From windows, we expect them to provide us with thermal insulation, soundproofing, and coziness. However, some building owners face a complicating circumstance: the architect has designed striking disruptions in the façade that make its appearance unique, and the windows are non-standard in shape, or the building has a historical façade with pastel nuances that need to be preserved.
What does the facade say?
The external appearance of buildings has always been important. In most cultures, in most places around the world, the diversity of visual details and rich decoration of a building convey a clear message. The beautiful appearance speaks of a high social status. The richer the ornamentation, the higher the owner's status. In many traditions, we can find that the most beautiful houses in a village usually belong to the most respected individuals, such as the mayor, honored warrior, priest, and others. Wealth is also communicated through the façade. Wealthy people usually build houses with lavish decorations.
Among public buildings, there is also a competition in terms of visual messages: art galleries and museums are beautiful with many decorative details, courthouse buildings are massive and imposing to inspire respect, religious buildings are opulent and rich in decoration to praise the gods.
The new generation of architecture assumes that all external decoration is completely unnecessary because the ornamentation is... the building itself. This, in turn, provokes a new competition - to create the most spectacular modern buildings: ultra-high skyscrapers, megastructures with unusual forms, even dynamic facades.
Whatever the architectural language, the window is an integral part of every building. Today, more than ever, it is considered much more than a simple rectangular opening with glass - it is part of the building's expression.
Almost unlimited possibilities
Aluminum windows are a favorite when it comes to extraordinary design. Their color diversity is practically limitless.
Wooden windows, naturally, delight the eye with their natural colors. It is not the rich variety of colors but the abundance of natural shades that are preferred.
Both wooden and aluminum windows can be very durable - they are practically everlasting with good maintenance.
Wooden windows with an aluminum cap are a new solution that becomes irresistible for many designers. With this type, the windows can acquire any color thanks to their aluminum coating. In their main part, the windows are wooden, and the wood is visible from the inside - providing a pleasant view of the interior, preserving the sense of warmth and coziness.
In addition to colors and materials, the shape is also significant. Sometimes it is necessary to use specific forms of openings in the building - for example, in vaults. This is particularly important when renovating and restoring old-fashioned, historical facades, where arches and ovals are often present.
Sometimes there are even round windows. Fortunately, window production systems today allow for the creation of almost any geometric shape of windows: trapezoidal, circular, oval, even triangular.
People should be aware that the smallest possible radius for an oval window is 450 mm. This means that a circular window with a diameter of less than a meter can be produced. However, if the window needs to be operable, the radius will be 500 mm. For a trapezoidal window, the smallest possible angle for the creation of an operable sash is 64 degrees.
Design and Energy Efficiency
Aluminum windows are favored for their non-standard color options, but achieving high energy efficiency with them is significantly more difficult. Prioritizing visual appeal over energy efficiency was common until recently. However, such compromises are becoming increasingly unacceptable today. For example, owners of historical buildings (e.g., palaces) now seek ways to improve the energy efficiency of their properties while preserving their original architectural appearance.
This is where wooden windows with aluminum cladding come into play. Wooden windows have excellent thermal insulation properties. At the same time, the aluminum coating on the outside allows for a wide range of colors that can blend seamlessly with any facade.
The same combination can be the best solution for modern buildings where the exterior color can be extremely unconventional to match the exterior design, while the interior remains cozy and warm thanks to the wood.
As designers become bolder, working with vibrant and saturated colors, PVC windows can also come into play. PVC windows are usually produced in several possible colors: white, anthracite gray, various wood imitations, red, blue, yellow. A bold facade with red lines can be created using PVC windows. This approach is gaining popularity as it combines high energy efficiency, daring design, and a lower cost.
Expert Support
Thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to replace the windows of any historical building, whether it's a castle or a royal palace, or install windows in a modern building with an unusual shape. Regardless of the situation, professional assistance is particularly important for designing specific windows.
Unusual shapes sometimes limit the possibilities for opening. It can also be challenging to find the right balance between specific exterior design and other important window properties, such as thermal insulation and condensation prevention. Therefore, expert help is necessary.
Interior Forms
It should be noted that the window, as an architectural element, can be used not only in facades but also in Glass provides visibility, sliding windows elegantly divide spaces, and wood creates a cozy atmosphere. Therefore, the window frame itself can become an element of the interior design. Without insulation requirements, this provides complete freedom in terms of shapes and colors. modern interior design. Interior windows are becoming increasingly common.