Panoramic windows in a private house: pros and cons +50 photos

Panoramic windows, with all their structural complexity, are considered one of the best options for decorating a private home. Glass buildings look advantageous against the background of other buildings, and even better - surrounded by rich vegetation. The desired design option must be taken into account at the design stage of the structure. Windows will not necessarily be monotonous and straight. You can “include” several smooth lines in the window system, for example, arched elements, as well as zigzags and curves. Owners of “transparent” houses outside urban areas have experienced the quality of life in a space saturated with natural light. There are more pros than cons. The choice of materials and configuration of panoramic windows includes many nuances regarding the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of structures. In this matter, the advice of architects and design specialists will be useful.

Features of houses with floor-to-ceiling windows

Houses with panoramic windows look modern and stylish. However, the main feature is the receipt of more sunlight compared to structures with standard openings. Usually some windows are made panoramic. Most often, living rooms are glazed this way. This option is also used for arranging closed terraces and verandas. Glazing all the way to the floor provides a beautiful panoramic view. In multi-apartment buildings, floor-to-ceiling windows are installed only on balconies and loggias, much less often anywhere else. Glazing the entire horizontal space requires scrupulous calculations and competent design solutions. You will definitely need strong vertical supports for the walls and roof. Standard ready-made house designs rarely contain the necessary calculations. You will need to spend a large amount of money on design, manufacturing and installation.

Other important features:

Panoramic windows are made of solid glass or parts separated by imposts.
Buildings need to be equipped with additional heating methods.
It is better to plan panoramic glazing on the south side of the house.

Tip 8: where to order?

A company that can be trusted to manufacture floor-to-ceiling windows must meet several requirements:

At least five years of experience in the window market;
Certified processor of a well-known profile system;
Availability of design engineers on staff.

You shouldn’t be afraid of floor-to-ceiling windows; they need to be designed correctly. When the design is designed taking into account all the nuances and made from high-quality components, they will delight you for many years and give you an incredible feeling of unity with nature. It’s not for nothing that panoramic windows are so popular all over the world.

Advantages and disadvantages of panoramic glazing

A beautiful view from the outside and inside, good natural light are the key advantages of panoramic windows. But these advantages also create some negative aspects. All movements around the house will be visible to outsiders. This situation can be corrected by one-way transparent windows or simpler options - blinds, curtains, curtains. All these are additional costs.

The thermal conductivity of one glass is higher than that of walls, so in cold regions you will need windows with three glasses and two chambers. Panoramic windows are made of high-strength materials and can withstand and distribute the load well. If desired, the outside and outside of the glass is coated with protective layers to prevent scratches. Large windows take a long time to clean, but they are less prone to defects than walls. In summer, window openings will have to be kept closed from the scorching sun for many hours a day. In winter, you will need to regularly remove ice.

The smallest and largest opening doors

The dimensions of the opening sashes depend on the strength of the fittings, restrictions according to GOST (maximum mass of the movable element) and the planning characteristics of the space being used.
In panoramic window blocks, sashes can be made either in the form of mortise structures - vents or transoms, or occupy entire segments between mullions and imposts.

Manufacturers use the following overall dimensions of movable sashes:

The minimum permissible window size cannot be less than 400 x 400 mm.
The width of a standard swing sash can be 600 – 1200 mm, with a weight of up to 2400 mm. In such situations, with standard fittings, the maximum weight of the moving part of the window should not exceed 70 kg, and for reinforced mechanisms - 150 kg.
Door structures with rotary hinges are made with dimensions of 700 – 1200 x 2100 – 2400 mm.
Transoms can have dimensions from 600 x 300 to 1800 x 600 mm and are equipped with folding mechanisms with a manual or electric remote drive, as well as a limit opening lock.
Sliding doors for cold or warm circuits can reach up to 2400 mm in width and 3000 mm in length.
In the case of arranging portal panoramic structures for communication with adjacent cold rooms, such as “book” or accordion, the dimensions of each sash range from 1000 x 2200 to 1800 x 3000 mm.

If it is necessary to equip a window structure with products with large dimensions, an individual calculation of the strength of the fittings is required, and, if necessary, the installation of additional reinforcing mechanisms.

Where are panoramic double-glazed windows used?

Large private houses and cottages are decorated with panoramic windows. This implementation looks especially good in forests and spacious clearings. Panoramic window systems are used to decorate the facades of hotels, large office and shopping centers. They are also used in hospitals where patients need to receive a lot of direct sunlight. This glazing method can be found on the facades of many conference centers and avant-garde art buildings. It is actively used in countries with a small number of sunny days per year. This is why panoramic glazing is so popular in the Scandinavian region, in particular in Finland. Another traditional use is in the penthouses of luxury apartment buildings, especially high-rise ones. And in general, any premises on the upper floors of buildings of public importance.

Other places where panoramic windows can be used:

winter gardens;
greenhouses;
terraces;
open walls of swimming pools;
halls and halls;
large bay windows.

Non-standard dimensions for different types of buildings

Non-standard translucent elements for installation in apartments or private residential buildings, as a rule, are manufactured according to the materials of an individual project , taking into account the results of static calculations and division of blocks into segments using reinforced half-timbers. Most often, consumers order the following types of non-standard panoramic windows:

Natural lighting of the staircase - the width can start from 400 - 600 mm, and the height reaches 10 - 12 m, which is achieved by joining rectangular frames together.
In living rooms with a large area, panoramic window structures can reach 6 meters in width and 3.6 meters in height, thanks to division into segments with the installation of reinforced imposts.
In the premises of swimming pools, winter gardens, terraces and verandas, the strip separation is carried out with a length of up to 10 - 12 or more meters, provided that the maximum height of such blocks does not exceed 3 m, and the thickness of the tempered glass is not less than 6 - 8 mm.
In the case of installing skylights in the upper parts of enclosing structures, the height of window blocks does not exceed 600 - 900 mm, with a length of more than 6 meters.
When arranging a pediment in a private residential building with a pitched roof, the size of a trapezoidal or triangular translucent structure can reach up to 8 - 9 meters at the base and up to 4 meters in height at the top point.
In the case of organizing shop windows in shopping centers or panoramic restaurants, arched windows in the form of a semicircle with a diameter of up to 6 meters are often used.

Composite structures can contain fixed or movable sashes; the maximum opening size depends on the mass of the rotating part of the block, as well as on the planning restrictions of the room and the load-carrying capacity of the fittings.

Requirements for panoramic windows

Double-glazed windows should have a size within 300×320 cm, and the distance between them in the structure should not be more than 2.5 cm. If you choose the width between layers greater than the above value, then a significant temperature difference in mid-autumn or spring can cause expansion or contraction of the air gap . Sooner or later this will lead to depressurization or even damage to the integrity of the glass unit. Gaps will subsequently appear next to the seal. The profile for panoramic window systems should be chosen as durable as possible, designed to support the weight of large windows. Incorrect calculation will affect the durability of the structure. Profiles for this type of window are manufactured in compliance with a number of standards. The possibility of reinforcement is the first criterion. The availability of options for installing double-glazed windows with a total thickness of more than 5 cm is the second.

In a temperate climate zone, the most important nuance is the quality of thermal insulation.

Pricing

The price of French and panoramic window units depends on a number of factors :

Glazing area.
The presence and number of opening doors.
Thickness and number of chambers in the profile.
Glass thickness, number of chambers in a double-glazed window.
Profile material.
The presence of lamination or painting in the mass.
Type of glass – regular, tempered, triplex.

Panoramic windows belong to high-price products due to the high cost of materials, the labor-intensive production process and the need for careful quality control at each stage.

More information here.

Climatic comfort and heating costs

Completely blind panoramic structures are inconvenient in the summer. The opening options, in turn, improve the ergonomics of the building, and in summer they allow you to maintain the temperature inside within normal limits. The second type is more preferable for the winter period. No matter how dense the design of panoramic windows, it cannot provide protection from the cold equivalent to the presence of thick walls. There are many options for solving the situation: some are affordable, and some require significant costs. The most common means are long-wave heaters, warm baseboards, warm water floors, infrared and cable heated floors, and convector heating. Insulated floors are the most expensive. Operating costs will not be so significant, but you will have to spend a lot on installation. Depending on the type, the heating role will be performed by water pipes, special films or heated cables. Films with a graphite field are the most expensive.

Minimum and maximum parameters of double-glazed windows

The dimensions of double-glazed windows in panoramic windows do not always coincide with the fitting dimensions of the frames. This is due to a reduction in the cost of the finished structure by sectioning the internal filling of the profile structure into separate segments, through the installation of mutually orthogonal imposts.

Thus, double-glazed windows installed in window structures with improved view characteristics are produced with the following dimensions:

The minimum permissible size of a double-glazed window must be no less than 300 x 300 – 400 x 400 mm.
When installing a standard panoramic window in an apartment with dimensions 1200 x 2400 – 1800 x 3000 mm, double-glazed windows with dimensions 1050 x 2250 – 1650 x 2850 mm are installed in the frames, respectively.
In the case of arranging a door structure with parameters from 800 x 2100 to 1200 x 2400 mm, translucent elements with geometric characteristics from 600 x 1900 to 1000 x 2200 mm are installed in the reinforced profile.

Regardless of the overall size of the window structure, the size of the double-glazed window, which depends on the thickness of the glass, its structure and the production capabilities of the plant, cannot exceed 2400 x 2400 - 3000 x 3000 m . In the latter case, technologists strongly recommend dividing such extended windows in a blind design into 2 or more segments to increase safety during operation of the opening filling element.

Types and options of panoramic glazing

Windows installed at the entire height of the floor correspond in their meaning to door systems. They can open according to the principle of swing, sliding and other types of doors. Just like door structures, panoramic windows are often decorated with transoms with dormer windows. When finishing the corner parts of a room, several options for joining sections appear at once. With bay windows the situation is more complicated, since a complex calculation of the angle of the joints is required. The easiest to install are straight-line systems. They are the only ones suitable for placing sashes in a folding or sliding configuration. Standard straight systems are suitable for the installation of hinged doors and tilt-up windows. Fixed glass is installed on floors from the second and above. Closed structures are additionally equipped with 1-3 folding sections.

There are three main types of glazing:

classic (with sliding, hinged elements, solid, etc.);
corner;
bay window

Bay window decoration

This option of panoramic glazing is used relatively rarely. Finishing a bay window involves creating a sectional structure. The installation angle of the double-glazed windows is selected depending on the distance between the boundary of the wall and the outer projection of the bay window, as well as the radius of the protruding element. Installation of frames and fittings when decorating a balcony or loggia is more difficult than with a conventional corner installation. Window elements are combined with special connectors. This could be a plastic pipe or a round connecting piece. Special sliding and flexible structural elements are used, for example, for a semicircular bay window. Configuration matters a lot. It may be necessary to demolish some supports that are insignificant in terms of load-bearing function. In the case of balconies, at least two sections are installed along the entire height.

Corner glazing

This type of design allows you to create a 270-degree viewing angle, which is impossible for classic and bay window systems. The method is simpler than the balcony, but more complex than the “blind” glazing option, and combines the features of both. Based on the principle of composition, several types of installation are distinguished. The transparent corner is the most aesthetic of them. In this case, the glasses are adjacent to each other, and the resulting seam is closed with a transparent sealant. If installation is carried out with a “transparent angle”, then profiles should be selected with enhanced impact resistance. Special profile systems are not needed when implementing the second method. The edges of the two frames will act as a corner joint. The simplest method is usually the only one. A corner column or a significant section of wall in the corner of a room is used as a separator between two double-glazed windows.

"Fall" glazing

One of the frequently used methods of the classic glazing option. All parts of the overall structure in this case are large in size, and their location completely coincides with the wall. The window system itself is designed with a “blind” configuration, that is, the sections do not open in any direction. This is the simplest and cheapest installation method, which has worked well in ordinary country houses. However, external window cleaning in this case is carried out only with special devices or cleaning companies. Fixed panoramic windows are placed in any area of the building, except for the entrance to the house itself, as well as exits to the terrace, balcony, etc. Closed panoramic systems are usually made without horizontal frames. However, the option with a transom and many small folding sections has also proven itself well. In this way, you can organize high-quality ventilation of the room.

Panoramic glazing with hinged doors

This pattern of windows is suitable for organizing the entrance to a balcony, terrace or veranda. The most convenient are double-leaf models without an impost. If there is only one sash, then all the fittings will go to it, and for the double-leaf “version” you will need bevel fittings for both sashes. For a panoramic design, the increase in cost due to the use of two sections will not be of particular importance. In addition, large rooms usually contain a lot of large objects that sometimes need to be moved from place to place. The advantage of swing structures is the low load on the fittings. It is very likely that doors of this configuration will last longer than sliding or folding casement windows. With a double-leaf design, it is better to fix the unused leaf only at the bottom. In apartment conditions, panoramic glazing on balconies requires obtaining permits to expand the opening.

Sliding glazing

Sliding structures come in two main types:

With lift and slide opening.
With parallel sliding.

In the first option, the sash rises a few millimeters and moves to the side. Special hinges will ensure silent and easy movement of heavy sections. All manipulations will be performed using just one handle. The number of window elements is selected from four, sometimes less. The system may contain blind sections along with moving sections. The profile is made heat-insulating or cold. With sliding glazing, the window sashes also move along guide rails. The difference is that there is no upward bias. Due to this, roller elements can be used both on the floor and on the ceiling. The window mechanism is assembled from no more than four free sashes. Smooth running is ensured by a brush seal, which enhances the action of the main seal and protects it at the same time.

Folding glazing mechanism

This panoramic design consists of sequentially connected opening doors that occupy the entire passage when opened. One/two outer sections or both central sections are made rotary and, accordingly, entrance sections. When folded to its maximum, the structure occupies less than a third of the opening. For the summer, this is a way to ventilate an entire floor. For convenient operation, you should limit yourself to 7 doors and 6 meters per opening. The suspension can be located both at the top and at the bottom. A design with a top-mounted suspension does not require a large threshold; the floor under the doors can generally be flat. In this case, the closed handle is held in place by a special lock, since a full-fledged lock is incompatible with such a design. A top-hung window system can be additionally insulated and insulated in areas with intersectional awnings.

Varieties

The following types of panoramic window designs widely available

Sliding portals with parallel rail guides.
Swivel-and-slide structures of the “book” or “accordion” type with complex fittings.
Solid panoramic windows.
Translucent structures with integrated swing or tilt and turn doors.
Strip glazing of balconies, terraces, loggias, verandas, porches.
Continuous stained glass glazing, manufactured and installed according to an individual project.

Portal panoramic structures are usually installed in buildings that have French windows or direct access to the street (for example, to the backyard or terrace).

Full article on the species here.

Materials for panoramic windows

Profile structures of panoramic windows are made using metals, high-hardness wood, plastic, fiberglass and combined materials. As for metal bases, stainless steel and aluminum alloys are used here. The materials are reinforced with polyamide inclusions. Three-layer timber can be used in the structure of the window frame. This profile is recommended for use for panoramic windows with a frame thickness of 8 cm or more. Plastic and PVC are the most popular materials. They are reinforced with hollow metal elements. It turns out to be an economical and durable option. Some window frames are formed from mixed structures, from metal and wood components. Such combinations can provide reliable protection against adverse natural phenomena. A relatively new resistant material, glass composite, has good thermal insulation properties. However, it is expensive and not suitable for some designs.

Wooden structures

Hardwood or laminated veneer lumber is used. The wood is treated with antiseptic agents that prevent the development of fungus. Antipyrites provide protection from fire. Panoramic modules use wood that is protected from moisture penetration and warping. This is fundamentally important for extending service life. Glued laminated timber has excellent properties: it retains its appearance for a long time, is resistant to deformation, and lasts almost as long as iron. Adhesive layers, however, have low breathability. And yet wood improves the climatic conditions of the building. Wooden windows, among other things, are the best option for installation on inclined surfaces. Thermal insulation properties are improved through the use of inert gases in double-glazed windows.

After repeated processing, wood loses most of its natural qualities.

PVC structures

Profiles made of polyvinyl chloride are cheaper than wooden ones and, unlike the latter, do not deform or rot. Moreover, the material is lighter than metals. The design of panoramic window sashes is reinforced with special elements made of 2 mm galvanized steel. One of them is rectangular, and the other is U-shaped. Power connectors are installed between the sections of the panoramic system. They are also called structural reinforcers. The rigidity of double-glazed windows is given by closed metal bases and a steel plate. Large-sized sashes are sealed by increasing the locking points. The frames are strengthened with additional seals for the movable sashes. It is recommended to select fittings with closed hinges so as not to interrupt the insulation surface. PVC windows should be used together with blockers - the service life will then correspond to the declared indicator.

Aluminum frames in the production of panoramic windows

This material does not burn and can last up to 80 years. There are “warm” modifications of products for residential premises and “cold” modifications for technical ones. Aluminum frames are used with single- and double-chamber sashes. The choice of shape is practically unlimited, because aluminum has plastic qualities despite its high strength. The configuration can be domed, semicircular, curved. A warm profile 5-6 cm wide contains at least one thermal bridge made of polyamide fiber. The part itself is a thermal break closed in the profile. In an improved modification, it is a sectional element with air chambers. The part is finished with polyurethane, and the compartments on opposite sides of the thermal break are weak heat conductors. Due to this, convective heat exchange is kept as low as possible.

Metal profiles

They are known primarily for their strength and structural elasticity. Among all the options, the welded base gives the structures maximum rigidity. Thermal break in mechanical frames allows for use in heated rooms. The material combines best with armored glass. There are also special moisture-resistant modifications of metals to simplify window maintenance. Bronze and satin steel, in turn, are suitable for installation in luxury real estate. Metal panoramic windows have a higher compatibility with the exterior compared to other materials. And if something happens, decorative overlays will provide a harmonious look with wooden and other types of facades. Some frame models are designed to use thick glass to enhance sound insulation.

Production process and necessary equipment

To produce window structures, a separate workshop with special professional equipment is required. The production of panoramic windows is carried out according to the following technological map :

A profile, for example, made of plastic is made by heat treatment followed by passing the molten mass through a molding device and a screw extruder equipped with cooling rotors.
The profile is manufactured with a length of 4 to 6 meters, after which it is subject to cutting on a special table with a cross-cutting machine, according to the specifications for the project.
The profile elements are connected to the frame using mechanical clamps and adhesives.
Glazing beads for double-glazed windows are produced on similar extruders of smaller dimensions and power.
The finished glass is placed on a cutting table with a felt lining, where it is to be cut with a CNC glass cutter equipped with a diamond cutting element.
Profile elements for gluing double-glazed windows are supplied to production in finished form and must be cut to the required length.
The glass is glued along the perimeter to the internal profiles and treated with black butyl sealant.
The necessary fittings are attached to the finished doors by milling the plastic walls and fixing the metal parts with self-tapping screws.
After assembling the frame, the finished double-glazed windows are inserted into the landing planes intended for them and clamped with glazing beads.

At each stage of production there is a quality control service that monitors quality compliance, which significantly increases the level of safety during the operation of windows, and also minimizes the percentage of defects.

Window care

Since the size of the window system is measured in many square meters, it should be cared for in a timely and efficient manner. Each area should be washed at least twice a year. There is a certain difficulty in cleaning glass at high altitudes. It is difficult to do this from the outside, so it is better to seek professional help from cleaning companies. Cleaning on your own is difficult if a white coating forms on the surface from condensation and rainwater. It’s easier with the inside - it is washed with ordinary detergents. The foam must be removed with water, after which the glass is treated with a glass cleaner. You should purchase a window squeegee to avoid using chairs when cleaning. In winter, heating devices are installed at the level of the lower part of the windows. In-floor radiators are also used, which are often connected to the heating system. Since the windows will fog up, additional care will be required.

Advantages

Panoramic glazing is very popular for a reason; it has a number of positive properties.

The view is impossible to compare the picture from an ordinary window, even a large one, and the view obtained through a panoramic view of the entire wall.
Spatial expansion - the panorama unites the room and the street, visually increasing the area. Even a modest-sized room with a glass wall becomes visually larger and airier.
Quality of lighting - daylight is necessary for our body, and through the panoramic glazing the maximum amount of it enters the room.
Design possibilities – for those who like dark tones in the interior, the panorama compensates for the gloom.

Professional advice on choosing panoramic windows

Glazing large windows requires taking into account many factors. Tempered glass should be chosen as a material for double-glazed panoramic windows. It is made not only durable, but also protected with a special film. In the event of a breach, it will hold the glass fragments together. Before choosing and installing, it is recommended to take into account the height of the building above sea level and the geographical location in order to calculate the load from pressure and wind. The climatic features of the territory are also an important aspect. The area may experience frequent rain or snowfall. For metal profiles, indicators such as moisture resistance and sound insulation are of fundamental importance. In cold regions, this should include energy efficiency. The panoramic design is large in size, so the glazing must be resistant to dynamic and static loads.

Based on the market situation, there are 4 main categories of window structures:

PVC windows.
Wooden.
Steel.
Aluminum.

When purchasing, priority should be given to impact-resistant structures.

Requirements according to GOSTs and regulatory documents

Requirements for the size of panoramic windows are regulated by the following regulatory documents:

STO NOSTROY 2.23.62-2012 “Translucent fencing structures. Window".
GOST 34378-2018 “Translucent enclosing structures. Windows and doors."
GOST 23166-2021 “Translucent fencing structures for windows and balconies.”
GOST R 56926-2016 “Window and balcony structures for various functional purposes for residential buildings.”
GOST 21519-2003 “Window blocks made of aluminum alloys”.

Based on the documents listed above, each manufacturing enterprise officially registered on the market develops its own technical specifications. Based on the results of the production of a new batch of products, sample copies are tested, after which the state body issues a certificate of conformity to technical specifications , which is the main guarantor of product quality.

Technical component

Anyone who is thinking about panoramic glazing at home is concerned about the choice of double-glazed windows. The price of the issue and the appearance of the windows depend on their variety. In addition, both the installation method and the formula are important.

Frames

There is also a frameless option, but it is usually used for loggias, where the size of the glass allows you to do without a rigid frame, just with guides. For glazing houses, the following variations are more in demand:

PVC is a budget option, but has dimensional limitations.
Wood - laminated veneer lumber, otherwise - LVL beams.
Aluminum is strong, durable, lightweight, expensive. The most reliable version of the panorama, designed for massive windows. He is recommended by both manufacturers and the majority of users, among them Rexther; he specializes in glazing and, as an experienced craftsman, knows what is best.

Installation method

In private construction, two main methods are used.

ODS: window-door system. Internal glazing and stained glass windows are enclosed in frames; in fact, these are huge windows mounted to the ceilings.

Structural glazing (facade) - there is no protruding frame from the outside, the mullion-transom sheathing remains inside, and the glass is mounted with a special glue, the joints are sealed with sealant.

Both methods allow you to make both monolithic panoramic windows and sliding ones, and combine glazing with doorways. The monolith is easier to install and costs less, but the opportunity to open access to air in the warm season and not bother with additional ventilation will pay for everything.