Panoramic windows, photos of which are presented in this article, are usually considered an indicator of wealth and good taste among the owners. The use of panoramic windows in the glazing of a house has many advantages, including a gorgeous view from the room and the best level of illumination of the home during the daytime.
However, in addition to advantages, large windows also have disadvantages. Therefore, when planning to install panoramic windows in your apartment, you need to carefully think through all the nuances and weigh the pros and cons. Below we will analyze the positive and negative aspects of installing panoramic windows in an apartment, as well as various options for their use in interior design.
Advantages and disadvantages of panoramic windows that you need to know about:
Let's start with the positive points:
- The large glazing area allows you to make maximum use of natural daylight and save on additional lighting sources;
- Panoramic windows provide stunning views from the windows that are not blocked by walls. It will lift your spirits over your morning cup of coffee and create a romantic atmosphere during dinner.
But you can only come to terms with the following disadvantages of large windows in an apartment or refuse to install them altogether:
- Heat loss is one of the most significant disadvantages of panoramic windows. Since glass has a much higher thermal conductivity than a brick or concrete wall, heat will leave the apartment much faster. The solution to this problem is to install additional heating sources.
- Window washing. To prevent dusty and dirty glass from spoiling your view, you need to wash it periodically, which, as we know, is a rather unpleasant task.
- Safety. Since glass is not a very durable material, installing panoramic windows is only relevant in private houses with security, or in apartments on high floors. For the first floors, the solution to the problem can be the installation of durable metal roller shutters and the connection of an alarm system. In addition, if you have small children, you will need a special fence that will stand out from the overall interior. Read about Beautiful and reliable window bars.
- High price. Window frames of non-standard sizes, as well as their installation, can cost you a significant amount of money.
- It is not possible to place furniture near panoramic windows, as the view will be blocked. Usually the space near panoramic windows remains open. But in the following photos you will find various options for their design in interior design.
Heating Features
The climate in Russia cannot be called warm, so it is important to understand that a panoramic window is not only beautiful, but also causes large heat losses. In this regard, it is important to consider a climate control system, both in summer and in winter. For cities with a temperate climate, it is enough to install a window with three packages and glass whose thickness is 8 millimeters. If the climate is more severe, then it is important to equip the house with an additional heating system, for example, install heated floors or autonomous heating.
You can also use glass with a coating that reflects thermal radiation, although their service life is only 7 years, because the coating wears out and needs to be replaced. No less important are curtains that regulate the flow of natural light entering the room. Experts recommend choosing between organza curtains and Japanese Shoji sliding screens.
Panoramic window in an apartment - photo in interior design
The use of panoramic windows is provided in many modern apartment buildings. In this case, there is no need to remodel the home or dismantle parts of the walls. But the desire to make the apartment brighter and get a wonderful view from the window often pushes people to take drastic measures. If you still decide to design an apartment with panoramic windows, then you will first need to collect documents and obtain the necessary permission. It would be advisable to think about the future: what kind of landscape will open from the windows immediately after installation, and what kind in a few years. Are there plans to build another supermarket on the site of this wonderful grove?
Also read: Modern design of a one-room apartment - ideas for 2017
In the following photos you will see how you can use a panoramic window in an apartment in the design of different rooms.
Which window opening method should I choose?
- The most common is tilt-and-turn fittings. Allows you to install the glass in the ventilation position;
- Folding like an accordion is not the best option for use in an apartment. When opened, the opening almost completely opens, moving the doors to the side. In this case, significant heat losses are observed;
- The rotary-sliding system also allows you to set the glass to ventilation mode, provides high levels of tightness and thermal insulation. However, sealing materials wear out very quickly;
- Lifting and sliding fittings provide high levels of noise insulation, tightness and minimal heat loss. It has a high cost.
When installing a double-glazed window over hinged or folding sections, it is necessary to install a protective fence in the form of a rod on the frame. Its height should not be less than 1 meter.
Balcony with panoramic windows: photo options
If your apartment has a balcony, then the least expensive way would be to install panoramic glazing there. If desired, the balcony itself can be combined with the room. What is the design of a balcony with panoramic windows - look at the photo below.
Also read: Interesting ideas for finishing and designing a balcony with photos
Formula
Increased demands are placed on panoramic double-glazed windows, because they are obviously thinner than the wall, transmit solar radiation and give off heat. To avoid getting fried in the summer and freezing out in the winter, like dinosaurs, special glass is used for panoramic glazing.
- Triplex (3.3.1 or 4.4.1) – laminated glass obtained by gluing glass 3 mm or 4 mm thick and a special polyvinyl buteral film (PVB, pvb). The properties of triplex depend on the type of glass in the layer; they can be either shockproof or multi-format.
- N – thanks to sprayed silver oxide, glass has heat-shielding and energy-saving properties. It is also called low-emissivity or i-glass. Depending on the manufacturer, you can find markings: CLGuN, Top-N, Top-N+. It is used in both triplex and conventional double-glazed windows.
- MF – multi-format, with energy saving and sun protection functions. This is what both manufacturers and craftsmen recommend for use in a panoramic triplex.
- Z (zak) – tempered, shockproof glass, characterized by increased strength. The optimal option for external glass of stained glass puff.
As for the air layers that provide sound insulation and minimal thermal conductivity, SPD - double glazing is more effective. Especially if the air frames are of different sizes, although in a village remote from the highway in a warm climate zone, an SPO package with one air chamber will be sufficient. Many manufacturers offer double-glazed windows with an inert gas inside, most often argon (Ar). But if you’re going to overpay, then choose krypton (Kr), it has lower performance.
The specific formula depends on many factors, climate, wind load, and the presence of children are taken into account, but there are general recommendations.
- The thickness of the glass - four-piece is not enough for a panorama, its area limit is two squares, experts advise 6 mm and higher, plus the outer layer is preferably shockproof, and the remaining layers are optional, but multi-format and low-emissivity are preferable.
- Air gap – recommended frame width – from 12 mm.
- Class – M1 is suitable for stained glass; it is the most transparent glass with virtually no optical distortion.
The following averaged structural formula of panoramic SPD is obtained: 6 Zak (MF) – 12 (Ar, Kr) – 6 M1 – 12 (Ar, Kr) – 6 Zak (MF, i) for single glasses. SPO formula with internal triplex: 6 M1 Zak – 12 – 6 Top-N. If you use heat-saving triplex, you can do without gas and use a single glass unit.
The weight of the structure is no less important; SPD is much heavier. If the second floor, SPO is preferable.
Modern living room design with panoramic windows
Your living room with panoramic windows will easily become a favorite place to relax and hold various celebrations with family and close friends. As you look at the following photos, pay close attention to how the sofas and chairs were arranged to get the best look.
Kitchen design with a panoramic window in an apartment
A kitchen with panoramic windows will allow you to get twice as much pleasure from every meal. All that is required is to place the dining area in close proximity to the window. Some inspiring examples of this design are presented in the following photos.
Bedroom with panoramic windows – 5 photos of beautiful interiors
The design of a bedroom with panoramic windows is quite a bold decision, at first glance. But just think about what it’s like: falling asleep with a view of blooming spring trees or a fabulous snow-covered city? The landscape will constantly change - and this is much more interesting than photo wallpaper! And the problem of privacy can be easily solved with the help of thick curtains (read Fashionable curtain designs for your bedroom).
