January 15, 2015

How to get the Slimmest Sightlines for Windows

Written by Rebecca Clayton

Architects and designers are constantly looking for the newest glazing solutions giving them the slimmest sightlines for windows, biggest opening sizes and the most minimal detailing.

Slim frame detailing is a long standing trend in contemporary architectural design with designers wanting little break between the external building material and the transparent glass of the windows.

Aluminium is the go to material for the slimmest sightlines in windows. Its lightweight composition means that it will not add too much weight onto large opening windows and its high strength to weight ratio allows very slim framing profiles to be manufactured without reducing security.

But few would realise that the easiest way to create an ultra slim opening window doesn’t lie in a traditional aluminium casement window, instead in a door system.

Vitra Windows

Frame Material: Aluminium

Typical frame: 21mm

Maximum opening size: 8.5m² per panel

The Vitra Slide Window has a vertical framing profile of 21mm wide

IQ’s slim framed sliding door system has long been used by the architectural community to create slim sightlines to large patio doors. But these sliding doors can equally be used as smaller, no less slim, sliding opening windows.

The framing and detailing is identical, with open corners and cavity pocket sliding windows possible. When the windows are closed you will be left with a slim 21mm frame, the slimmest of any opening window.

 

These sliding aluminium windows also allow for large opening sizes without the feasibility issues of large swinging opening windows.

Slim Aluminium Casement

Frame Material: Aluminium

Typical frame width: 51mm

Maximum Opening Size: 1.2m wide x 1m high in top hung window

 

IQ Glass can provide slim aluminium windows with a 60mm frame

The Slim Aluminium Casement offered by IQ Glass is one of the slimmest opening casement windows available on the market and still offers impeccable weather resistance and security despite its slim framing.

Made from high quality, thermally broken aluminium the windows have a vent frame of only 51mm and an overall framing width of around 63mm. These aluminium windows are suitable for more conservative opening sizes with a maximum size of a top hung window at 1.2m wide x 1m high.

Fixed Frameless Windows

Structural glass can be used to create large frameless fixed windows

Where a fixed window is included in a design the easiest and most aesthetically dramatic way to create this window is with the use of frameless structural glass.

The frameless piece of structural glass is held into the window opening using angles which are then hidden by building finishes for a truly frameless window. Due to the fact there are no frames or openings, these windows can be designed in massive sizes of up to 6m x 3m (a jumbo sheet of glass).

You also have greater freedom over shapes and other general design aspects of the window.

What if I want large opening sizes?

A Vitra Slide Window will give you the largest opening window design without compromising on frame dimensions.

IQ's Oversized Aluminium Window can be designed for openings up to 1m x 2m

IQ Glass can also offer aluminium casement windows in a side hung or top hung configuration at 1m x 2m openings. For windows of this size there is obviously a trade-off between larger opening sizes and frame dimensions.

The frames of our oversized aluminium window are 86mm across the opening vent, all in a smooth aluminium frame. These windows are available in side hung, top hung or in a tilt’n’turn configuration for greater diversity of design.

Contact IQ Glass for more information about the options available to you for your windows and doors

01494 722 880

hello@iqglassuk.com

www.iqglassuk.com

Arrange a visit to the UK’s largest architectural glass showroom just outside of London

The Courtyard Showroom, Sky House, Raans Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 6FT