Panoramic windows: photo, ideas, arrangement

Thanks to the development of modern technologies, there is now a significant increase in the popularity of panoramic windows used to equip large apartments, as well as country houses and cottages. Panoramic glazing makes it possible to make a full review of the surrounding area. Having formed window apertures in all wall, it is possible to bring in premises sensation of special ease and open space, and also considerably improve illumination, literally filling the house with natural light.

What are panoramic windows

Glazing occupying most of the walleither completely from the floor to the ceiling, is called panoramic or "French".Initially, such windows were installed in the south of France, including in houses with a terrace or veranda. Thus, before the admiring guests, a wonderful view from the windows opened, emphasizing the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Soon this trend has become quite widespread. The panorama glazing is the most suitable for country houses and cottages, in addition, some residents of apartment buildings can afford to install such windows.

The advantages of using a large number of transparent constructions for light are obvious. Among them, we can note the following:

• panoramic windows look very stylish in the interior of the room, as well as outside;
• a significant increase in daylight levels - with such glazing, the room from sunrise to sunset is literally flooded with sunlight, which is pleasant and healthy;
• the opening view from the window allows you to appreciate the surrounding landscape or city landscape;
• feeling of free space, as well as the emerging sense of intimacy and unity with the natural environment. In modern conditions, our opportunities to visit nature are often very limited - nevertheless, thanks to windows in full growth, you can monitor the slightest changes in weather conditions through glass walls and enjoy the view from the window without leaving the room.

Before installing panoramic windows, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons, since, in addition to the above undoubted advantages, it can entail some important points and problems that need to be solved. Panoramic glazing is widespread mainly in southern countries - nevertheless, in our latitudes, in the presence of a much more severe climate, for a long time the average daily temperature can be several tens of degrees below. In this case, the heat loss through the windows of a large area can be quite appreciable. Even the most advanced high-tech double-glazed windows can hardly be compared with a conventional wall. Thus, it is worth considering that to maintain a comfortable microclimate in homes with panoramic windows, 20-30% more powerful heat sources will be needed.

In addition, the following points should be considered:

• , it may be necessary to take additional security measures by installing a fence in the form of a grill at least 50-60 cm high with frequent rods along the window( this is especially true for families with young children).It should be noted that it is not always permissible to install grills outside on the façade of apartment buildings( so as not to spoil the general appearance of the building);
• in the case of frameless glazing, to ventilate the room you will need to install special valves or equip a powerful ventilation system;
• in order to avoid freezing of the glass with subsequent icing, it will be necessary to provide for the heating of windows or to install a convector that blows the glass in the cold season;
• for such transparent glass of a large area will require special maintenance in the form of periodic washing from dust and rainwater. It is worth noting that for the implementation of these works, most likely, you will need the availability of professional skills, as well as tangible financial investments;
• in order to prevent burning out of furniture and walls finishing under the influence of sunlight penetrating into the room, it will be necessary to provide protection against them - for this you can use curtains, shutters or blinds, as well as tinted glass;
• in addition, it is necessary to take care of the safety of property and take measures to protect the home from the penetration of robbers through the windows, since with panoramic glazing the probability of such an unpleasant incident increases. In private houses, panoramic windows are most advisable to install in a protected village. In addition, in order to avoid problems, you may need to install video surveillance, as well as equip the alarm.

Construction of panoramic windows

When planning the arrangement of a panoramic window, it is necessary to take into account the following - it is required that its width exceeds half the width of the room and the area - 10% of its total area. To choose the materials for glazing of the most suitable type, it is necessary to take into account various factors, including:

• the desired shape and dimensions of future window openings;
• the location of the house relative to the sides of the world;
• climatic conditions in the area - estimated wind and snow load, rainfall;
• the weight of the glazing materials and the load on the foundation;
• is a general style construction solution.

Designing an individual design of panoramic windows, performing calculations and installation is recommended to entrust to professionals. The given works are made by experts of design departments of the companies which offer services on a glazing.

Since a large glazing area creates a significant load on the frame, accurate calculations are required to construct a panoramic window and build a strong reinforced frame( the frame should not weigh much and be too bulky).

The following frame variants are used for panoramic glazing:

• traditional hinges on hinges( swing-and-tilt) structures, convenient for airing the room;
• sliding - frames from durable glass composite or aluminum profile, folding when opening the accordion and allowing to fully open the window opening, sliding the glasses to the side. It should be noted that these structures do not have a high thermal insulation;
• folding( slide) frames that open like the doors of a sliding door wardrobe - these designs provide a good thermal insulation of the room, as well as the convenience of airing. The disadvantages of sliding frames include fast wear of seals;
• with lifting and tilting fittings - these systems provide a high level of tightness, sound and heat insulation. Such frames of panoramic glazing are quite expensive.

In addition, for panoramic glazing, frameless constructions are used in which glass sheets are joined with a sealant. This glazing is characterized by low thermal insulation properties, so it is hardly suitable for living quarters. Basically frameless panoramic windows set on balconies, loggias or verandas.

Materials for the manufacture of panoramic windows

For the manufacture of profile systems of the panoramic window are used:

• various kinds of metal capable of resisting corrosion - steel, as well as aluminum alloys with special additives to impart additional strength to the profile. Aluminum profile systems with reinforced polyamide inserts are distinguished by considerable strength and light weight. Such frames look very impressive, they are widely used for the design of panoramic windows in a modern style. It should be noted that steel profile systems are characterized by a rather high cost. In addition, the metal structures are cold to the touch;
• hardwood, treated with special antiseptic compositions for protection against insects, as well as damage and deformation under the influence of atmospheric precipitation. For profile structures, as a rule, a three-layer glued beam is used. It is worth noting that for panoramic glazing it is necessary to use a wooden frame with a thickness of at least 78 mm;
• PVC( plastic) - these structures, reinforced with hollow inserts of metal a few millimeters thick, are the most economical and sufficiently durable;
• combined structures consisting of wood in combination with aluminum lining, serving as a protection against adverse weather conditions;
• glass composite is a modern, durable material that is not inferior to natural wood in terms of its thermal insulation characteristics. Profile structures from it are somewhat more expensive than plastic, in addition, they can not be used for windows of an arched form.

For the decoration of panoramic windows, tempered glass is used, which passes special treatment for hardening, as well as with a special coating or reinforcing film, reflective and tinted for sun protection, laminated( triplex) and energy-saving( in order to minimize heat loss, panoramic windows equipone- or two-chamber double-glazed windows filled with an inert gas).

Design of Panoramic Windows

If you are interested in the possibility to install panoramic windows, it is advisable to consider that such a glazing is most appropriate in those places where it is planned by the project - in modern new buildings, private houses, apartments with a large area. In such cases, panoramic windows harmoniously fit into the overall architectural style of construction and look on the facade of the building fairly harmoniously.

Through the window to the wall, it's easy to contemplate a constantly changing picture outside the window. The transparent glass wall in any interior looks very stylish, expanding the enclosed space and literally attracting glances. Such a window may well become a central detail of the interior of the room. Typically, the glazing of most of the wall area is chosen by purposeful people who are trying to emphasize the belonging of their dwelling to an elite group. Having designed it in a similar way, through panoramic windows of the city penthouse it will be possible to view the unfolded panorama of the city, in a country house - to admire the peaceful landscape.

Popular variants of panoramic glazing

There are various ways of panoramic glazing - for example, in this way it is possible to glaze the entrance group of the house, loggia, part of the wall or all of it entirely, from the floor or from a height of about 50 cm from it, in bay windows or on flat walls. As a very original solution can act panoramic view of the attic.

The most popular are the following ways to design panoramic windows:

• in spacious rooms, panoramic windows to the full height can occupy one or more walls. Often, this glazing is combined with the door to the yard, to the terrace or veranda. If there are no ceiling ceilings between the floors, a room with high ceilings is formed, which includes a staircase to the second floor - at the same time, a maximum of illumination and a great view will help large-format glazing. It should be taken into account that in order to avoid heat losses in such cases it will be necessary to provide for significant heating costs;

• sometimes a panoramic window is set up near a recreation area or a dining area - in this case, a beautiful landscape outside the window will help fully relax. In addition, thanks to natural light, you can do without additional lighting during a not too late dinner;

• in bay windows, as well as on flat walls, set up panoramic windows at a height of 40-50 cm from the floor. In such cases, if you decorate the window opening, the view from the window will resemble the picture in the frame. In a small room next to it it will be possible to equip comfortable shelves, curbstones, and also a couch. If you install a panoramic window in the kitchen at a height of about 80 cm, it is convenient to place tables and workstations of the working kitchen area, or a sofa. In this case, the furniture near the window will not be viewed from the street;

• aperture of a panoramic window can also be made elevated to a significant height. Narrow( band) horizontal or vertical window openings allow to organize a panoramic view in the room due to the relatively small area of ​​the glazing. This trick can be used, including in tightly-packed rooms - for example, in the kitchen opening outwards or deaf panoramic windows can be placed in any zone( including above pendant lockers or under them).A number of adjacent vertical windows can be installed as a replacement for a large panoramic window;
• panoramic false windows are sometimes installed if the surrounding area does not differ in beautiful scenery. In such cases, they are equipped in the form of panels with illumination, on which the canvases with applied drawings in the form of landscapes imitate the view from the window;

• with the help of angular panoramic glazing with window openings located at any height from the floor, it is easy to create a feeling of special space in the room. The windows can be located directly from the floor or at a certain height.

Depending on the specific purpose, in the same room it is possible to combine different glazing designs, combining different forms of leaflets, including original( polygonal, arched, etc.), transparent, tinted and false windows. In this way it is possible to regulate the illumination of specific areas of the room and, if necessary, to ensure the privacy of individual corners of the room when viewed from the outside.

Panoramic windows - photo

Panoramic windows - video