Panoramic glazing is in high demand today...
The installation of panoramic windows is carried out by the developer himself at the apartment planning stage, or the owners are responsible for upgrading the balcony glazing. Panoramic glazing has a number of advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in detail below.
Historical past of panoramas
Ancient architects used panoramic glazing when creating magnificent palaces. The main goal was to increase the amount of natural light, because there was no electricity yet. In appearance, such windows looked more like door frames with inserted glass. The basis of the glazing of those times were boards and hinged/sliding doors, which were attached to a metal frame. The process of modernization over time has made them more similar to the windows of terraces and balconies in their modern version. At the moment, this type of glazing requires impressive financial costs, because the cost of one square meter starts from 12,000 rubles.
What types of panoramic windows are there?
For clients who decide to install panoramic glazing in their house or apartment, designers offer to choose one of three types of windows:
- bay windows;
- corner;
- classic.
The type of glazing depends on the shape of the room.
The choice of panoramic windows depends on a number of factors. Here the layout of the room plays an important role. So, the classic type is installed in a straight line from floor to ceiling, and the bay window, as the name implies, is installed in rooms that have a semicircular protrusion on the outside.
Corner double-glazed windows are installed at the junction of a brick or concrete wall, which significantly increases the viewing angle and expands the space.
Classic panoramic windows
The most common type of panoramic windows in modern construction is classic. Such a double-glazed window is installed on the entire wall of the room (from ceiling to floor). In this case, glazing is only possible in a straight line. If there is a protrusion, then other types are installed.
Classic panoramic windows are chosen for the following reasons:
- they are suitable for most apartments with a standard layout, even for Khrushchev-era apartments;
- they are easier to install, and this has a positive effect on the final cost;
- they are easy to wash.
Such glazing changes the interior beyond recognition, since now a picturesque panorama of the city opens from your bedroom or living room, which changes the atmosphere in the entire apartment.
Bay windows: what are they?
This species is less common. Windows are only suitable for rooms with a bay window. Each house has an individual angle and size of the projection, so double-glazed windows are made only to order.
Bay windows make any interior luxurious and cozy.
Panoramic windows are placed at an angle in a smooth semicircle. Due to this, the dimensions of the room visually change. Visually it seems larger, its boundaries are expanding. If the apartment has a bay window, then the wall between it and the room can be removed (to increase the space). It is worth noting that such windows are difficult to clean (this is their only drawback).
Corner windows in the apartment
From the name it is clear that these panoramic double-glazed windows are placed in the corner of the room. Using transparent sealant, the joint between two rectangles is made invisible. Glass can completely or partially replace two walls - it all depends on the designer’s idea.
Corner glazing is suitable for the dining room, living room, veranda and office. With such a window, the viewing angle increases, and the room seems larger.
If the option with a transparent joining seam seems fragile and unreliable, then the project can be planned so that a wooden or plastic window frame stands in the center. Even in this case, the viewing angle will be greater, and a beautiful view will open from the room.
Maximum illumination
The main advantage of panoramic glazing is high-quality insolation in the room. Even if the apartment does not have a very good location, large windows will make it as illuminated as possible. Panoramas fit perfectly into the architecture of studio apartments or large living rooms that need high-quality natural light. Modern panoramas have warm and cold glass tints, which can be set at the customer’s discretion. In addition, a choice of different glazing configurations is available: hinged, sliding or folding.
Design and color scheme
Traditionally, window frames are white. This shade is given to the plastic from which standard double-glazed windows are made, and it is also welcomed in the “native” style for the design - Provence. Black color will emphasize the rigor and laconicism of the interior. Frames can be made to order for the buyer in any shade that harmonizes with the decor of the room. Brown wood tones are invariably associated with classic and eco style. Glass can also be given special shades of aquamarine, ripe cherry, sage or mustard. It is worth considering that the interior of the room during the day will acquire a similar tone in the light of the sun’s rays, while the windows are closed. If the structure is of impressive size, then it is better to fit the colored pieces using the mosaic method into the blind corner spaces between the panels of the frame.
Bird's-eye
Panoramic glazing on the upper floors allows you to contemplate stunning sunrises and sunsets over the city, and nature in all its diversity. Large windows in city apartments make it possible to enjoy a calm picture of a city at night, shrouded in garlands of lanterns and passing cars. Large windows in a country house create the illusion of being outside, removing the boundaries between the house and the natural landscape, allowing you to completely relax and plunge into your thoughts.
Balcony
When balconies again ceased to be a place for collecting rubbish, their design changed radically. More and more often they began to make these spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows. Indeed, only on such a balcony can you feel the atmosphere of relaxation. When you don’t have to huddle on bar stools or, worse, just stare at a blank wall.
Just note that most balcony windows are not a single panel, but a composite structure of two frames that are located on top of each other. Often the dividing strip runs in the center - just at eye level if you are sitting on a chair. You should try to avoid such “small” but ultimately important shortcomings.
The traditional frame color is white. Yes, it is as neutral as possible. Yes, it doesn't eat up space. But in plastic it can look official. An original alternative could be deep chocolate color or even black. But it’s better to move beige and light brown further away for now.
In order for the floor-to-ceiling windows on the balcony to be perceived as a complete element, it is desirable that all glass doors lead into the apartment. Then the balcony will look truly soaring. True, it will add double the hassle of cleaning.
Maintenance costs
Panoramic windows have increased thermal conductivity. This leads to additional heating costs, but at the same time saves money on lighting. If you are attracted to the French option, then you should first discuss the possibility of installing it with the developer. An important role in heat conservation is played by the type of double-glazed window (vacuum, double glazing, the presence of energy-saving film) and the optimal installation location (the south and south-west side of the building is best suited for this purpose).
Stereotype #5. Panoramic windows mean condensation and icing are inevitable
Condensation will never appear on properly designed and installed large-format structures. Risks can only arise if errors are made during design and installation.
Andrey Okulov
Since we have large structures, in addition to calculating the glass unit for heat transfer resistance, it is necessary to calculate its deformation resistance. If this is not done, then due to the difference in temperature and pressure, the interglazed distance in the double-glazed window may increase or decrease, which can lead to the formation of condensation or even icing, as well as the effect of “distorted mirrors”. If the glass is selected correctly, if everything is done correctly, then the risk of condensation and ice formation is minimized.
One of the most common reasons for the formation of condensation is the use of an aluminum spacer frame in a double-glazed window (low temperature on the surface of the glass unit in the area of the spacer frame) and the lack of warm air circulation, especially in the lower horizontal parts of the structure.
Andrey Okulov
When using warmer spacers in a double-glazed window (steel, TPS, etc.), the risk of condensation is significantly reduced (increase in temperature in the spacer area).
Another anti-condensation solution is the optimally selected installation depth of the double-glazed window. Depending on the installation width of the profile, you can choose an installation depth of 18 mm, 21 mm or 25 mm.
The deeper the glass unit is in the profile, the lower the risk of condensation formation.
Andrey Okulov
For panoramic walls and other large-format structures, we recommend making thermal convectors. The directed flow of warm air from bottom to top eliminates the formation of condensation during any temperature changes. Our practice of operating panoramic structures shows: if this is done, then there will simply be no condensation formations, much less ice.
Protecting personal space
You should not ignore the fact that at night an apartment with panoramic glazing resembles a well-lit theater stage, where all movements can be seen from the street. When panoramic windows are installed in a private house, this does not cause any particular difficulties. If the windows face a busy street, then it is better to get thick curtains that will allow you to maintain intimacy and confidentiality.
French style windows and doors: views
Modern French Windows are distinguished by a variety of materials for manufacturing and methods of opening: models can have almost any appearance at the request of the customer. Which options are the most popular?
The variety of models of French windows allows you to fit them even into an eclectic interior.
Materials
A variety of materials for French-style window frames allows you to choose the ideal option for any need and budget. Let's look at each type in more detail.
Vintage French windows in a historical building in Paris
1. Wooden. An eco-friendly and safe natural material that is ideal for interiors with an atmosphere of closeness to nature: choose it for design in Scandinavian style, Provence, rustic, boho. Such windows are resistant to temperature changes, retain heat well and are well ventilated. The noble texture makes these models the center of attention, and the ease of coloring allows you to give them absolutely any shade. The disadvantages include the need to regularly update the coating (paint, moisture-repellent impregnation) and the high cost.
French windows made of wood in the interior of a bedroom in the Art Deco style, photo by A. Ivanov
French-style sliding door made of wood in the interior of a country house
French-style panoramic glazing with wooden frames in the dining room
2. Plastic. The most budget option: plastic frames are cheaper than all others on the modern market. Such models are sealed, which provides excellent heat and sound insulation, and are also very easy to use and maintain - they do not require any maintenance after installation. However, tightness is also a disadvantage: a greenhouse effect can be created in the room. In addition, PVC cannot withstand sudden changes in temperature (it can crack) and is highly electrified, attracting dust, so plastic frames have to be washed frequently.
Laconic French doors made of plastic look appropriate in any interior
Plastic French doors in black are especially popular in modern design.
French windows and doors made of white plastic are the most versatile
3. Aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight and easy-to-work material that allows you to make thin and elegant frames of any size that transmit maximum light and do not increase the load on the building supports. This is an excellent option for glazing large spaces: terraces, balconies and loggias. Aluminum frames for panoramic windows and doors look harmonious in industrial-style interiors and fashionable lofts. But this design retains heat worse than others and has the highest cost.
Aluminum French doors match black accents in this bathroom
Aluminum frames for French windows can be very thin
Aluminum French windows are great for doors to the terrace of a private house
4. Fiberglass composite (fiberglass). The most modern material for the production of window structures, which combines the advantages of plastic and aluminum. It is light and durable, non-toxic, does not deform due to temperature changes and does not fade in the sun (important for colored frames), has high fire resistance and excellent thermal insulation. Among the disadvantages, the most significant is the rigidity of this material, which does not allow the creation of curved shapes and limits the options for figured devitrification. The price of such models is slightly higher than plastic ones, but noticeably lower than aluminum ones.
Fiberglass French windows can be of any shade, including wood
French windows and doors made of glass composite are visually similar to plastic ones
French windows made of glass composite are reliable and easy to use
Opening method
Since such models primarily provide free passage from one space to another, there are fewer options for opening French doors than classic windows. But there is still a choice: possible types of mechanisms are listed below.
You need to choose the type of opening for French windows based on the size of the room and its style.
1. Swing. Hinged window designs are a classic: they are easy to manufacture, versatile and quite inexpensive (compared to other options). However, it is worth remembering that to open such a sash you need free space, and the wider it is, the more space it requires. Make sure that objects in the room do not interfere with opening your windows.
Hinged French windows and doors lead to a spacious terrace
Hinged French windows are ideal as an entrance door to a home.
Classic French-style casement windows in a Parisian apartment, photo by M. Giboin
If panoramic doors separate a room from a small narrow balcony or loggia, it makes sense to install models that open inward so that they do not “eat up” the already small space.
Hinged French doors to the narrow balcony here open inwards
2. Sliding. An ideal way to expand a room not only visually, but also “physically”: French-style sliding glass doors take up space only in the opening itself. Thanks to this, you can push furniture close to them (for example, a dining table and chairs) to enjoy a luxurious panoramic view up close, without preventing the doors from opening. High-quality materials ensure the tightness of this structure, which is not inferior to a classic swing one, but the price will be slightly more expensive.
Sliding French windows open up a passage to the garden of a country house
Sliding French doors save space in a small bedroom
A sliding French door allows you to combine the living room and the terrace of a private house
3. Foldable. The most expensive and difficult to implement option: folding “book” windows (or “accordions”) are not produced by every brand. This design looks very impressive. In addition, it saves space: when folded, the window almost completely frees up the opening. This is an excellent option for a country house with access to a terrace - open the panoramic doors and you will maximize the living space, completely combining it with the garden.
Folding French doors separate dining areas on the terrace and in the house
Folding French doors are used as an emergency entrance from the garden in a private house
Folding French window allows you to attach a balcony to the room
Deglazing
Any window frames (including French style) can be of two types:
The combination of French windows with different glazing in the interior, photo by S. Polyushko
- solid - glass occupies the entire surface from top to bottom, without additional inserts-plates (spreads) in the frame;
Single-piece French windows provide full views of the landscape
- with glazing - a window sash consists of several glasses inserted between the frames, and the glazing can be almost any (small, large, shaped).
French windows and doors with thin frames and large glazing
The choice of French Windows on this basis depends on the style of the interior and what effect you want to achieve. One-piece options offer maximum visibility and are suitable for modern styles (for example, Scandi or minimalism). Models with glazing create a beautiful play of light and shade in the room and have a slight retro mood, more appropriate in a classic style, as well as rustic and Provence.
Solid French windows are ideal for a minimalist home, photo by K. Fukui
Solid French windows in elegant frames harmoniously complement the Scandinavian interior
French windows with small glazing fit perfectly into a classic interior
French windows with original glass support the vintage mood
