What are floor to ceiling windows called?

"French" windows

Do the magnificent windows from floor to ceiling amaze you with their beauty? What are their names? The fashion for installing large windows in the house originated in France. That's why they are called "French" or panoramic windows. This type of window design is ideal for homes with a veranda, terrace or courtyard. Nowadays, a resident of an apartment building often has this luxury opportunity.

Please note that you can install a “French” window in an apartment if there is either a loggia or a balcony underneath it. Do not forget that you must first obtain permission for redevelopment, because you will need to demolish part of the wall and you will need to move the heating radiator to another location.

This glazing looks very nice in a corner room. Its main drawback is that in winter you will need additional heating of your home.

But the view from the window is only one of the reasons influencing the choice of installing such glazing. After all, this version of windows, along with visible advantages, has significant disadvantages that are not obvious at first glance.

Let's talk about the disadvantages and advantages of large windows

Panoramic windows have many advantages:

Often the width is several times greater than the height.
These designs allow you to admire the beauty of nature and unique views of the city.
A lot of light comes into the room. This is very good in winter for those houses that are built in areas with a fairly harsh climate.
The room looks unique and elegant.
The home takes on an exclusive look and unconventional splendor.
Windows are practically not subject to damage. Very durable glass with a film coating is used for production. Even if damaged, the glass will not break into fragments.
Alarms are usually used to protect moving areas.
Excellent noise absorption.

Large windows also have disadvantages:

The room becomes completely open to prying eyes. This is not always a good thing. This problem is relevant for panoramic windows of houses or apartments that are located on the ground floor. To eliminate unwanted visibility, there is an option to tint the windows.
The cost of such structures is quite high.
Installation of such systems is very complicated. A lot of material is required. As a result, the costs of this work become very high.
In summer, a room with panoramic windows can be hot. This is true for openings facing the sunny side. Possible fading of furniture upholstery, floors and ceilings.
It is quite difficult to care for the solid glass that is installed in the system. The same applies to ventilation.
Unwanted condensation is likely to occur. In winter, additional heating is required.
Before installing large windows, the entire wall or a certain part of it is demolished. At the same time, problems and significant investments are likely.

Advantages

Owners of expensive apartments in prestigious areas with attractive panoramic views of the city or architectural masterpieces install panoramic windows in order to maintain a certain status. This is also intended to create an original design for the entire interior. As you know, the view from the windows in each apartment is different.

In addition to providing a wide view, floor-to-ceiling windows, called French windows, allow plenty of sunlight to enter the room, making the space appear larger. The relevance of sufficient lighting is especially felt in small apartments, where a balcony with panoramic glazing allows you to create a festive and cheerful mood.

If the level of sunlight decreases in winter, floor-to-ceiling windows, as they are called - panoramic, in winter gardens and greenhouses will help plants feel comfortable.

What is a panorama?

Panoramic plastic windows (floor-length) are a type of translucent structures that are installed without a window sill block and are a full-fledged enclosing structure of a residential or public space .

Such structures can be mounted in piers, or have their own load-bearing elements that are independent of the structure’s frame; joining is done through imposts, or directly by pairing translucent elements.

With such a design solution, underfloor heating is installed, or radiators are mounted on perpendicular walls.

Where and when can they be used?

Panoramic glazing is used in the following types of civil buildings and structures :

Residential apartment buildings with an increased level of comfort, provided that the installation of such glazing does not violate the integrity of the load-bearing structures and the overall architectural expressiveness of the building.
Residential apartments, subject to approval from the competent authorities on the relocation of heating radiators and intervention in the wall structure.
Private residential buildings, if there is a double-height space, or if it is necessary to implement the architect’s ideas.
Penthouses and other architectural elements located at high elevations to improve views.
Public buildings designed to accommodate retail space for the organization of product displays.
Any civil real estate object, if at the design stage panoramic windows are required to increase the external attractiveness of the object, or to ensure the required duration of insolation.

At the same time, in some situations, installing floor-to-ceiling windows is not allowed:

In case of unauthorized intervention in the enclosing or supporting structures of the frame of an apartment building.
In the case of a significant decrease in thermal properties, which contributes to the loss of energy efficiency of the space being used.
If panoramic windows do not satisfy the external appearance of the building, which is especially true for historical buildings in the central parts of large cities.
If extended window structures disrupt the technological process carried out in the building.
In the case where floor-to-ceiling windows are installed in disregard of safety standards, which causes the risk of them breaking and falling out.

Thus, when installing panoramic windows in an apartment, it is necessary to contact the Committee on Architecture and Urban Planning to develop a project for redevelopment of the premises , and also obtain the appropriate paper from the government authority, and then carry out the work without the risk of imposing penalties.

Flaws

Even taking into account all the above advantages of panoramic glazing, there is still one, but very significant drawback - its cost is very high. Remember what floor-to-ceiling windows are called? Panoramic glazing, and often the budget is higher than the cost of a major renovation of the apartment. There are reasons for this:

In summer, glass should withstand increased exposure to sunlight, and in winter, prevent heat loss. Of course, for panoramic windows, glass is tinted, reflective, mirrored, or capable of changing the level of light reflection. In addition, tempered, laminated or reinforced glass is installed in floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure adequate safety. What are these structures called? Also “French”.
In severe frosts, the glass may freeze. This may cause ice instead of a good view. This problem can be solved by installing vertical panel heaters on both sides of the window.
To prevent the formation of condensation on panoramic windows in the kitchen, they should be equipped with an external grated convector.
Tall panoramic windows are extremely difficult to care for independently, especially from the outside. During operation, you periodically have to contact cleaning company specialists.

Summarizing all the above-mentioned disadvantages of a floor-to-ceiling window, such as installation of panoramic glazing, special protection, additional equipment, obtaining permits and operation, make it quite expensive. In addition, to get a magnificent view, fill the room with sun and highlight all the advantages of the interior, you will need an appropriate design project that takes into account both the location of the house and the angle of incidence of sunlight. You will also have to pay specialists for this.

Price

There are many competing companies on the market in each region that offer custom-made panoramic windows, along with installation. Considering the saturation of offers, the average prices for such structures are approximately the same .

Construction price

The price of floor-to-ceiling plastic window structures depends on a number of design and technological features:

Product dimensions.
Glass thickness, number of double glazing chambers.
Thickness and number of chambers on the profile.
Tinting of the translucent element.
Number and type of opening of movable doors.
Availability of reinforced parts.
Installation of additional security elements.
The presence of lamination on the surface of the PVC profile.

Prices for panoramic window structures in our country:

Fixed panoramic windows - from 8-9 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Floor-to-ceiling structures with tilt-and-turn sashes - from 9-11 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Parallel sliding portals - from 12-16 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Folding portals - from 17-20 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Stained glass products - from 15-18 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.

When ordering window structures, a sales department specialist will generate an estimate based on the client’s technical specifications, and then calculate the exact cost of materials.

For installation

Installation of plastic panoramic windows is most often carried out by work teams from the supplier company . If it is not possible to use such services, you can find many individual companies online that offer installation services at the following prices:

Fixed panoramic windows - from 1-2 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Floor-to-ceiling structures with tilt-and-turn sashes - from 2.5-3.5 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Parallel sliding portals - from 4-5 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Folding portals - from 4-5 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Stained glass products - from 4-8 thousand rubles. per 1 m2, the price increases if it is necessary to call industrial climbers.

All prices presented above are subject to change depending on the order configuration or the internal pricing policy of the enterprise.

Calculation of material and work

To calculate the cost of material and labor for installing panoramic PVC windows, you need to insert the required prices from the price list into the following categories of products and services :

The cost of the selected profile per 1 line is from 500 to 2.5 thousand rubles.
The price for double-glazed windows is from 1.1 to 5.5 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Prices for fittings of the selected class range from 1.5 – 2.5 thousand rubles. per set.
Additional costs for the production of window structures - up to 500 rubles. for 1 m2.
Delivery of products - depending on the distance to the site and the complexity of the entrance - as a rule, up to 5 thousand rubles. for 1 truck trip.
Services for installation of elements for filling openings - from 1 to 7 rubles. for 1 m2.

On average, a complex order costs the buyer 10-12 thousand rubles. per 1 m2, with standard panoramic glazing and up to 15-20 thousand rubles. per 1 m2, in case of installation of complex window structures.

Types of panoramic glazing

Previously, it was discussed where floor-to-ceiling windows are installed and what they are called. Their types are divided into warm and cold glazing. It all depends on the materials used and types of glass. In the cold, the profile is metal, and there is no window frame. Frameless glazing looks original and gives the room and front part a light and airy look. It is used to decorate balconies, loggias and entrances.

With warm glazing, the level of thermal insulation is high. It successfully replaces an insulated wall. The profile material can be made of plastic, aluminum or wood. Taking into account the required thermal insulation, you can choose single-chamber, double-chamber and three-chamber double-glazed windows.

A few words about varieties

There are regular, garden, corner or false windows. The most common are ordinary windows. They are the simplest. With the help of corner elements of panoramic systems, you can create a special mood.

False windows are installed if the view outside the window is not at all pleasing. These are special backlit panels. Landscapes that are printed on canvas are inserted into the base. It turns out to be an excellent imitation of natural views.

Panoramic windows with wooden structures will look great. During manufacturing, the wood is protected from fungus. Aluminum with special components for strength can also be used.

Panoramic windows sometimes allow you to get incredibly spectacular solutions.

Source: zamstroi.ru/okna/panoramnye-okna/panoramnye-okna-v-chastnom-dome-foto/

At first it seems that the high price is the main disadvantage of panoramic windows, but after their installation, much more serious problems are revealed that would be correct to prevent or reduce in advance. The cause of the problems is precisely what is so attractive about panoramic glazing - the large area of translucent wall elements.

Disadvantage 1: Large heat losses through glass

Unfortunately, it is glass that contributes to the most significant heat loss in winter and overheating of rooms in summer. To solve the problem, it is better to use an integrated approach to achieve an effective result:

When ordering windows to directly reduce heat loss, choose energy-saving or double-glazed windows. Which ones are preferable? Panoteka recommends using heavy double-glazed windows only in extreme cases, exclusively for panoramic windows with small opening sashes; in other cases, it would be more advisable to use a single-chamber double-glazed window with energy-saving glass, so as not to create unnecessary load on the fittings. Filling the internal space with argon will also reduce heat transfer, but the customer, alas, will not be able to verify compliance with this condition of the contract.
Shutters, a fairly new offering on the Russian market, can additionally reduce direct heat loss. Shutters made of artificial material are attached to the vertical profiles of the window frame and prevent the passage of both hot sunlight and frosty air into the room. They can be opened and completely removable, allowing full visibility to the outside whenever desired.
Mirror-coated glass perfectly reflects the sun's rays, and such a choice is appropriate for south-facing panoramic windows. Tinted glass has a slightly less effect, but they are also used to reflect part of the solar spectrum.
A thermal curtain in front of the windows will additionally prevent heat exchange between the window and the inside of the room. With a large glazing area, creating a curtain will reduce overall heating costs. We described modern thermal curtain technologies in more detail in the article on heating.

Disadvantage 2: Heat loss through the window profile

Only panoramic windows made of wood and fiberglass have extremely low heat loss through the profile. Aluminum and PVC windows are significantly inferior to them. When glazing heated rooms, the aluminum profile should be ordered as definitely warm.

With metal-plastic windows, it is often advisable to choose a three-chamber profile if the sashes are large. When the relative area of double-glazed windows is much larger than the share of window frames, purchasing four- or five-chamber profiles will not significantly reduce heat loss. It makes sense to choose a warmer profile when the panoramic window consists of small sashes.

Disadvantage 3: Increased heating costs

No matter how you reduce heat loss in areas with panoramic windows, they will have to be heated more intensively than similar rooms with ordinary windows. The issue of efficient heating must be solved in conjunction with glazing in order to choose the optimal way to heat rooms.

Particular care should be taken in calculating the costs for electric heating so as not to end up in a situation where the limits allocated to the household are insufficient to achieve a comfortable temperature.

Disadvantage 4: Insufficient sound insulation

The noise of a metropolis, a nearby highway, stadium or suburban recreation area is naturally undesirable inside the house.

A single-chamber double-glazed window with two glasses is not able to dampen sound waves sufficiently. So far, our only effective method of sound insulation is the installation of double-glazed windows with different chamber thicknesses.

However, with panoramic glazing this means a significant increase in the weight of the sashes, rapid wear of the fittings and the need to repair windows more often.

The most promising method seems to be the use of acoustic films for windows, but so far we have not found a single offer on the Moscow market, although there is experience in using them at sites in Japan, Europe, and the USA.

Disadvantage 5: Glass icing

Ice on the panoramic windows completely eliminates the possibility of admiring the surrounding view. However, today there are many ways to avoid this by creating a thermal curtain in front of the window.

Slot convectors, long-wave infrared heaters, warm baseboards, warm film floors - any of these methods are suitable for combating glass icing.

To create a curtain of warm air, heaters can be mounted in the floor under the window, on the ceiling, walls around windows, in window slopes or window sills. It is advisable to provide for the possibility of autonomous connection of a thermal curtain in order to use this method regardless of the heating mode of the premises.

Disadvantage 6: Energy-saving glass

A bit unexpected, right? We constantly recommend using energy-saving glass for panoramic windows, but it turns out that they have disadvantages that you should be aware of in advance.

By reflecting the sun's rays from the surface, glass with appropriate coating or film creates increased solar radiation in the plane where these rays fall. As a rule, these are walls under the windows and courtyard areas opposite them.

The consequences of exposure to double solar radiation can be as follows:

burnout (discoloration) of some types of siding;
wilting and diseases of plants planted under windows;
warping of plastic furniture or artificial lawns;
strong heating of the stone or concrete surface of the yard and paths.

To avoid such troubles, it is enough to choose a finish that is resistant to solar radiation and plan the design of the yard so that shade-loving plants or plastic products are not in the affected area. It is better to use wooden paths or a terrace under such windows.

Disadvantage 7: Difficulty cleaning large windows

Cleaning panoramic windows from the outside is not always easy, and often dangerous if the upper floors of buildings are glazed. Not everyone can afford to hire washers every time. It is better to decide how you will clean large windows before ordering them, since often the number of opening sashes is determined precisely by the need for cleaning, and not just ventilation.

We recommend finding a manufacturer who, before installing double-glazed windows, will immediately coat them with a special photocatalytic composition for self-cleaning glass. The essence of the action is this: any contaminants decompose under the sun's rays, and at the first rain (or watering from a hose in dry summer) they are simply washed off the glass.

Disadvantage 8: Limitations in furnishing the premises

The presence of a glass wall in the room limits the possibilities for arranging furniture. You will have to think about how best to admire the landscape through panoramic windows. Of course, tall furniture will have to be placed near other walls, but not every low piece of furniture will be appropriate near a window.

In this case, it is necessary to maintain a balance of objects of different sizes, symmetry and other interior design techniques. Furniture problems are solved somewhat easier when panoramic glazing starts slightly above the floor. Soon we will devote a special article to the rules for designing rooms with large windows.

Disadvantage 9: Low privacy of the interior space

Replacing blank walls with transparent windows allows you to better view the interior of the house from the outside. Neighbors, passers-by, and guests will be much better informed about your life. Of course, you can close the windows with curtains, but then you will deprive yourself of the opportunity to see the picture outside the window.

During the day, mirrored or tinted glass can protect your privacy. In densely built environments, this is a very good way to hide your personal life. If you don’t want to curtain your windows in the evenings, but still maintain privacy, then choose to install windows under the ceiling or in those parts of the rooms that are not visible from neighboring houses or from the road.

Another way is to install decorative screens outside, although this choice will fragment the view from the window.

Disadvantage 10: Problem of Vandalism

It is usually easier to enter a house through windows than through walls or a strong door, so the danger of breaking into panoramic windows is quite high. Therefore, for panoramic glazing we recommend using the most durable glass: triplex, tempered, armored. You can laminate the outer glass with special armor films.

However, it is much safer to use additional grilles and, especially, roller shutters. Such protection will quickly scare off vandals. If the house is left unattended for a long time, then it makes sense to install an alarm system and at the same time insure the property.

The presence of shortcomings is not at all a reason to refuse to install panoramic windows, since any operational problem can be solved in several modern ways.

Source: panoteka.ru/17-nedostatki-panoramnyh-okon.html

Windows from ceiling to floor, as they call it. KAN comfort studio

True, there is one “but”

: although it is technologically possible to make panoramic glazing in any apartment, this is not always legal. Each option is considered individually. So, it is easiest to coordinate a French window if there is a loggia behind it.

However, the question of legality

This is far from the only problem that arises for those who want to install a French window. Of course, you want the view to be “spoilt” by as few crossbars as possible - by the way, they are called imposts and can be horizontal or vertical. How many should there be from a technological point of view? What is the maximum width that canvases can be?

Indeed, the window opening is not always

can be closed with one flap. It cannot be made too large and cumbersome - when opened into the room it will cause a lot of inconvenience, and such art will not look the best.

The larger the sash, the heavier it is

, the more difficult it is to keep it in balance. An impost is placed precisely in order to “break” the opening into several parts, and instead of one bulky sash, install several smaller ones.

However, it is possible to manufacture a double-leaf window without using an impost: in this case, in combination with one of the sashes, a special profile is used - a frame, and a window with such a profile will be called a frame.

Externally, the frame window looks almost the same

, like impost, therefore in some systems the shtulp is also called false impost. Its advantage is that when opening the doors, the entire area of the opening is used. The number of window handles in such a window depends solely on the customer’s wishes. One sash must have a handle, but the second can be made without a handle - it will be opened using a special fitting.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing can be used not only inside

, but also outside, on the loggia. For this you need to use special systems. For a long time, aluminum profiles were the only option. However, they cannot provide the level of resistance to heat loss that is necessary when, as has become customary in modern architecture, glazing makes up 30% of the entire façade area. So the appearance on the market of an alternative system of PVC profiles was inevitable. And today this solution is available to owners of loggias and balconies of absolutely any configuration.

Important advantage of the system

– in addition to reliable protection from cold, noise and dust – sliding doors. They can significantly save space in our already compact loggias. Moreover, mosquito nets with a shading effect can be attached to these doors, for example, and, thanks to the universal fastening system, they can be installed on ordinary blind doors. This is how you get continuous glazing, without sides or visual barriers. Perhaps with an elegant balcony grille.

It's nice to know

, that with all the number of problems that arise with large-scale glazing, most of them have a constructive solution.
There would be a desire -
and a good view from the window!

Design projects

Created: 286 In progress: 10

Realized objects

Closed: 302 In operation: 8

Varieties

There are many options for window designs and stained glass on the market , which are classified into the following types, described below.

Parallel sliding portals

A successful combination of translucent structures and external doors.
They are installed on the first floors of private houses, or in rooms with long balconies, exploited roofs and other open spaces.

They are a combination of blind doors in a plastic frame with moving elements on roller supports and rails.

Advantages : when opened, the structure does not occupy the free space of the room, light winter ventilation is possible by moving the structure a few centimeters, improved light transmittance.

Disadvantages : reduced energy efficiency of the room, the need for periodic maintenance of sliding fittings with minor repairs.

Accordion portals

Designed for unhindered communication with summer rooms, when the entire translucent structure can be opened and folded into a small vertical stack near the wall. All sashes are fixed to each other with hinge hangers, and movement occurs along rails on rollers located in one of the corners of each sashes.

Advantages : ease of use in warm weather, improved insolation at any time of the year.

Disadvantages : complex mechanism of fittings for stained glass structures, high retail cost of products, need for maintenance and care.

Standard

They are manufactured both in a solid version and with opening doors. Glazing can be done up to the ceiling of the room, or up to the lintel. As a translucent structure to close the warm contour, as a rule, energy-efficient double-glazed windows with two air chambers and an outer glass thickness of 6 mm or more are used.

Advantages : floor-to-ceiling windows improve the view from the window, fit perfectly into any classic or modern interior, can be equipped with segmental sashes to provide micro-ventilation, and increase the space of the room.

Disadvantages : difficulty in installing heating in apartments, when installing in-floor radiators, requires a screed with a thickness of 150 mm or more, high cost of installation and maintenance.

Stained glass

Widely used when equipping modern business centers and premium residential buildings.

They are frameless strip or continuous glazing, arranged on load-bearing metal supports - a subsystem. Often, stained glass structures are made for decorative purposes, on top of standard glazing in each room.

In such cases, the opening sashes are located at a certain distance from the external walls, and glass made in the form of triplex is subject to special tinting requirements.

Advantages : enhanced architectural expressiveness of the facade, the best view among all panoramic structures, suitable for ultra-modern interiors.

Disadvantages : high price of materials and installation, difficulty in cleaning from the facade, significant heat loss in winter.

The use of window portals as full-fledged enclosing structures in capital structures must be agreed upon at the design and examination stage. Design solutions take into account design and technological features, the appearance of facades, as well as the energy efficiency of premises.

Abundance of light in the apartment - floor-to-ceiling windows

Large windows are installed not only in shops and salons as shop windows, but also in offices, apartments, and private houses. They let in much more light than ordinary windows, open up a wide view of the outside world, refresh the interior, and visually increase the area of the room.

Most often, such windows are called “panoramic”. Large windows from floor to ceiling, occupying the width of the window opening, are often called French - this name is gradually becoming more popular. Floor-to-ceiling windows covering the entire wall are panoramic; the difference between these two options is how much of the wall the window occupies.

You can choose metal-plastic glazing (an example is salamander windows) or frames made of wood. The main condition: the windows must occupy a large area of the wall. These amazing windows give a feeling of spaciousness, visually increasing the space of your home. They also make the ceilings higher.

If you live in a place where you can admire a beautiful view from the window, then by installing such windows, you will be able to enjoy it from anywhere in your room.

Frames framing large windows can be turned into a work of art without thinking, since there is plenty of space for creativity. Come up with patterns, prints, any successful solutions will definitely fit into the main interior.

In the cold season, the issue of thermal insulation comes to the fore, since glass material cannot guarantee thermal conductivity equal to the thermal conductivity of the wall, especially in the northern regions, where winter is usually rich in precipitation and, therefore, sub-zero temperatures. And also the installation of such structures can cause a greenhouse effect for a larger glazing area. But there is still a way out of this situation. Installing triple glazed windows can solve the problem in no time.

In addition, the installation of large windows requires more money than with standard glazing. But despite this, connoisseurs of modern and original design opt for such windows.

To make your home multifunctional, well-planned and comfortably decorated, you need to make every effort to do this. But, as a rule, the apartment was designed a long time ago and it is not possible to redo its square meters. But sometimes you really want to change something, at least visually. Maybe this is why French windows were invented, which are called floor-to-floor windows, because there is glass covering almost the entire wall.

French windows have their positive aspects: 1. Beautiful appearance; 2. The barrier between the balcony and the street is removed only visually; 3. They provide good lighting, which saves energy; 4. Excellent sound insulation; 5. Long service life.

Thanks to French windows, any balcony can be turned into a work of art. You just have to turn on a little imagination.

A very unusual glazing style, the main purpose of which is to completely clear the opening when the sashes are opened. Black will harmonize wonderfully with the decoration of an apartment in a classic style. Great for going out into the garden.

A huge window, almost on the entire wall, which will add such a desirable visual space to the room. Suitable for decorating housing in a royal style and will add pathos and majesty.

A large window with a slanting top is suitable for decorating a kitchen or winter garden; opening it will fill the room with fresh air in a matter of minutes. In terms of interior design, it matches walls of any color.

A huge window covers the entire wall with partitions that divide it into four parts. Gives the apartment a minimalist look, in a word, nothing superfluous, only coziness and comfort.

Brown window with a small window sill. A great option for flower lovers. It’s bright and there’s room for flowerpots. In the middle there are two wonderful devices for bouquets, making the room more romantic and mysterious.

A massive black window will give the house originality and modern design. A room with such a window will become bright and perfect for any use, be it a living room, bedroom, study or kitchen.

A large, bright window with light brown partitions perfectly retains heat and at the same time shows all the charm of the world that lies outside the house. They will harmonize well with both light and dark shades of furniture.

A frosted window with a lot of black partitions will add mystery to the house and a little space for imagination. With black and white furniture it looks irresistible and impressive. A great option for those looking for something original.

French window with white partitions and large squares. The window has an original way of opening. Each strip on rollers moves to the left and thus creates an open space.

A corner window that allows you to admire the delights of nature without leaving your home. The brown color of the partitions gives the house a hint of antiquity from the last century. It harmonizes wonderfully with things that create comfort, such as a hammock or rocking chair.

A large white window with a small window sill will suit the interior of a kitchen or living room. They usually talk about this, simply, but with taste.

A chic window with brown partitions and a wonderful opening style. In the interior with a fireplace and original furniture will help create the impression of sophisticated style and flight of fancy.

The window smoothly transitions into the roof, ideal for an attic or office. Numerous white partitions will decorate any interior.

Let's talk about panoramic windows

The current trend of our time is large panoramic windows. This can be glazing from one wall to another or a wall made of glass. At the same time, the room becomes very bright. The appearance of the room, its essence and character also changes dramatically.

Many Russians are sure that panoramic windows are not suitable for our latitudes, since they are very cold. Homeowners are afraid of freezing in winter, so they deny themselves the pleasure of enjoying the light. In this case, we are talking not only about rooms, but also about utilitarian type premises. In Russia there are practically no bathrooms with windows. The same applies to utility rooms.

But nowadays there are special energy saving technologies. That is why you should not be afraid of freezing. A large window can be really functional and very warm.

But a large window is not always good. It is important to consider the design and size of the window opening, taking into account the concept of the room as a whole.

Panoramic glazing completely transforms the bedroom. At the same time, the boundaries of space are erased. If there is a luxurious view outside the window, you should allow it to miraculously penetrate the room. Modern technologies allow home owners to wake up with the rays of the sun and fall asleep admiring the sunset from the living room or bedroom window.

What is panoramic glazing

Panoramic windows are those that occupy a large area and, as a rule, occupy the entire space from floor to ceiling in height. This type of glazing requires precise calculations and a well-thought-out design solution. Large windows mean a large window flight, which means you need a powerful beam that will serve as support for the roof and walls of the second or third floor (if there are any).

House with panoramic windows: inside view

Standard solutions when designing houses with large windows are practically inapplicable, since each case is unique and requires its own solution. Each house with panoramic glazing is an individual project, and it costs a lot of money.

Even an otherwise ordinary house with panoramic windows looks more interesting

If it is not possible to order an individual project, you may be able to find a ready-made one that generally suits you. It is better to use it entirely, without major changes. Only adjustments can be made where the supporting structure is not affected. You can only change the position of non-load-bearing partitions. It is not advisable to even touch the position of doors and windows in load-bearing structures without recalculation - the aftereffects can be unpredictable.

Tips for choosing the right one

To choose the right type of plastic window, you should take into account a number of architectural, planning and functional features of the room :

You should not install panoramic windows in children's rooms, medical and other institutions.
When arranging the living room, you should provide standard panoramic glazing with opening doors.
In the case of installing windows in an office space, the best solution would be to install strip evacuation with lintels and window sill blocks.
Continuous panoramic stained glass windows are installed on the entire façade of the building at the same time. When the outer plane is partially filled, individual interfaces with other structures should be provided.
When installing panoramic windows in rooms that pose an increased danger, blind translucent structures should be provided.

The type of window structure largely depends on the design solution , since, unlike standard translucent elements, such products directly shape the appearance of the facade of the building, and also contribute to the expressiveness of the interior. A specialized heating system is also installed under panoramic windows, which does not require attaching radiators to vertical structures.

Features, advantages and disadvantages

A house with panoramic glazing looks unusual and stylish. And this is exactly what attracts people in such buildings. So a memorable appearance is the first of its advantages.

There are very unusual projects

Where can you see

In private houses, panoramic glazing is installed in living rooms, less often in bedrooms. Sometimes in this way an open veranda is turned into a covered one, sometimes a winter garden is made from the premises. Another possible application is to make one of the walls of the pool glass. In general, there are many applications and they are non-standard and interesting.

Balcony with panoramic glazing - residents of high-rise buildings are provided with an excellent view

In apartment buildings, balconies or loggias are decorated with panoramic windows. It is much less common to find large windows in residential areas in high-rise buildings, but such houses do exist. True, in our country it is extremely rare.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you are thinking that it would be nice to have panoramic glazing in your home, consider the following features:

The presence of large glass means a lot of light in the room and a beautiful view that opens at any time of the day. That's a plus. But transparency works in both directions: there is also a wonderful view from the street to the room. Especially in the dark, with the lights on. And this is a minus. But it is being adjusted. The standard solution is curtains or blinds, and a non-standard solution is the use of mirrored or tinted glass. But such glass is not cheap, and these are additional costs and, given the considerable area, they are also rather large.

Being in everyone's sight - not everyone likes this prospect

Glass requires constant care

In general, there are both advantages and disadvantages of panoramic glazing in the house. When planning to build a house with panoramic windows, take into account such an important factor as the picturesqueness of the landscape overlooking it. If this is a neighbor’s fence, the cost of panoramic glazing is unlikely to be justified...

House with panoramic windows: features

There are also some features that cannot be classified as either advantages or disadvantages. Firstly, glass in panoramic windows can be with or without imposts (beams). Solid glass from floor to ceiling looks stylish, but is expensive, as increased demands are placed on it.

Divided windows look different, but no worse. The cost of such panoramic glazing is lower, but the division into parts by imposts must also be supported by the remaining windows (of normal size). It's worth remembering.

Panoramic windows can be made of solid glass, or from pieces separated by imposts

When planning a site, a house with panoramic windows in our latitudes is recommended to be positioned so that a large glass area faces south with an accuracy of ±30°. In this case, the adjacent room will be light and warm. But there is another disadvantage - the walls, floors, and furniture will fade. One way out is to choose colors where the color loss is not so noticeable. The second way out is to turn the house around so that the panoramic windows face east or west. This is an acceptable position in which there is enough light, and it does not pour into the windows all day long. In general, it's up to you.

The following heating devices are mainly used to heat panoramic windows:

To prevent the cold from coming from the windows in winter, heating devices are placed under them to create a thermal curtain. You cannot install traditional radiators here, but you can install built-in (in-floor) radiators or convectors. They can be electric or part of a water heating system, but their installation is complicated, and their price is considerable.

Requirements for PVC construction

Panoramic PVC windows are elements of enclosing structures whose operation is associated with increased danger. In this regard, during the production of such elements for filling openings, increased requirements are placed on them:

Impact strength - glass should not break under strong mechanical stress, as this guarantees the safety of residents.
Energy-saving properties - the profile and double-glazed windows should not contribute to heat leakage and reduce the energy efficiency of the space being used.
Ease of cleaning, maintenance and operation - if the management company does not provide industrial climbers, care should be taken to ensure a sufficient number of opening sashes.
Limiting light transmission is important for low floors, since the view of the room from the street often causes discomfort.
In addition, the penetration of sunlight contributes to fading or excessive heating of furniture and other interior parts. When installing panoramic glazing, experts recommend using bulk tinting or installing reflective PVC film, which is especially important when installing windows on the south side of the building.
Maintainability of the structure - if dismantling is necessary, the window must be disassembled into separate segments.
Increased requirements for noise protection - double-glazed windows should not contribute to the penetration of vibrations and sound waves into the room.
Additional security elements - opening limiters, blockers, protective screens in the lower part of the window on the room side significantly increase the safety of the building envelope.

In addition to the listed requirements, panoramic windows must have all the properties that are inherent in external walls made of stone materials - heat transfer resistance and fire resistance of at least EI60 - EI120, depending on the responsibility class of the structure.

Types of panoramic windows

Panoramic windows come in two types: cold and warm. Cold glazing is used on unheated balconies, loggias, and terraces. They are framed or frameless. Frameless ones are simply thick glasses of a certain size that fit tightly one to the other. Panoramic glazing with frames is what we are used to. A wooden or plastic frame into which glass is inserted. But cold glazing is rarely installed; much more often they use windows that can protect against cold and heat.

An example of cold frameless glazing

Most often today, plastic or metal-plastic windows are installed. Depending on the climate, you can select the required number of cameras, the type of glass (tinted, mirror-coated, energy-saving, reinforced and even armored). As a result, with proper installation, you can get windows that, in terms of their thermal characteristics, are no worse than the adjacent walls.

A house with panoramic windows can have windows with different types of opening:

Deaf. These are the ones that don't open at all.
With ventilation and micro-ventilation. Open windows are necessary to provide fresh air. Such modes are not needed if there is supply and exhaust ventilation.
Swing. The usual form of opening. Such windows can be used to access a balcony or terrace, veranda, or simply to the street.

Hinged windows - the ones we are used to

Sliding systems are convenient because they do not require space in front of the door

The doors were folded and the room turned into part of the terrace

Using doors of various opening methods, you can achieve the functionality that you need. Wooden houses with panoramic windows are rare. The fact is that wood constantly changes size and ordinary windows are placed in special casing boxes that compensate for this movement. If the window area is very large, this may be problematic. If a solution has been found, you can install wooden or plastic windows. And so that white plastic does not look alien, they install frames laminated with a film that imitates wood.

What are panoramic windows and doors?

Panoramic windows and doors are translucent glass structures that completely cover the opening. Profiles are made mainly of PVC or aluminum, less common are wooden ones (laminated veneer lumber). Panoramic doors are used both as interior and exterior doors – a successful combination of design and functionality. In city apartments they are often used as an entrance to the loggia, while in country houses they are in demand on terraces, verandas, balconies, as well as in various permanent gazebos, guest and grill houses. Panoramic glazing does not fit well with solid or partially permeable doors, while a transparent door-window will not worsen the view and will provide functionality. The best option when you want to completely preserve the panorama, but don’t want to run around the whole house to get to the terrace.

In addition to aesthetics, panoramic doors have a number of other advantages.

Tightness - the design of the door assumes the tightest possible pressure of the leaf along the entire perimeter of the leaf.
Insulating properties - thanks to the tightness, the door retains heat well and does not allow outside noise to pass through.
Convenience - the absence of a threshold in the usual sense simplifies movement for children and the elderly, and operating the doors requires virtually no effort, regardless of size.
Practicality - saves space.
Safety – despite their apparent airiness, such doors are very durable and resistant to mechanical damage, and thanks to the anti-vandal coating and special anti-burglary fittings, they are difficult to open.
Durability - a long service life is due to the design features and materials used, both glass and profiles are wear-resistant and are designed to last for decades without major repairs or replacement.

There are several types of panoramic door designs.

Parallel sliding – PSK systems.
Folding (accordion) – FS systems.
Lift-and-slide – HS systems.

In private housing construction, parallel-sliding and folding windows and doors are most often used. We will look at them in more detail.

Projects of houses with panoramic glazing

It’s worth saying right away that the cost of building such a house, at least, will not be cheaper. This impression is due to the large area occupied by the windows. But the windows must be of good quality, and this is not cheap.

Panoramic windows in houses are often made in the bay window. This decorative extension itself gives the house an unusual look, and in combination with large windows, the building acquires individual features.

A house with panoramic windows may have a flat roof. Such buildings are built in modern style, high-tech, minimalism and others with laconic architecture. They have a memorable appearance. They are distinguished by the presence of broken lines, the absence of smooth and rounded ones. And floor-to-ceiling windows only emphasize this feature.

Large windows fit into any home architecture. If the house has any unusual details - roof, porch, etc. — they inexplicably emphasize this detail and the photos of the projects confirm this. If large windows are replaced with ordinary ones, much of the charm of these buildings will be lost.

In combination with sloping roofs of complex shapes, panoramic windows look even more unusual. Such projects are the most spectacular in appearance.

What to consider before installation?

If all the shortcomings do not bother you, and you still want to install panoramic windows, because they also have a lot of advantages, then you need to be prepared for the many questions and problems that are caused by the installation of such windows.

Please note that glass is a cold material, and in winter, due to the difference in temperatures inside and outside the room, a zone with cold air appears near the glass, which is especially unpleasant if you like to sit near the window. Therefore, it will be necessary to provide heating for this area.

There are a lot of options: a convector under the floor right in the area near the window, or tubular radiators, or simply choose heated windows, which is effective, but quite expensive.

If there is a child in the house, then his safety can be ensured simply by choosing a design with an increased number of bars and partitions so that he cannot stick his head in or climb out through the window.

More on the topic Standard sizes of plastic windows according to GOST

It will also be necessary to decide on the design and materials of use. The frame itself can be made of plastic, wood and aluminum. Naturally, it is believed that metal and wood are much stronger than PVC, but there are exceptions: in some cases, plastic even wins in strength, especially since it is not as cold as aluminum and is not as susceptible to precipitation as wood.

As for the design, size of the window and its configuration, then it is worth starting not so much from the interior design, but from the facade of the house - it is this that will tell you where and how logical it is to use this or that type of glazing.

Next, we decide on the opening method. The most common methods are:

tilt and turn - the most popular, allows you to both swing the structure and open it slightly for easy ventilation;
parallel-sliding - provides excellent tightness and thermal insulation, but the seals quickly fail, so you need to prepare for frequent repairs;
accordion folding is a rather rare method that is suitable for warmer regions, since it cannot provide reliable thermal insulation. But in this way you can completely move the entire window, leaving a huge opening in the wall, which can be very useful in some cases;
Lift-and-slide type is the most functional, sealed, silent, warm and reliable, but is quite expensive.

Do not forget about such an element of window design as curtains: they may be absent altogether according to your design ideas.

Otherwise, you need to immediately consider the possibility of attaching the cornice to the ceiling or wall, and in the case of Roman or roller blinds, be prepared that with the slightest turn of one sash, the entire structure will make a lot of noise, but do you need it?

In general, panoramic windows are very beautiful, but such beauty in the house requires a serious approach both during design and in window care, so be prepared for this in advance.

Source: moscowsad.ru/panoramnye-okna-vzveshivaem-vse-plyusy-i-minusy.html

Portal about construction

Owners of apartments and private houses with large window openings know how many possibilities the design of such an interior opens up. Panoramic windows almost up to the ceiling provide an abundance of light (and therefore savings on lighting) and a sense of space. The residents of the house have a beautiful view from the window, giving a feeling of merging with the surrounding landscape. This is a definite plus for the living room, bedroom, and nursery.

But such an architectural element is not without its drawbacks. First of all, this is heat loss (and additional heating costs). It’s good if such windows face the south or southwest: then there will be more sun and warmth in the room.

But you can’t put furniture near such a window sill. This means that in small rooms with observation windows right up to the ceiling, furnishing will be difficult.

It is clear that under all these conditions, the window opening needs to be properly designed: curtains for a large and tall window do not just emphasize its size - it is important to connect the interior style with the view that opens, so that the landscape becomes a logical extension of your home. Otherwise, dissonance of perception is inevitable.

When the landscape outside the window matters a lot

Advantages and disadvantages

Installing floor-to-ceiling plastic windows provides the owner of the premises with many undeniable advantages :

The view characteristics of the premises on the upper floors are improved, which helps to increase the commercial value of housing or office space.
The space of the room visually expands, which is especially important for two-light rooms with high ceilings.
In addition, the actual area of the room increases slightly in the absence of thick external walls.
When installing a panoramic screen in a private house, the visual perception of the facade is significantly improved.

At the same time, in addition to the advantages, such window designs entail some disadvantages :

In most cases, extended translucent elements cannot provide adequate resistance to heat transfer, which requires the installation of more powerful heating devices.
Panoramic windows require increased labor intensity and responsibility during installation.
If you purchase premium window structures with heat and sound insulating properties, as well as with additional safety elements, their cost significantly exceeds the price for constructing an external wall made of blocks and bricks.
When installing standard double-glazed windows, there is an increased risk of glass breaking, which affects the safety of residents and significantly limits the scope of application of such structures.

Despite the presence of disadvantages, panoramic windows are in stable demand among the population when installed in residential and public premises.

Curtain design = view outside the window + interior style

We will start from this “formula”. If an industrial landscape with market signs, office or industrial buildings opens up outside, modern styles (minimalism, hi-tech, loft) will help to organically fit into it a living room, kitchen, or spacious hall. Residential buildings, courtyards with playgrounds, gazebos, and flower beds will be in tune with the cozy classics. If an apartment or private house overlooks lawns, parks, gardens, forests, the ethnic flavor of country style will be the most organic. A pond, river, lake or sea will require reference to marine-themed design. It is quite logical to decorate such a picture, which occupies most of the wall from ceiling to floor, with textiles reminiscent of sails or light waves.

What else to look for when choosing a window

In addition to the technical characteristics of the profile, glass unit and fittings, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s company:

Are its products certified?
How long has the company been on the market?
What are the terms of the warranty provided?
Lead times for window manufacturing and installation.
The quality of installation is also one of the important factors for achieving energy efficiency: the window must be installed using high-quality seals, vapor and waterproofing. All innovative window solutions and professional installation of Deceuninck systems can be carried out by experienced specialists.

Large window textiles: what is good and what is bad

Choosing the style of the room is not everything. It is important to know what techniques can be used to benefit from high windows: which models of curtains and textiles will help this, and which ones, on the contrary, will harm.

What definitely won’t work in this case:

Textiles with small patterns: window decoration will be “lost” among other design elements in a large hall.

Short curtains look disproportionate, killing the entire value of a half-wall panoramic window from floor to ceiling.

A diagonally directed pattern (or stripes) on window textiles can break up the space of a living room, hall or kitchen, making it uncomfortable.

Curtains for large windows, due to their scale, almost always turn out to be the center of the interior, so they certainly need an original textile “cut”. What can it be expressed in?

Use the inversion technique - turn the usual combination the other way around. For example, let the curtains or tulle in the living room be dark and the drapes light. Or the inside of the window in the hall will be covered with a thick curtain (Roman, blinds), and flowing transparent fabrics will act as curtains on top of it.

We use a non-standard approach: thick Roman blinds with more delicate curtains

Selecting the winning cut

In the design of such premises, window textiles, as we have already found out, are often the main accent in the interior. But it doesn’t always have to be complicated and too bright. Often the size of windows and the view from them require more concise solutions.

In this case, designers have several universal curtain models in their arsenal.

For example, blinds. If the window is high, from the ceiling, but quite narrow, choose a horizontal design; if it is wide, choose a vertical one.

Window blinds are a great alternative to tulle. The room becomes incomparably more modern, there is more air and space for design ideas

Japanese curtains in the form of rectangular canvases are perfect for decorating a living room, hall, or bedroom.

And another example of a good approach to decorating a large window in an average living room. These white Japanese curtains look light and weightless as an alternative to traditional tulle.

The muslin curtain looks romantic and weightless. Especially if the room is small (bedroom, kitchen): it will add completeness to the window ensemble without “stealing” light.

Kiss curtains look beautiful on large vertical panoramic windows, then the geometry of the lines is not lost. Kiss curtains on tall floor-to-ceiling windows

If you decide to hang roller blinds, choose translucent ones: while covering part of the window, they should not interfere with natural light, destroying the concept of a light, airy design.

Thin sheer roller blinds combined with sheer drapes on a large window

Roman blinds are another option for discreet but expressive framing of the landscape for your home. But you need to be careful with cascading models: starting right at the ceiling, they weigh down the interior with voluminous folds and create the effect of overloading the space. For a medium-sized living room, hall or kitchen, it is better to give preference to a classic model, without folds.

Traditional, not the most successful design of a large window in the living room

Harmonious combinations

Combinations of curtains with curtains with tiebacks or thick drapes feel great in such rooms. And if you decide to make good use of the space, equip a cozy sofa on the living room window sill and frame the composition with curtains with tiebacks.

Roller blinds and Roman blinds can also be combined with curtains. An ideal option for the kitchen is light tulle paired with long curtains.

Roman blinds and a sofa for a large window in a bay window

Additional design options

With all this, a high window allows you to use some techniques that are not always suitable, and sometimes even contraindicated, for small window openings:

Curtain models with vertical folds and draperies can be presented to advantage.

Large windows in the interior always provide a unique opportunity to display beautiful curtains

Dense, massive, heavy fabrics are good in such cases.

Heavy curtains with eyelets will fit perfectly into a bright room.

Lambrequins of simple cut are harmonious in the design of rooms with panoramic windows starting from the ceiling. But if you “overload” them with various elements, you can get the effect of a theatrical stage.

A somewhat lightweight lambrequin was used to decorate a large window with a balcony door in the living room

Train curtains will also favorably emphasize the beauty of large window openings in the living room or bedroom.

Curtains on different tiers for a large panoramic window with access to the terrace

Non-standard solutions

If your living room has not just a tall window, but a large bay window with cornices near the ceiling, refuse complex models of curtains with many decorative elements and draperies: they will “eat up” the original design, also increasing the consumption of fabrics.

Classic curtains with lambrequins are often used to decorate a large window in a hall or living room, which is not always reasonable and does not meet modern trends

For a window in the form of an arch, it is better not to cover the arch with textiles at all: the result will be a complex model that will distract from the beautiful shape. Frame the rectangular part with curtains, and cover the semicircular top with light tinting or apply discreet stained glass.

Dimensions and other characteristics

The installation of panoramic glazing is regulated by the same regulatory documents as the classic elements for filling openings. Despite the fact that such window designs are most often made to order, manufacturers strive to limit production to the following technological parameters :

When installing a floor-to-ceiling window with a width of up to 900 mm, no additional reinforcing elements are required, since the structure operates along the short side between the walls.
With a width of more than 900 mm, reinforcing half-timbers are provided to absorb wind loads.
The minimum thickness of glass in a sealed window block is 6 mm.
The minimum thickness of triplex with single stained glass glazing must be at least 8 m (2 layers of 4 mm each).
Windows can be equipped with hinged, tilting or tilt-and-turn sashes.
The height of the first opening door is at least 700 mm from the surface of the finished floor.
Most profiles for vertical imposts are equipped with U-shaped steel reinforcement.
Product classes A and B are accepted as PVC profiles, with a thickness of 70 to 85 mm and a number of chambers from 5 to 8, to increase energy efficiency.

Fittings, as well as internal decorative layouts and other additional elements are selected based on the text of the technical specifications, at the request of the client.

Floor-to-ceiling windows have a significant number of advantages

Visual increase in space. Transparent walls create the effect of a large room, even if it has a small area.
Natural light with large windows increases significantly.
Floor-to-ceiling windows give the building and interior a special aesthetic appearance and appeal.
The beautiful view that opens behind the huge windows will delight and lift your spirits.

Related article: Should ventilation work when the windows are closed?

However, before choosing floor-to-ceiling windows for your premises, you need to think through all the problems associated with such glazing and possible ways to solve them.

Floor-to-ceiling windows - practice of use

Content:

Panoramic glazing is very often used in modern buildings and cottages. This is an indicator of eliteness, unusual construction style and the “zest” of the interior. Which windows are better to choose, is the beauty and prestige of floor-to-ceiling windows worth the significant costs of their installation and maintenance, and how to solve the problems associated with panoramic glazing? It is necessary to understand everything in order.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are large-area windows that are placed across the entire wall from ceiling to floor. They are designed to create a unique interior and provide the most complete natural lighting of an apartment or house.