Most people would agree that modern window walls look pretty awesome!

Of course, there are many benefits to using them –  versatility in design options, increased connection to the outdoors, improved daylighting and ventilation, and health benefits.

But the clean, simple, and elegant modern windows you see in fancy photos often times masks the amount of planning and decision-making that takes place in order to make them look so nice – leaving many curious people in the dark.

Ambitious homeowners who want to replicate the simple, modern look of window walls in their new home, are left desperately scouring the internet for any resources they can find to educate themselves on planning for, designing, and ultimately creating a window wall system for their home… all in hopes of making the right decisions.

Fingers crossed!

Are you one of those people in search of information about large windows, window wall designs, and ideas to incorporate in your home? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

This article serves as an introduction to a multi-part window wall series. In the next few articles, we’re going to go over various basic and in-depth topics on large residential windows so you can have a better grasp on this elusive architectural marvel that is window wall design.

What Are Window Walls?

Windows typically come in two different forms for residential construction: individual window units (punched openings) and window walls.

Individual window units – What many architects call punched openings are single individual window units like you would buy from your home improvement store. They are typically smaller in size and seldom larger than a door. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as various operable types.

Window Walls – What architects usually call window walls are larger openings that often times go floor-to-ceiling, span wide expanses of wall, are made up of a series of window units put together, and are non-loadbearing.

Window walls can be any combination of fixed windows, operable windows, and glass doors. They can be mulled together in the factory or on-site during the installation process depending on the size and configuration of the entire window wall as well as other site constraints that might exist.

Many modern homes utilize large expanses of windows to emphasize openness and transparency, which are key characteristics of modern home designs. Open floor plans are conducive to window walls as is the minimalist approach of simple detailing that comes with very little window trim around the window openings.

 What Do I Need To Know About Window Walls (before I start designing)

When considering large windows for your home, the first thing you should do is decide if window walls are right for you and your project. Window walls look great in modern homes and have many benefits. But the biggest disadvantage is obviously cost.

Because window walls are a big expense, it’s worth spending some time upfront to confirm that these large windows are, in fact, a good fit for you. After deciding that yes, indeed, you want window walls, then getting a good grasp on the basics components and characteristics of window walls is key. Understanding window wall frame types, glazing types, performance characteristics and durability concerns are a good way to start familiarizing yourself with basic window wall principles, terminology, and concepts.

Once you have a general grasp on window wall basics, understanding more in-depth topics such as construct-ability concerns and design considerations will come a little easier for you and help you feel more confident as the design and construction process continues.

And lastly, with some modern window wall design tips, you should be able to start putting all this information together to figure out where you might like large windows in your home, what type of window wall system you want, what it might look like, and what considerations you need to be mindful of. One final look at ways to make window walls more affordable and you are on your way to taking on your modern residential project with confidence!

[Fall House by Fougeron Architecture. Photo by Joe Fletcher Photography.]

Window Wall Design Series

In this Window Wall Design Series, we’re going to cover a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced topics. The first few articles will touch on the basic ideas and concepts of window walls. Then, we’ll walk through basic window wall components, and follow-up with a more in-depth look at concerns and considerations when planning for, designing, and installing large windows in your home. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Window Wall Ideas, Concepts, & Inspiration

1. Inspiring Window Wall Designs For Modern Houses
2. Benefits of Window Walls

Window Wall Basic Components and Principles

1. Window Wall Types
2. Window Glazing Options
3. Window Wall Durability
4. Window Wall Performance Characteristics

In-depth Window Wall Design Considerations & Construction Characteristics

1. Window Wall Construction & Installation
2. Window Wall Design Tips
3. Window Wall Design Considerations
4. How to Make Window Walls More Affordable

Why These Principles Are Important

One of the key features of window walls is the amount of design flexibility and options available to you. The window wall design process involves A LOT of decisions, many of which have lasting effects and directly impact future design decisions down the road.

The key is to educate yourself on the industry terminology, the basics, and key takeaways. You will then understand the different options you have and the impact that each decision will have on your project. Making an educated and well-thought out decision now will save you time, headache, and money down the road when changes are more costly.

When considering large windows for your home, it’s important to first decide if window walls are appropriate for your project.  Spending the time early on to properly explore your project goals, your budget, and whether regular windows could be used to meet your goals instead is important.

Consider these questions as guides:

• Do window walls help meet the goals of my project?
• Is there a good reason why I should use window walls over regular windows in the design?
• Do I have the budget to spend on a large window wall/door system?
• Am I aware of the structural, thermal, acoustical, privacy, and security issues that come with large windows?

Proper planning is key to any successful project especially when it comes to one of the most significant focal points of your home like large window walls. Spending time now to go through the next few articles on window walls will help you stay informed through the entire window wall creation process.

Now that you’ve gotten a taste of what our Window Wall Design Series is about, follow along to our next article where we share some inspiring window wall projects to get your mouth watering:

Window Wall Design for Modern Houses >

[Featured image of Sam’s Creek by Bates Masi Architects. Photo courtesy Bates Masi Architects.]