Corner Window - Double Sliding Corner from Orama Minimal Frames

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

Orama Minimal Frames, a leading Greek manufacturer of bespoke slender aluminum glazing systems, collaborated with architect Tasos Athanasopoulos on Residency Voula, a private residential project completed in 2023. This contemporary home, situated in the coastal suburb of Voula, Greece, was designed to emphasize transparency, open spaces, and a strong connection between its interior and exterior environments. The architectural approach prioritized modern minimalism and functional living, aiming to create a private sanctuary that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings while showcasing clean lines. To achieve the design's vision of maximizing natural light and offering unobstructed views, Orama's specialized glazing systems were strategically incorporated throughout the residence. Specifically, three distinct product lines from Orama were utilized: "One – The Minimal Frame," "Z – The Invisible Frame," and "Axis – The Pivot Frame." Each system serves a particular function in enhancing the home's aesthetic and performance. "One – The Minimal Frame" provides sleek and unobtrusive window profiles, contributing to the minimalist look by reducing visible frame elements. "Z – The Invisible Frame" takes this concept further, creating virtually frameless expanses that ensure continuous visual flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, effectively blurring the boundaries of the home. Complementing these, "Axis – The Pivot Frame" allows for elegant and smooth operation of pivot doors, adding both functionality and a sophisticated design element. The integration of these systems not only reinforces the minimalist aesthetic sought by the architect but also guarantees high performance, precision in manufacturing, and long-lasting quality, essential for a modern luxury residence. The project, located in Voula, Greece, stands as an example of how advanced glazing technologies can be used to achieve ambitious architectural designs, promoting natural light penetration and expansive views while maintaining structural integrity and design elegance. Orama Minimal Frames, established in 2013, specializes in turning architectural concepts into reality through creative and collaborative design processes, as demonstrated in Residency Voula. #MinimalWindowFrames #ResidentialArchitecture #OramaMinimalFrames #VoulaResidence #GlazingSystems #TasosAthanasopoulos #ModernMinimalism #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalLight #UnobstructedViews

The Europa Minimal Frame is an aluminum architectural system developed by EUROPA PROFIL ALUMINUM SA, designed to offer high performance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. This innovative sliding system recently received the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2022 in the Interior Design Elements category, highlighting its excellence in combining aesthetic simplicity with luxury. The system is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of architectural constructions, including residential and hotel buildings. It features a minimalist design with a visible aluminum frame of only 25mm, allowing for very large openings that maximize natural light and unobstructed views. This design ensures seamless movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. Key benefits of the Europa Minimal Frame include superior thermal insulation, effective sound reduction, and excellent waterproofing, all while maintaining ease of use for various construction applications. One of the standout features is its ability to create an unobstructed, limitless view. The system accommodates openings up to 24 square meters and 4 meters in height, providing high energy performance and sound insulation. The design facilitates an unbarred transition from interior to exterior spaces, with an integrated drainage threshold located below floor level to manage water flow efficiently. Furthermore, the window frame can be completely concealed within walls and the floor, enhancing visual continuity and optimizing light diffusion. The fully hidden in-floor track system ensures barrier-free movement, making it accessible for individuals with disabilities. Gaps are covered by floor materials, resulting in a smooth and visually uniform finish. The system offers unique style through its handle options and glazing capabilities. Users can choose between an aluminum profile with a built-in handle, which enhances the sash's mechanical properties and allows opening at any height, or an additional handle grip mounted on the window sash as part of a multi-lock point mechanism, which can be replaced without removing the sash. The option for triple window glazing, with widths ranging from 38mm to 40mm, provides exceptional thermal and sound insulation. A deceleration mechanism ensures quiet and smooth window closing. The frames are designed to be minimalistic, with track systems that can be fully recessed into the floor, walls, and ceiling. Only the overlapping sections of multi-slide windows remain visible, with a slender 25mm profile. Functionality is a core aspect of the Europa Minimal Frame. It utilizes stainless steel rollers within the bottom track system, allowing for smooth operation even with window sashes weighing up to 1,000 kg. An innovative design permits easy repair or replacement of these rollers without needing to remove the window sashes. The combination of aesthetics, material uniformity, and high-performance features integrates seamlessly with the pure minimalism of glass facades. Large double or triple glazed sashes, coupled with stainless steel track rollers, ensure comfortable, easy, and silent opening and closing. The system's flexibility extends to various design and construction solutions, such as concealed, horizontal sliding, push-to-open insect screens (also available as motor-operated vertical sliders), and multi-slide horizontal window nets recessed into walls. These solutions promote natural ventilation, provide protection, and offer both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. EUROPA PROFIL ALUMINUM SA, founded in 1974, is a prominent aluminum processing industry in Greece, known for its continuous investments in technology and human resources. The company exports to over 28 countries and employs more than 350 people, maintaining a highly developed network of aluminum manufacturers. The Europa Minimal Frame exemplifies their commitment to innovation and quality in architectural systems. #MinimalWindowFrame #EuropaMinimalFrame #ArchitecturalSystems #SlidingWindow #RedDotAward #ThermalInsulation #SoundReduction #AccessibilityDesign #AluminiumJoinery

The Sky-Frame Pocket solution offers a sophisticated recessed sliding door system designed to create seamless transitions and completely open up living spaces. This innovative feature allows glass door elements to disappear entirely into wall pockets, effectively merging indoor and outdoor environments without any visible glass leaves or frames obstructing the view. This system is suitable for both residential and commercial applications, providing a versatile solution for various architectural designs. Key characteristics include recessed elements, hidden mechanics, and a seamless transition between spaces. The design ensures that rooms can be fully opened, offering an unobstructed aesthetic. Sky-Frame emphasizes user-friendliness, ensuring that the complex technology behind these hidden sliding doors is simple to operate. The company and its distribution partners provide comprehensive professional advice and support from initial concept through to project completion, facilitating the integration of tailored spatial concepts. The system is adaptable to different architectural visions, accommodating ceiling-height window fronts, organic curves, and sloping glass units. Technical options for the Sky-Frame Pocket system include various glazing configurations to suit different performance requirements. Sky-Frame 1 offers single glazing, Sky-Frame 2 features double-glazed insulating glass, and Sky-Frame 3 provides triple-glazed insulating glass for enhanced thermal and acoustic performance. These options allow for customization based on climate and specific project needs. Several optional features can be integrated with the Pocket solution to further enhance functionality and convenience. Sky-Frame Drive enables electrically powered opening and closing, adding a layer of automation. For pest control, the FLY option includes an integrated insect screen. Security is addressed with Sky-Frame GUARD, offering increased anti-burglary protection. Sky-Frame INLINE provides flush-fitted glass panels for an even sleeker appearance, while the GUN version offers a bulletproof option for specialized security requirements. Furthermore, customization is available through the COLOR option, allowing for aesthetic integration with diverse interior and exterior palettes. All Sky-Frame products, including the Pocket solution, adhere to stringent quality and performance standards, holding certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, Qualicoat Seaside, NFRC, and UL Certificate of Compliance. Documentation, including working files, living brochures, and image brochures, is available in multiple languages (English, US, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian) to support architects and clients globally. BIM files and CAD drawings are also accessible for design and planning purposes. This product is applicable for exterior/outdoor, interior, and partition uses, specifically as a sliding window type. Sky-Frame's commitment to frameless window concepts transforms views into integral design features, enhancing the overall living and working experience by maximizing natural light and connectivity to the surrounding environment. #SlidingDoors #RecessedDoors #FramelessWindows #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SeamlessTransitions #HomeAutomation #SustainableDesign

This article discusses the increasing use and benefits of open corner sliding glass doors in residential architecture, focusing on how they transform interior spaces by blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The article highlights the Malibu Crest project by Studio Bracket as a prime example, where these specialized doors were instrumental in expanding panoramic views while retaining the structural integrity of a 1949 International Style home. It delves into the technical aspects of these systems, noting that manufacturers like Western Window Systems use tempered glass and innovative extrusion designs to create seamless connections at 90-degree angles. This technology allows for uninterrupted glass walls, effectively turning a corner into a dynamic portal to the outside environment. The aesthetic advantages of open corner systems are emphasized, explaining how they visually flatten external views into three-dimensional landscape paintings, thereby bringing natural light and scenery into a home. When these sliding doors are opened, they completely dissolve the barrier between interior and exterior, creating a continuous, expansive space that is particularly beneficial for homes with outdoor amenities such as dining areas or pools. An example from Scottsdale, Arizona, designed by Jessica Hutchison-Rough, illustrates how an open corner sliding glass door can merge an indoor kitchen and dining area with an outdoor dining space, making the entire area feel significantly larger and more open. The article also addresses the structural considerations necessary for integrating large expanses of open corner sliding glass doors. Architects must plan early for robust headers that can support the considerable weight and span of these systems. Manufacturers can design multi-slide glass doors up to 60-70 feet wide and up to 17 feet tall, depending on the series. Some designs incorporate detached structural supports, like interior columns, to maintain the illusion of an unobstructed opening, as seen in a house designed by Jonathan Segal FAIA. This approach, combined with consistent flooring materials, further obliterates the traditional division between indoor and outdoor spaces. Ultimately, open corner sliding glass doors are presented as an extraordinary architectural solution for those seeking to maximize natural light, enhance scenic views, and foster a deeper connection between a home's interior and its surrounding environment. By eliminating opaque walls at corners, these systems contribute to a sense of unlimited space, making even a home with the same square footage feel much grander and more integrated with nature. #OpenCornerDoors #SlidingGlassDoors #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeDesign #NaturalLight #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #GlassTechnology #WesternWindowSystems

Vitrocsa, pioneers in modern minimalist windows, offers aluminum sliding windows with an invisible frame, manufactured to Swiss Made quality standards. These windows feature a unique horizontal opening solution with a 25-micron anodized aluminum alloy structure, available in natural color or an extensive range of thermolacquered or anodized colors. The roller bearing system is made of stainless steel, specifically designed for coastal environments. The minimalist window designs boast a slim vertical profile width of 22 mm, with their size limited only by the maximum surface area of the glass. Options include button-locking with two-point locking, cylinder locking with a key, and motorization capabilities. The invisible frame application eliminates the need for internal or external architectural enclosures, offering clear sightlines. These windows are available with 32 or 44 mm double or triple glazing, supporting sliding window surfaces up to 18 m² for large sliding glass doors. Vitrocsa's sliding window range includes several adaptations for various installation conditions. The TH+ range uses 32 or 44 mm double or triple glazing, allowing for large sliding window surfaces of up to 18 m². Its excellent insulating properties meet current low energy consumption standards. The 3001 range, invented in 1996, is Vitrocsa’s flagship product, accommodating sliding window surfaces up to 6 m² with 26 mm double glazing. For warmer climates or internal partitions, the SWIMMS range is available, accepting glazing thicknesses from 10 to 12 mm or 16 to 20 mm. The V32 range features thermal reinforcement and a glass fiber profile, designed for standard fixed or sliding openings, with a slim profile to maximize natural light. The V56 range allows for infinite glazing surfaces using 56 mm thick double or triple glazing, building upon Vitrocsa's proven mechanical characteristics over 25 years. Safety and security options are integral, meeting high standards such as RC2. Additional components include an integrated alarm system, closed leaf position monitoring, glass breakage detectors, and special burglary-resistant glass. For insect control, a rail can be added for a mosquito net or a retractable canvas, providing coverage up to 80 cm in the vertical jamb. The motorization system for automatic sliding doors is seamlessly integrated into the architectural design, ensuring minimal interference and quiet operation. The hidden motorization unit requires a height of just 12 cm, with a maximum driving force of 180 N for a weight of up to 1200 kg per motor. The system features a maximum motion speed of 167 mm/s-1, slowing when driving a second leaf. Automatic electrical closure is compatible with various home automation opening systems like digicode, push-button, and badge readers, and includes a safety stop mechanism for obstacles. A significant innovation for 2021 is the minimalist sliding window on a single-track insulated invisible frame. This patented design, introduced in 2012, conceals the entire surrounding frame, providing an expansive opening and unparalleled transparency. The glazing and surface options are limitless, fostering a sense of space, light, and freedom by blurring the line between indoor and outdoor environments. This insulated invisible frame is available in single or multi-track configurations, custom-made to adapt to different glass formats and challenging climates while ensuring an unimpeded view. #Vitrocsa #SlidingWindows #InvisibleFrame #MinimalistDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #ThermalInsulation #HomeSecurity #SmartHomeIntegration

The article introduces Contour Blinds, an innovative interior design concept developed by London-based designer Helena Karelson. Debuted at the London Design Festival, these blinds aim to redefine the conventional window covering by offering both aesthetic appeal and enhanced functionality. Karelson's design draws inspiration from light dynamics and the interplay between form and shadow. When fully extended, the blinds mimic the fanned display of a peacock, creating a visually striking element within a room. A key feature of Contour Blinds is their ability to manipulate light in different orientations. In a horizontal position, the irregular gaps between the slats allow light to filter through, producing an undulating effect reminiscent of a topographical map. This design not only provides visual interest but also controls the intensity and pattern of natural light entering a space. When the blinds are oriented vertically, the light passing through the window behind them is diffused into a soft, warm glow, attributed to the specific light-colored wood used in their construction. This demonstrates a thoughtful approach to material selection and its impact on ambient light. Beyond their aesthetic and functional attributes, Contour Blinds are designed with sustainability in mind. Karelson ensures that the production process minimizes waste, aligning with environmentally conscious practices. The blinds are available in various options and can be custom-made to suit specific design requirements, offering a versatile solution for diverse interior styles. The introduction of Contour Blinds presents a strong alternative to traditional window coverings, which often lack distinct design or innovative functionality. Helena Karelson's work on Contour Blinds has garnered significant recognition, including the D&AD Best New Blood Award and an award from Coillte, a natural resource supplier focused on sustainability, for Best Use of Materials. These accolades underscore the design's originality, its effective integration of form and function, and its commitment to sustainable production. The project contributes to a broader movement within interior design that seeks to elevate everyday objects into artistic and functional statements. #ContourBlinds #HelenaKarelson #LondonDesignFestival #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #SustainableDesign #LightManipulation #DesignInnovation #HomeDecor

Curtains are evolving beyond their traditional role as window treatments, becoming versatile design elements that can transform interior spaces. Modern designers are embracing curtains as flexible architectural features, capable of softening rigid contemporary layouts, adding drama, and defining distinct zones within open-plan living areas. This approach is gaining traction as a significant interior design trend, offering an alternative to more permanent and costly renovations like partition walls or hinged doors. Adam Charlap Hyman, Principal at Charlap Hyman & Herrero, highlights the appeal of using soft materials like curtains to define space, noting the impermanent nature that aligns with current design sensibilities. Advanced track systems, including S-wave and curved options, allow for easy installation and manipulation, creating flowing forms that can adapt to various spatial needs. Joyce Li of Design Pair emphasizes that curtains used as space dividers contribute to a softer ambiance and introduce warmth, with the extensive range of fabric colors and textures further enhancing their versatility. This method provides a softer aesthetic compared to fixed walls and offers numerous decorative possibilities through patterns, colors, and folds. One innovative application involves using sheer curtains to soften light and create an ethereal atmosphere, particularly in bedrooms. Ben Ridley, Founder of Architecture for London, describes how translucent Kvadrat fabric on an S-wave track system can soften angular lines and filter incoming light. This technique also serves a practical purpose by obscuring undesirable views, such as those facing service areas, while creating an illusion of continuous space with elements like full-height mirrors. Curtains can also strategically hide or reveal bed areas, offering a theatrical and flexible solution for multi-functional spaces, as demonstrated by Design Pair in a Singapore studio. For such applications, Joyce Li recommends using two layers of fabric to ensure a finished appearance from both sides, unlike single-sided window treatments. This flexibility allows for dynamic changes in atmosphere, adapting to different situations by being fully open, closed, or partially drawn, and enabling easy aesthetic updates simply by changing the fabric. In dual-purpose living spaces, curtains can unify the area with a monochromatic color scheme. Charlap Hyman & Herrero used a soft blue curtain to blur lines in a living space, allowing a niche to transition seamlessly from a sitting area to a guest room. This approach also cleverly addresses architectural challenges, such as concealing an awkwardly placed column, by bending the track system to accommodate the space. The accessibility and affordability of modern curtain tracks make this a practical and customizable design solution. Furthermore, curtains can create visual balance by contrasting with solid architectural elements. Objektor architekti used a green fabric partition in a Prague apartment to provide a lighter counterpoint to heavy concrete surfaces, introducing movement and creating new perspectives. This also establishes compositional harmony when paired with fixed elements of similar dimensions and visual weight. Curtains are also being used as dramatic headboards, particularly with lower bed frames, where wall-to-wall drapery draws the eye upward and adds a bold backdrop. Darren Jett of JETT Projects suggests enhancing this effect by floating artwork in front of the curtains using transparent fishing wire, creating a memorable visual trick. This method is also cost-effective, with various fabric options and DIY potential. Finally, curtains are effective in addressing awkward architectural areas, providing both style and functionality. Timothy Godbold utilized curtains with a bespoke wooden cornice in a Hamptons home to smooth over a challenging corner, integrating a dash of style. Curtains offer an elegant, non-static solution that can conceal smaller areas or elements, contributing to a sense of organization. The curved, rounded curtains in a lounge bar nook, for instance, provide an aesthetic juxtaposition to geometric lines, with their organically shaped support frame complementing a postmodern design theme. #InteriorDesign #CurtainApplications #SpaceZoning #RoomDividers #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalSoftening #MonochromaticDesign #FlexibleInteriors

Small bedrooms can present unique challenges when it comes to design, especially concerning windows. The strategic styling of windows in these compact spaces can significantly impact the room's ambiance, making it appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. This article compiles expert advice from interior designers and sleep science coaches, offering five key strategies to optimize small bedroom windows for both aesthetics and functionality. By implementing these tips, individuals can transform their sleep sanctuaries into cozy and aesthetically pleasing havens. The first suggestion emphasizes the importance of hanging curtain rods high, ideally where the wall meets the ceiling. This technique creates an illusion of greater ceiling height, preventing the room from feeling truncated. Alex Bass, an interior designer and art curator, highlights that long drapery resulting from high-hung rods also contributes an ethereal aesthetic, enhancing the room's cozy appeal. This approach maximizes the vertical space, drawing the eye upwards and making the room feel more expansive. The second piece of advice focuses on selecting appropriate curtain materials and colors. Dark, heavy fabrics or elaborate patterns can overwhelm a small room, making it feel cramped. Instead, the article recommends light and airy curtains in neutral or pale colors. Interior stylist Vivianne Chow suggests light-colored curtains to create an airy feel, while Marzia Dainelli, CEO and interior designer at Dainelli Studio, advises against overly complex patterns that can dominate a small space. Simple, straightforward designs that complement the room's overall aesthetic are preferred, promoting a sense of calm and openness. Alternatively, opting for blinds is presented as a modern and space-saving solution. Carlie Gasia, a certified sleep science coach at Sleepopolis, notes that blinds offer a clean and minimalistic look, which is well-suited for smaller rooms. While blinds might require more maintenance, readily available tools can simplify the cleaning process. Carol Wilson, a home decor writer at YouComfort, suggests layering with light-filtering roller blinds for privacy, ensuring that window treatments remain simple and streamlined to avoid overwhelming the space. This minimalist approach maintains an uncluttered appearance while providing necessary light control and privacy. Another clever strategy involves the strategic placement of mirrors. Mirrors are powerful tools for creating the illusion of space and amplifying natural light. By positioning a mirror opposite or adjacent to a window, individuals can reflect light throughout the room, making it appear larger and brighter. This design hack effectively doubles the perceived light source and extends the visual boundaries of the bedroom, offering a cost-effective way to enhance the sense of spaciousness. Finally, the article stresses the importance of keeping the window area simple and uncluttered. While personalizing a space is essential, excessive decoration around a small window can be counterproductive. Alexandra Cooper, an architect and interior designer, advises against heavy or overly ornamented curtains and encourages using the windowsill for functional, yet non-cluttered, decorative accents like plants. The key is to maintain an organized and understated look, allowing the natural light to flow freely and contribute to an inviting and serene atmosphere. This minimalist approach ensures that the window remains a focal point without creating visual noise, enhancing the overall tranquility of the bedroom. #SmallBedroomDesign #WindowTreatments #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SpaceMaximization #CurtainIdeas #Blinds #MirrorPlacement #BedroomAesthetics

This blog post details three distinct transformations of a traditional bay window in a first solo New York City apartment, emphasizing how different window treatments can dramatically alter a space's aesthetic and functionality. The author, Domino Managing Editor Brittany S. Chevalier, shares her personal experiments with various Hunter Douglas shades, showcasing their impact on light management, privacy, and interior design. The first transformation introduces the Pirouette shade, featuring a remote-control-operated motorized lifting and lowering system called PowerRise with Platinum Technology. The article highlights the shade's soft fabric vanes, which create an airy and serene atmosphere, seemingly floating in the window. This setup is paired with a vintage wooden bench, acquired from an antique shop, serving as a cozy spot for a pet dog. The discussion also includes a practical tip for maximizing natural light in small spaces, suggesting that the Pirouette shades' design contributes to this goal by allowing flexible light control and an open feel. The second approach utilizes classic Roman shades made from Hunter Douglas's Bungalow fabric in an ebony hue. These shades introduce a compelling contrast to the room, adding a layer of sophistication. A key feature mentioned is the UltraGlide single retractable cord system, which facilitates easy operation, allowing for effortless adjustment of the shades. This functionality is particularly useful for protecting an antique dining table, a family heirloom built by the author's grandfather, from direct sunlight, thus preserving its condition. The article suggests that these formal yet versatile Design Studio Roman shades are well-suited for various areas such as entryways, entertaining spaces, or dining areas, underscoring their adaptability. The overall narrative reinforces the idea that window treatments are not merely functional elements but powerful tools for interior design, capable of transforming the mood and utility of a room. The article encourages readers to consider the aesthetic and practical benefits of different shade types, from modern motorized options to classic manual designs, demonstrating how each choice contributes to a unique interior environment. The transformations showcased illustrate how a single architectural feature, like a bay window, can be reimagined to reflect personal style and meet diverse practical needs, ultimately enhancing the living experience within the apartment. The post also subtly promotes the brand Hunter Douglas by featuring their products in these transformations. #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #HomeDecor #BayWindow #HunterDouglas #ApartmentLiving #DesignTransformation #RoomMakeover

Sky-Frame Plain introduces an innovative frameless sliding door system that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. A defining characteristic of this product is its concealed transition, where the sliding window glides along a narrow, flush-fitted gap in the floor. This design allows the flooring material of the interior to extend uninterrupted into the gap between the tracks, creating a visually continuous surface that blurs the lines between internal and external environments. This seamless integration is particularly noticeable when the doors are open, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and free-flowing design. The system utilizes triple-glazed elements, branded as Sky-Frame 3 with the Option Plain, ensuring optimal insulation properties. This makes the product suitable for installation in various climates, including colder regions, without compromising thermal performance. The advanced design not only focuses on aesthetics and functionality but also incorporates practical considerations for maintenance. Its innovative system layout is engineered to facilitate easy cleaning and upkeep, even after installation, contributing to the longevity and pristine appearance of the frameless doors. Sky-Frame Plain doors are versatile, suitable for both residential and commercial buildings, and can be incorporated into new construction projects or remodels. They are characterized by their hidden tracks, which contribute to the minimalist aesthetic, and feature slender profiles that maintain structural integrity while maximizing glass surface area. The system is highly configurable, allowing for customization to fit diverse architectural requirements and design preferences. Specifically designed for warmer climates, these doors enhance natural light penetration and offer unobstructed views, promoting an open and airy living or working environment. Key features of the Sky-Frame Plain system include its application in glass facades and frameless windows, expanding its utility beyond just sliding doors. The product’s design philosophy centers on achieving a flush transition, which means the tracks are not only hidden but also level with the adjacent floor, eliminating trip hazards and reinforcing the illusion of a single, continuous surface. The filigree profiles refer to the slender and delicate appearance of the frame components, which minimize visual obstruction and emphasize the expanse of glass. Technical details, cost, and availability can be obtained directly from the manufacturer, Sky-Frame. The product is categorized under sliding window types within architectural finishes, doors, and partitions. Supporting documentation, including working manuals in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Russian) and living guides, are available for download, providing comprehensive information for professionals and clients alike. #FramelessSlidingDoors #SkyFramePlain #ArchitecturalDesign #SeamlessTransitions #TripleGlazing #ModernArchitecture #InteriorExteriorIntegration #GlassFacades #FlushFit #MinimalistDesign

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

Bay Area Window Treatments is a company specializing in custom window coverings, including shutters, shades, blinds, and draperies. The business emphasizes its commitment to providing high-quality products at competitive prices. All products offered by Bay Area Window Treatments are stated to be Made in USA, highlighting a focus on domestic manufacturing and quality control. The company's services cater to individuals and businesses looking for tailored solutions for their window treatment needs, offering a wide array of options to suit various aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. By providing custom-made solutions, Bay Area Window Treatments ensures that clients can achieve the perfect fit and style for their specific windows and interior designs. This customization extends to the materials, colors, and operational mechanisms of their products, allowing for a personalized approach to home or office decoration. Bay Area Window Treatments operates from a physical location at 3015 Hopyard Rd, Suite T, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, serving the local community and surrounding areas. The company encourages potential customers to visit their website for more information or to contact them directly via phone for inquiries and consultations. Their online presence aims to provide a comprehensive overview of their product offerings and services, making it convenient for customers to explore their options before visiting the showroom. This business is categorized under 'Construction' within local directories, indicating its role in contributing to interior finishing and design aspects of building projects. The emphasis on 'best price' alongside 'high quality' suggests a value proposition aimed at attracting a broad customer base seeking both affordability and durability in their window treatments. The company's operations are geared towards delivering customer satisfaction through a combination of superior products and professional service in the window covering industry. #WindowTreatments #CustomShutters #BayAreaDesign #HomeDecor #MadeInUSA #InteriorDesign #PleasantonCA #ShadesAndBlinds #Draperies

Windows are essential architectural elements that create a dialogue between interior spaces and the outdoors. In densely populated urban areas, where traditional windows may be limited, skylights have emerged as a significant alternative, providing light, air, and a view of the sky. This article explores innovative approaches to windows and skylights in various architectural projects across the subcontinent, showcasing how architects are reinterpreting these features to enhance living spaces. One example is SYSTEM Architects' project, Jeebon-Anondo, where circular skylights and window-like openings were incorporated. Principal architect Enamul Karim Nirjhar explains that the circular concept symbolizes drops of tears, light, and rain, connecting to a moment and introducing light, water, and drama into the living areas. Similarly, for Animesh Nayak of Open To Sky, the skylight in his Bodoland project acts as a “clock,” marking time by interacting with the moving sun to create dynamic light patterns within the house. Noor Khan's Six Courtyards House in Lahore features an elongated, rectangular skylight that transforms the experience of climbing the staircase, serving as a focal point and demonstrating the architect's sensitivity to how the sky meets the roof. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, architect Rafiq Azam of Shatotto designed an “oculus” in the roof of the traditional Bengali goshshaghor, a space for contemplation. This oculus frames the urban skyline and sky, interweaving them with exposed concrete walls and green vines, thus framing one's mind and soul. The Tomoe Villa by NOTE at Alibag incorporates angular windows designed to act as picture frames, capturing specific views and trees from the surrounding landscape. Principal architect Hemant Purohit describes these windows as an abstraction of leaves, subconsciously integrating nature into the design. In a unique request, Matra Architects and Rurban Planners designed two identical buildings without traditional windows for artist homeowners. Instead, daylight permeates through various vertical and horizontal incisions in the blocks, with a skylight illuminating the staircase, creating an immersive experience. Lastly, the S House addresses privacy concerns with tinted, one-way glass windows, a client request due to an unappealing neighborhood view. To compensate for the reduced outward visibility, architect Sujit Nair of SDeG introduced an atrium in the interiors, ensuring ample light while maintaining privacy. These diverse projects highlight how architects are rethinking conventional window and skylight designs to address functional needs, artistic expressions, and specific site conditions, ultimately enriching the inhabitants' experience of their homes. #WindowDesign #SkylightArchitecture #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeDesign #NaturalLight #UrbanArchitecture #PrivacySolutions #ModernHomes

The article addresses the common challenge of decorating rooms with awkwardly placed windows, offering eleven design solutions from various professionals. It acknowledges that while abundant natural light is desirable, poorly positioned windows can limit furniture placement and aesthetic harmony, especially in smaller spaces. The article highlights that designers have developed clever strategies to integrate these windows into the overall room design. One approach involves maximizing views by situating key functional areas in front of windows. For instance, a kitchen cooktop can be placed directly before a bay window, allowing occupants to enjoy the outdoor scenery while performing daily tasks. This method requires careful consideration of elements like vent hoods, which can be painted to blend seamlessly with surrounding cabinetry, maintaining visual flow. Another solution for privacy, particularly in bathrooms, is to use frosted glass for shower windows, ensuring seclusion without sacrificing natural light. This eliminates the need for blinds or curtains that might clutter a small space or interfere with the bathroom's functionality. To address multiple or unusually high windows, designers suggest creating a unified look with floor-to-ceiling drapes. This technique can visually combine disparate window placements into a single, cohesive design element, making the room feel more expansive and sophisticated. Sweeping curtains to one side can also soften the overall appearance, catering to less formal aesthetics. Storage solutions can also be integrated with windows; for example, a shelf can bisect a kitchen window to provide additional space for kitchenware, turning a potential obstacle into a practical feature. Materials like African mahogany or brass rails can add aesthetic value while serving a functional purpose. When standard furniture doesn't fit a windowed wall, custom pieces can be designed. An example is a headboard with two plywood wings that frame a window, providing a focal point while allowing views and addressing the need for a bed placement. This demonstrates how bespoke solutions can transform awkward spaces into intentional design statements. Another creative technique involves faking a window wall using wall-to-wall drapery. This can conceal off-center or mismatched windows, creating the illusion of a single, large window and making a room feel both larger and cozier. For bedrooms with centered but small windows, the placement of the window can guide the furniture layout, ensuring symmetry and balance. In rooms with dramatic corner windows, automated drapery panels mounted on ceiling tracks can create a flexible 'wall' for floating furniture like canopy beds and even for hanging art, effectively converting a window-heavy wall into a regular gallery space. In cases where natural light is abundant, obscuring one window with a large art canvas can help achieve a more symmetrical room layout, demonstrating that sometimes a window can be temporarily 'removed' from the visual field for design purposes. Bathrooms can also benefit from unconventional vanity mirror placements. Instead of traditional wall-mounted mirrors, installing mirrors directly on countertops in front of windows can provide optimal lighting and privacy, opening up new possibilities for sink and vanity arrangements. Finally, in rooms with multiple windows on every wall, designers recommend creating symmetry by positioning twin beds under each window and balancing the space with central furniture and sconces. This makes the numerous windows appear as intentional design elements rather than challenges, transforming a potential design flaw into a harmonious and welcoming addition. #InteriorDesign #WindowDecor #SmallSpaces #HomeDecor #DesignSolutions #FurniturePlacement #CustomDesign #PrivacySolutions #RoomLayout

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