Architectural windows do more than let light enter buildings. They form major pieces of buildings. If you have ever seen a building with a wall made of glass, then you have seen an example of what architectural windows can do.
These stunning architectural window examples will show you some of the coolest ways designers use glass when making buildings.
Building a Wall of Glass
This small building’s entire front is made of glass (except for the door that occupies one corner). The combination of light and the building’s shape create an interesting aesthetic that you don’t see often.
Since the architect placed such a large window on the buildings front, it doesn’t need windows on the side. This contributes to the building’s minimalist design while bringing out the wood’s beauty.
Architectural Glass Can Bring the Outside In
This room has so much architectural glass that it’s difficult to tell whether you are inside or outside. By replacing walls with windows, the architect has created a unique space that lets people enjoy a view of the trees and lake while sitting on comfortable couches.
While this room might not offer much privacy, one can imagine that there aren’t many people around. The owner likely has a large plot of land that makes this type of room elegant and useful.
Modern Designs Can Emphasize the Role of Windows
These large windows feel like two giant goggles installed into the side of a building. The people inside should have an uninterrupted view of their surroundings. The windows also add a unique design element to the building. How often do you find windows that stand taller than the walls?
This modern design stands out for its boldness, simplicity, and uniqueness.
Bi-Fold Designs Blur the Line Between Doors and Windows
These folding windows (or are they doors?) merge inside and outside areas. When closed, people inside the building can enjoy the surrounding view with very little disruption. Even with the doors closed, they can feel like they’re standing on a balcony that overlooks the city.
When open, the line between inside and outside disappears. These folding window-doors make a great architectural tool for designers who like to play with interior and exterior spaces. It’s also a great option for a variety of climates. When closed, people inside the room can enjoy the outside without feeling winter’s cold. When open, people can enjoy the pleasant temperatures of spring and fall.
Architectural Windows for a Futurist Aesthetic
This small building shows how architectural windows can fit into practically any aesthetic, even those that embody futuristic concepts. The windows create a clean division between the interior and exterior while giving owners the opportunity to shut out the world or open themselves to it.
The metal casements that house this building’s window panes create an architecturally sturdy design. Even though it relies so heavily on glass windows, the building has a sturdiness that makes it able to withstand inclement weather.
Creating Divisions With Architectural Glass
These stunning pieces of architectural glass create a more defined line between interior and exterior. The heavy lines between each pane of glass make it obvious that the outside stays outside while the inside stays inside. Thick columns separating the windows from each other further emphasize this design choice.
As this picture shows, though, the glass doors that separate interior and exterior can be opened when appropriate. While doing so will not create the same blending of spaces as the folding windows above, it still adds an element of ambiguity.
On a practical level, these doors make it easy for those using the building to adjust its spaces for their intended purposes. Someone hosting a large wedding reception might want to open the doors to create a larger space for the festivities. Someone holding a conference, however, could close the doors to seal off the outside world while attendees concentrate on presentations.
Decorating With Architectural Glass
Here is an example of architectural glass that adds a decorative element to its building. The large window installation provides a glimpse inside the building, where arches and a painted ceiling are visible. The iron work on the window’s exterior also adds to the building’s beauty.
While some pieces of architectural glass try to dominate buildings with their huge sizes and unique designs, this window becomes a complementary part of the building’s overall design. It doesn’t feel aggressive at all. Instead, it create a visual path into and out of the building.
Architects can use glass in many different ways. Even though the above examples might seem extremely diverse, it’s just a small sample of ways that designers use glass windows and doors. What types of architectural glass inspire you the most? What are the features that you find most impressive in these examples of architectural glass?
Clera Windows and Doors
19 Fox Lane
Dunsford, ON K0M 1L0
(705) 793-3436
