizing with its industrial all-white, modular structure designed for future modification. Finally, the Harrison Residence in Florida, designed by Jeffrey Dungan Architects, showcases black Crittall-style windows as a focal point in its living space. These windows frame the surrounding tall trees, introducing color into an otherwise monochrome interior with black shelving and a coffee table, and white walls and sofas. Collectively, these examples demonstrate how Crittall-style windows and doors can be adapted to various architectural styles and interior design visions, enhancing spaces with light, connection to the outdoors, and a distinct industrial character. #CrittallWindows #IndustrialDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalFeatures #LivingSpaces #WindowFrames #ModernHomes

The Overlook House in Lexington, Massachusetts, designed by architect Marcus Gleysteen and lighting consultant Doreen Madden, demonstrates how sophisticated lighting and thoughtful volumetric design can effectively differentiate living spaces within an open-plan home. This residence, recognized in the 2011 myMarvin Architect's Challenge, achieves LEED silver certification through its commitment to sustainability, incorporating geothermal heating, energy-efficient Marvin windows, and strategic use of natural light. Gleysteen's approach to open-plan living centers on the principle that the best architectural elements—light, proportion, and space configuration—are not costly additions but fundamental design principles. To create distinct zones without relying on physical walls, the design employs varied lighting schemes and spatial volumes. For instance, the living room is characterized by large volumes and diffused lighting, fostering a sense of openness and relaxation. In contrast, the kitchen, though part of the open layout, is designed as a more intimate area with focused task lighting and a singular window, clearly defining its functional purpose while maintaining a visual connection to the broader living area. This method ensures that each space retains its unique identity and atmosphere, preventing the kitchen from intruding on the ambiance of the living room. The project emphasizes the delicate balance between aesthetic design and practical livability. Gleysteen notes that while many impressive architectural designs prioritize beauty, they often overlook the daily functional requirements of a home. The Overlook House successfully integrates a contemporary design language focused on light and energy efficiency with practical considerations for everyday living, such as designated areas for children to study and places for muddy boots. This integration showcases that a modern, less traditional design approach can effectively address common livability challenges, making the home both beautiful and highly functional. Sustainability is a core tenet of the Overlook House, extending beyond mere hardware to encompass the entire design philosophy. Gleysteen advocates for building only what is truly necessary and maximizing its utility. He argues that the most sustainable homes are those that people desire to live in for extended periods, rather than those that are merely energy-efficient but quickly resold or extensively renovated. A well-designed and well-built home fosters long-term occupancy and appreciation, contributing more significantly to sustainability than short-lived, energy-efficient structures. Despite this broader view, the Overlook House is indeed highly energy-efficient, utilizing high-performance Marvin windows for ample natural light, coupled with strategic shading and overhangs to regulate solar gain. Urethane foam insulation and a geothermal heating and cooling system with zone management further minimize energy consumption, underscoring the home's commitment to environmental responsibility. The design process for the Overlook House notably incorporated Google SketchUp, a valuable and accessible 3D modeling tool. This software allowed the design team to explore numerous three-dimensional concepts efficiently and cost-effectively. By integrating SketchUp with Google Earth, the team could precisely orient the architectural model, analyze solar paths, and understand how sunlight would interact with the building throughout the year. This advanced simulation capability was crucial in determining optimal volumes and window placements, ensuring the effective harnessing of natural light and control over solar exposure, ultimately contributing to both the aesthetic quality and energy performance of the house. #OverlookHouse #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #LEDLighting #OpenFloorPlan #EnergyEfficiency #ArchitecturalDesign #MarvinWindows #LEEDCertified

This article explores eight residential interiors that utilize oversized or uniquely shaped windows to create a strong connection with nature, offering verdant views and tranquil living spaces. Each project showcases distinct approaches to integrating large windows, from urban renovations to homes nestled in forests or on hillsides, emphasizing the role of natural light and outdoor scenery in interior design. The first example, Casa Tres Árboles in Mexico by Direccion, is a weekend retreat featuring neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors that frame lush courtyards, creating a sense of refuge. Hidden Garden House in Sydney, designed by Sam Crawford Architects, transformed an urban home into a sanctuary with a plant-filled sloped roof terrace visible through large windows, providing a private bathing experience. Ome Dezin's renovation of 12221 Benmore, a mid-century home in California, maintains its original charm by incorporating oversized openings to maximize views of the surrounding hillside and enhance its connection to the outdoors. Nisarga Art Hub in Kerala, India, by Wallmakers, functions as both a family home and an arts center. It features earthy interiors with built-in seating positioned to overlook paddy fields through expansive windows. Poet's Corner House in London, an extension by Oliver Leech Architects, addresses dark interiors by adding a four-meter-wide skylight and offering views of a wildflower meadow roof and a rear courtyard. Asmalay, near Mumbai, by Blurring Boundaries, is a curvaceous home designed to wrap around five mango trees. Its oval-shaped windows draw in daylight and provide continuous views of the leafy forest. Memo Architectuur's renovation of Well House in Belgium transformed a dilapidated row house into a bright single-family home, with floor-to-ceiling rear openings that create a picturesque backdrop for the open-plan kitchen and upper-floor balcony. Finally, House Dokka in Norway, by Snøhetta, comprises two stacked timber-clad volumes designed to resemble a floating treehouse. Perched on a hillside, it features large black-framed windows that optimize views of the rocky landscape. These projects collectively illustrate how strategic window placement and design can enhance interiors by integrating natural surroundings, improving daylighting, and fostering a sense of peace and connection to the environment. The selection highlights diverse architectural styles and geographical locations, all united by their innovative use of windows to bring the outdoors in. #TranquilInteriors #OversizedWindows #LushViews #ResidentialDesign #NaturalLight #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalWindows #NatureIntegration