East Coast Modern Farmhouse Style
By September 30, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

East Coast Modern Farmhouse Style

A light-filled residence is packed with modern farmhouse charm. 

Just a 40 minute train ride from Manhattan in Greenwich, Connecticut, the Avenue Terrace residences welcome commuters seeking a farmhouse aesthetic that effortlessly incorporates modern touches. Designer Kate Gelfand hails from California, and brought her West Coast focus on clean, bright, open spaces to these Northeast properties.

Swinging patio doors provide easy access to the outdoors while inviting in loads of natural light in the dining room.

Gelfand joined the team early on to advise on the development of Avenue Terrace’s six residences, starting with a focus on the duality of modern and farmhouse–but without the extremes. Being involved in Avenue Terrace’s design from the start allowed Gelfand to draw early inspiration from the historic location.

“How the land was used so many years ago drove my desire to utilize the space in intentional ways,” Gelfand recalls. “Paying homage to the history that’s here, and ensuring the choices made could withstand the test of time and be useful for many years to come.”

Gelfand also found inspiration in the modestly sized footprint of the Avenue Terrace homes. It put her focus on leveraging the great ceiling heights and incorporating sizable windows and doors to flood the space with natural light.

A strategically placed casement window ensures light and ventilation, an important combination in the kitchen.

“Windows increase the feeling of size in a space,” says Gelfand. “In this instance, they were a critical aspect of the design, so I was really pleased to discover Marvin windows with the right mix of options, especially minimal muntins that utilize modern square sticking for the cleanest possible sightlines.”

A double hung window in the master bath provides a calming view to nature.

While planning window selections, Gelfand also considered how interior doors would complement the overall design. The interior doors from TruStile continue the modern farmhouse theme, with transitional details that enhance the carefully selected trim throughout. For example, Gelfand was careful to echo the interior door designs in the cabinetry for a consistent symmetry that unites each space – not unlike the touches of white oak that can be found in most rooms.

Touches of white oak help pull the design together from room to room.

“White oak is a really popular wood species with a soft, open grain that allows you to do a lot with it,” says Gelfand. “Mixed with white walls and pops of black, it’s a natural choice for a farmhouse aesthetic that still reads modern.”

Gelfand also expertly incorporated interior doors that subtly carry the modern farmhouse aesthetic throughout the home. The made-to-order doors from TruStile are easily customized with glass panels or as sliding barn doors to suit the ideal design application while ensuring design consistency.

Custom TruStile doors enhance the farmhouse aesthetic and the modern feel of the home.

“For a designer, it’s ideal to work with manufacturers like Marvin and TruStile because it’s incredibly helpful to have so many options and unique ways to both customize and ensure design consistency in a project,” Gelfand notes.

As modern farmhouse aesthetics continue to grow in popularity, Gelfand credits the design’s appeal to its comforting and inviting, yet unadorned and restrained feel.

A white palette with wood accents keeps the kitchen feeling fresh and clean.

“In this day and age, where we are over-stimulated by technology, modern farmhouse begs you to relax and unwind, all while engaging your senses through nature-inspired materials,” she shares. “Involving Marvin was crucial for setting that tone throughout our architecture.”

The Anatomy of a Window
By September 19, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

The Anatomy of a Window

The Anatomy of a Window

Learn about window parts, from sashes to muntins.

Marvin Windows and Doors By: Peter Walsh

Windows are made up of many parts. Familiarize yourself with the correct terminology before you go shopping for new windows so you’ll know the individual parts of the window and can easily communicate what you want.

Stiles These are the major vertical supports of the frame of the window sash. They are positioned on the sides of the window.

Sash The sash is the frame that consists of the rails running along the top and bottom and the stiles on the sides. The sash holds the glass in place.

Muntins These are the grids of the window. They can be decorative and just snap into place over the glass, or they can help hold the glass in place, dividing the glass into sections often referred to as lights. Muntins are installed on the outside or inside of the glass or both. Sometimes, they are mounted between two panes of glass, especially on thermal-insulated windows. Windows of this type with the inside-mounted muntins are easier to clean than windows with muntins on the outside of the glass.

Glazing Glazing refers to the glass in the window frame. It can be single, double or triple thicknesses with air spaces in between. Double and triple glazing is the most energy efficient. Glazing compound is the putty that helps hold the glass in place.

Apron This refers to the horizontal board attached to the wall under the windowsill or stool.

Stool Also known as the sill, this part of the window protrudes out like a shelf on the bottom of the window into the interior of the house.

Side Casing and Head Casing Casing is the horizontal and vertical molding that surrounds the entire window. It covers the space between the window and the wall. It can be installed inside or outside the house and provides a finished look.

Jambs These are the side pieces that form the window frame and hold the sash that holds the glass. They run vertically from the top of the window to the bottom.

Rails Rails are the horizontal pieces that connect the stiles or vertical pieces of the window. They help hold the glass in place.

Operator The operator is the crank mechanism that allows you to open and close casement and awning windows.

Latch A latch is the locking device usually attached where two rails meet (meeting rails) on a double-hung window, on the bottom rail of an awning window or on the stile of a casement window. The latch not only locks the window, but it also helps seal the window closed, allowing the weather stripping to effectively block out cold in winter and keep in cool air conditioned air during summer or heated air in for the winter.

Scissor Arm or Extension Arm Attached to the window frame either at the rails or the stiles, the scissor arm or extension arm is extended or contracted by cranking the operator handle to open or close the window.

 

The Science Behind Natural Light
By September 16, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

The Science Behind Natural Light

Natural light has long been one of the most desirable aspects of a home. It turns out, there are scientific reasons behind the urge to live in a sunshine-filled space.

Marvin Windows

Before moving to Daniel’s Island in Charleston, South Carolina, the owners of the Max Crosby House were living in the Northeast and wanted to create a happier and healthier home for their family. They wanted their three children to experience a lifestyle where they could soak up the sun year-round. They found what they were looking for in a special spot overlooking a private dock in an expansive marsh—and worked with the Max Crosby Construction company to build their dream home.
They wanted a house that was full of sunlight, with plenty of outdoor space and unobstructed access to the marsh. In order to maximize the light and views, the builders utilized large, unobstructed windows and reflective interior design touches.
Now, the newly transplanted family is flourishing and enjoying all the benefits of natural light in their new home. Designing their home with light in mind resulted in unexpected benefits, like their well-being.

Marvin Windows

1. Natural light improves sleep.

The amount of sunlight you receive during the day—especially in the morning—affects your amount of sleep per night. The light helps to regulate your biological clock—telling your body to stay alert during the daytime, and rest up at night. The master bedroom in the Max Crosby House allows for a lot of early-morning light due to its 18-foot-high vaulted ceilings, and its three large Ultimate Double Hung G2 windows from the Marvin Signature Collection. In order to let in even more light, Max Crosby Construction Company Interior Designer Widney Pierson chose light woven shades—and she didn’t cover the transom, which is the extra panel of glass above nearly every window in the house. Pierson used bright white and teal paint in the master bedroom to further reflect the light. “It’s a happy, bright space,” she says.

Marvin Windows

2. Natural light boosts vitamin D.

When exposed to sunlight, the skin absorbs vitamin D, which reduces the risk of heart disease, weight gain and depression while preventing bone loss, among many other benefits. Yet most people are deficient in the nutrient due to lack of exposure to sunlight. The good news is that Vitamin D doesn’t discriminate based on whether you get your sunlight indoors or out. From the outset, Max Crosby Construction Company President Jamison Howard thought about light when designing the house. He situated the master bathroom at the front of the house, for example, so it fills with bright sunlight in the morning, when the owners are getting ready for their day. And he installed the same windows from the bedroom in the hallways—a space that’s generally dark—so that the family members are exposed to healthy vitamin D from nearly every corner.

Marvin Windows

3. Natural light lifts our mood.

You might notice that you’re in better spirits after a day spent in the sun. Turns out, there’s a scientific reason: People have higher serotonin levels on sunny days, regardless of the season, according to an Australian study. The owners of the Max Crosby House decamped from the Northeast because they were attracted to the outdoor lifestyle they found in Charleston—where they could ride bikes and golf carts around their community year-round. So when it came to building their house, it was important for “the connection between indoors and outdoors to blend seamlessly,” explains Howard, who left most windows uncovered for extra light and unfettered views of the marsh in the back.

Marvin Windows

4. Natural light leads to higher productivity.

Studies have shown that employees exposed to natural light have higher levels of energy and productivity. The light-filled office in the Max Crosby house, then, is a model workspace—with four uncovered Ultimate Double Hung G2 windows with maple interior, plus transoms. While the office is incredibly bright, it’s also warm and inviting due to the natural wormhole cypress wood-paneled walls—a look that was inspired by the community’s clubhouse.
When installing windows throughout the house—which would remain uncovered by shades or curtains—Howard chose Marvin windows for the clean lines of the window’s profile, including the concealed jamb liner. “You can’t find anything that looks as finished with any other brand,” says Howard, who also prefers Marvin for their superior impact glass—crucial for this hurricane-prone coastal area. “As a builder, the window choice is an important one because they will be there for the lifetime of the house,” Howard points out.
The windows, then, not only provide wellness benefits, but thoughtful details that will be appreciated for generations to come. Indeed, the connection to the light and the outdoors has truly changed how the family lives and spends time together—much of it in the sunshine.
There’s No Place like Home…Offices
By September 9, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

There’s No Place like Home…Offices

For those with the shortest commute of all, these dedicated home office spaces make the daily grind a little less grim.

Increasingly, homes are becoming flexible spaces that can accommodate work time, exercise time and meditation time with equal ease. Though sometimes a lap and a couch might be the most convenient desk, having a dedicated workspace that provides respite from distraction can help perk up productivity. When they’re designed without disrupting the aesthetics of a space, a well-planned home office can become an extension of a home’s personality.

From tropic coastal to industrial chic, these five unique home office spaces truly embody “outside of the cubicle” thinking.

Emerick Architects Office Space.jpg
Photo by Lincoln Barber

Industrial Chic meets Vintage Farmhouse
Tucked away in a unique home by Emerick Architects and Right Angle Construction, this home office set-up blends vintage decor with industrial-style black windows. Custom wood built-in filing and storage cabinets provide plenty of storage, and white wood floors reflect the natural light to keep this space bright and airy.

Bold Wallpaper Home Office

Tropic Coastal Energy
Whether the views outside of these double hung windows are green or snowy, this tropical home office brings coastal vibes to any work session. A bold wallpaper print creates an immersive getaway, and a comfortable couch offers the perfect reading nook.

Transitional Home Office.jpg

Tranquil and Transitional
This light-filled home office is French countryside with a transitional twist. Dark and moody gray is balanced with bright outdoor views and an open, vaulted ceiling. And when it’s time for a coffee break, a swinging French door offers easy access to a sunny patio.

Marvin Gallery Image.jpg

Lodge-Style Luxury
Anything but your typical home office, this rustic space evokes the feeling of a remote outdoorsy getaway without having to leave home. The double hung windows blend into the hand-hewn wood walls, and an antler chandelier and rich leather chair bring a touch of luxury. The reward for a day of hard work? Getting outside to enjoy those lush views.

Red Accent Wall Home Office.jpg

High Contrast Color
Flanked by bold red walls, this double work station helps beat those dull Monday blues. Crisp white built-ins add an element of contrast and help keep clutter out of sight while also anchoring the space. Up high, awning windows allow for breeze and remind that the sun awaits.

Whether you gravitate towards a more traditional or more eclectic workspace, offices are an easy way to flex the square footage of your home. Let these spaces inspire you to rethink how much you could accomplish.

Is it Really Time for Window Replacement?
By August 27, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

Is it Really Time for Window Replacement?

Is it Really Time for Window Replacement?

 

Learn to recognize the difference between normal cosmetic wear and more serious signs that are telling you it’s time to replace your windows.

If your windows could speak, they would probably have a lot of stories to tell. Original windows may have lived through multiple generations or families, and many windows have seen harsh storms and hot, relentless summers. As time passes, paint might chip, hardware can become tarnished and you may see dirt that accumulates in areas like weatherstripping or in and around your window screens. Some wear and tear is normal and usually won’t affect the performance of your windows, but other signs indicate that window replacement might be on the horizon.

Here, we take you from “in the clear” to “seek immediate attention” by breaking down symptoms and what they might mean for your home’s window health. If you find it’s time to investigate replacement, check out what replacement scenario might be best for you.

In the Clear
Condensation and aesthetic flaws

You might be seeing condensation on your windows, especially when temps outside have dropped. This is perfectly normal, and simply means the temperature inside your home is warmer than outside. Condensation can even be a sign of effectively sealed windows and doors, because it means the warm air is staying inside your home. Minor cosmetic damage like chipped paint, tarnished hardware and dirty weather stripping simply need proper care and maintenance, and do not indicate a need for replacement.

Warning
Faulty operation and climate control

Difficulty opening or closing your windows or doors, sashes that stick or other pesky operational issues can sometimes be solved with a thorough cleaning or small repair. You should keep in mind, however, that these problems can also tell you that there are components in your windows that may be nearing the end of their lifespan. It might be a good time to have someone out to take a look. Drafts or inconsistent temperatures throughout your home can be unpleasant—and they also are a sign that replacement windows might help with efficiency and overall comfort. If the time isn’t right to make the investment, earmark replacement for the near future.

Immediate Attention
Safety and water damage

Windows and doors are entry points for your home, and broken windows and doors should be addressed immediately. As you’re making your choices for window replacement, you can consider whether additional steps toward a safe and secure home, such as the Marvin Lock Status Sensor, would help provide peace of mind in connecting your windows and doors to your automated security system or app. Moisture between your glass panes, excessive frosting, leaking, water stains or evidence of wood rot can be serious signs that excess moisture is accumulating where you cannot see it. This can lead to mold,  mildew, warping or structural damage and is a common reason why homeowners opt to replace their windows.

Though window replacement may not always seem like a priority, making the choice to do it right can bring benefits beyond energy efficiency and home security alone. When selling your home, new windows and doors provide an average 73 percent return on the investment you’ve made, which ranks higher than most other interior renovations. Replacement windows and doors might also offer you the opportunity to make impactful changes in your home—bring in more light, expand a window or door to frame a view, or add a new architectural style or finish color.

Not sure what types of windows and doors would fit best in your home? Check out the various types of windows and doors you can choose if it’s time for replacement.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE REPLACEMENT GUIDE

 

Mixed Finishes: A New Approach to Window Design
By August 20, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

Mixed Finishes: A New Approach to Window Design

The new design rules are that there are no rules, even when it comes to painting your window sash and frame in contrasting colors. 

Whether you’re going through the window replacement process, remodeling your home or building anew, there are endless options when it comes to how to paint, stain or finish the items in your home. Though you might assume that a monochromatic scheme is the only choice for windows and window trim, experimenting with contrast might open up new possibilities.

With the renewed popularity of the industrial-chic aesthetic and black steel factory windows, many are seeking thin, clean lines and the contrast of darker window sashes to frame their view. At the same time, white walls are also gaining popularity to create a sense of simplicity and space.

Enter the Mixed Finish Trend

The mixed finish look is often achieved by using a dark paint or stain on the window sash, while the surrounding framing is painted to match the walls around it.

What exactly is a sash, you say? The easiest way to think about a window sash is that it’s the part of the window that houses the glass, and it’s also the part of the window that moves with the glass if the window opens and closes. The frame or casing is an additional layer of stationary trim that frames the window opening to provide a finished look.

To make the mixed finish trend easier to achieve, products in the Marvin Elevate Collection are now available with mixed finish options applied in the factory to eliminate the time usually required to finish and paint on the job site. Choose from bare pine, clear coat, designer black or prefinished white, mixed and matched on sash and frame to create a uniquely contrasting look.

Designer Mary Douglas Drysdale sees the use of contrast as a bold design choice that can help individualize your space. “Color and pattern enliven and actually allow you to see space and its details in new ways,” she says. “This renewed interest in contrast reflects a more daring idea about design.”

Not in the market for replacing your windows but still want to dabble in this latest design trend? Our friends at This Old House have a few tips on painting existing windows to achieve the mixed finish look.

EXPLORE THE ELEVATE COLLECTION
Modern vs. Contemporary: Can you Spot the Difference?
By August 15, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

Modern vs. Contemporary: Can you Spot the Difference?

Being able to differentiate between these two popular design styles can help customers better articulate their vision.

When embarking on a remodel or a new build project, a customer might say “modern” when they really mean “contemporary”—or vice versa. Though it might seem like an inconsequential difference, clarifying these terms and asking probing questions can result in a much clearer sense of their vision for the project.

Modern and contemporary styles do share common traits, so explaining the difference can be confusing. Your ability to articulate the differences and explore the aesthetic attributes associated with each means you can better anticipate and translate a customer’s vision across all stages of home design, material selection and construction. Here’s a brief tutorial:

Contemporary

The term “contemporary” refers to the architecture of today, of the moment. If that definition sounds broad, it is. Contemporary is a fluid, constantly morphing architectural style. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn a contemporary home could include a mix of aesthetics—including elements of traditional, transitional, and, yes, modern architecture.

This design flexibility reflects varied design preferences. The fact is, not every aspect of contemporary architecture needs to have a purpose or observe a set of aesthetic rules. If a crown molding is desired in the dining room, why not? Contemporary style reflects the times and buyer tastes. Chicago residential architect Scott Rappe, principal of Kuklinski+Rappe Architects, says “… Contemporary means anything that’s being done in the present.”

In general, contemporary architecture today is characterized by:

  • Non-symmetrical shapes, mixed materials, open spaces, curves and/or sweeping lines
  • Sustainable, eco-friendly, energy efficient
  • Abundant natural light
  • Reduced indoor/outdoor separation with alfresco kitchens, outdoor rooms with fireplaces, a feeling of spaciousness
  • Mixed-use space: a guestroom that doubles as an office, or a craft and homework space combined
  • Aspects of the regional character

Modern

Principles of modern design, which flourished in America through the first half of the 20th century and continues to enjoy popularity today, includes clean, straight lines with limited detail. This differs from contemporary design, which uses curves and/or sweeping lines versus the crisper, sharper and very spare lines of modern. Windows and doors encompass broad horizontal spaces and are often designed as a ribbon of glass.

“Modern design is a more honest look at what a building is—load-bearing columns, beams that transfer the weight, and not putting things in for decoration,” said Rebecca Comeaux, AIA, LEED AP, Associate at Lake | Flato Architects in San Antonio, Texas. “It’s still beautiful, but there’s kind of a level of honesty and simplicity in the design.”

Other characteristics:

  • Rectangular exteriors with flat roofs and a distinct linear framework
  • Clean, straight lines with limited detail—crisp, sharp, very spare
  • Open floor plans and large spaces that connect to outdoor living spaces and/or nature
  • Changes in elevation (split-level spaces)
  • Indoor/outdoor space
  • Monochromatic color palette
  • Spaces with minimal ornamentation and clutter

Industry Response

Building product manufacturers are responding to the growing interest in modern architectural style by offering residential and commercial builders new ways to express the popular aesthetic in new construction and remodeling.

We at Marvin responded with the launch of our Modern product line of windows and doors from the Marvin Signature Collection.

This Sunlit Home in a Wooded Knoll Fosters Well-Being and Delight
By August 7, 2019 Uncategorized No Comments

This Sunlit Home in a Wooded Knoll Fosters Well-Being and Delight

The Knoll house leverages its unique site and sylvan surroundings to help a family stay connected to nature.

Human beings have always known that there’s nothing quite like sunshine to lift one’s spirits. But now there’s mounting scientific evidence that the benefits of beautiful weather might be physical as well as emotional. Research has shown that daylit environments provide visual stimulation that helps regulate circadian rhythms in our bodies. Exposure to sunlight also leads to increased production of endorphins and absorption of Vitamin D, which actively support health and happiness.

Well aware of these sunny benefits, architect Elizabeth Herrmann, of Herrmann Architecture + Design, filled the understated Knoll house with dappled, natural light in every room with her design. The structure, nestled in a wooded grove beside a meadow, takes full advantage of its surroundings, oriented to the movement of the sun and filled with customized, operable windows.

Originally published on Metropolis magazine’s website.

“In the Knoll House, they don’t even need to turn the lights on in the daytime,” Herrmann said of the brightly illuminated space. In addition to views of the pastoral surroundings, every room is well ventilated with natural, fresh air. These features were all important to the homeowners, who had an intimate connection with the landscape. For years before deciding to build a home, the couple had camped together on the site. So when they were finally ready to move out of the city, they hit upon the idea of building on their former camping grounds, envisioning a home that would  maintain that feeling of being immersed in nature.

The home is strategically positioned to maximize light and views.

“From the outset, we wanted the characteristics of the site — its rocky ground plane and carefully edited woods — to be an integral part of the architecture,” Herrmann said. “The long sweep of the house faces the meadows to the west, and, in the summertime, when the sun moves, they get the long wash of that light across the whole side of the house.”

To accommodate a multi-generational family, the Knoll House now includes a children’s wing. Its east-facing windows look out on a forest that appears almost enchanted, creating an inspiring view for playtime. “The kids’ views are more intimate and private,” Herrmann said, “like looking out on a fairyland.”

The open living space, meanwhile, feels as expansive as the outdoors, thanks to dramatic cathedral ceilings. The western side of the house is more outward-facing, with sliding glass doors blurring the divide between the knoll and the domestic interior, ensuring that the family inside can continue to benefit from sunlight as late as possible during the day. And Marvin’s custom windows appear in every room.

The carefully placed windows and doors bring a fine balance of diffused and comfortable daylight into the interiors.

“Selection of window sizes was crucial for me,” Herrmann said, citing the sliding glass doorsand oversized kitchen panorama view. “‘When I design, I first design a window the way I want it to look, and then I go looking for the window manufacturer who can do it. I drew what I wanted to see, and then I thought, ‘This is a good job for Marvin; I know they can do this.’”

A large window assembly in the kitchen frames wooded nature views like a painting.

Throughout the day, light splays onto the many monochromatic walls throughout the house, filtering through leaves and branches to animate the spare interiors and plain white surfaces. The interplay between the windows and walls give the illusion of more space to the 2,300-square-foot house, contributing to the easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. “The walls are always changing,” Herrmann said. “In the summer, there was so much green in the room.” Other windows frame oversized lookouts on the landscape, making the ravishing outdoor landscapes appear like large format paintings. Hermann said she didn’t want to break up the views into little panes, whenever possible, opting instead for picture windows, which she knew Marvin could customize.

The layout and orientation of the house maximize the opportunities for opening up the house to the views and the surrounding landscape.

“Some of the trees have so much character—seeing them makes the house feel so much a part of the land,” she said. Today, the family that fell in love while camping occupies a home that preserves all the qualities of the knoll they adored, especially its captivating light. As research has shown and their experience has borne out, natural light not only looks good, it makes you feel good too.The rooms are oriented to capture the right light for comfort, productivity, and relaxation.

A Window to Better Living: Four Projects That Embody Patterns of Biophilic Design
By July 16, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

A Window to Better Living: Four Projects That Embody Patterns of Biophilic Design

Research shows that views of nature aren’t just beautiful, they’re healing, too.

Most people agree that nature views filled with greenery, trees, and lakes or oceans are calming and restorative, but they might not know that the reason for this is tied to our evolutionary psychology. Going back to our days living on the meadow and savannah, humans have sought certain elements to feel safe, secure, and emotionally balanced. Design that intentionally connects people to nature—a practice commonly referred to as biophilic design—incorporates materials found in nature, daylight, and views to the outdoors to improve well-being. Considering that we spend over 90 percent of our time indoors, buildings designed to maximize the calming effects of nature are needed now more than ever.

From siting that prioritizes a view of the setting sun or lush vegetation, to the creation of cozy spaces of refuge, to incorporating materials and elements of nature indoors, and more, these four projects embody the core elements of biophilic design.

Tinkerbox, Hudson Valley, New York
Designed with materials inspired by nature and grounding views that connect with the outdoors, architect Marica McKeel, Principal, AIA, Founder of Studio MM and her husband Brock designed a private retreat that maximizes views to the south-facing façade, where the sun sets in the evening.

Expansive windows create an intimate connection to the wooded landscape, and a bench seat below a Marvin corner window assembly provides a space of refuge while making the barrier between outside and inside disappear. Sitting at ground level, an expansive deck offers another opportunity to enjoy the surrounding wooded landscapes.

Pleated House, Door County, Wisconsin
This house by architect Sebastian Schmaling, AIA, of Johnsen Schmaling Architects boasts a modest size, natural materials, and an earthy color palette that exist in harmony with the surrounding deciduous and coniferous forest.

With little other visual clutter, the thin profiles of the Marvin windows become clean, crisp picture frames that draw the eye outside. Throughout the home, smaller, strategically placed windows are used to draw daylight into the interior spaces and individually frame curated views of the forest.

“We were trying to create a very neutral interior backdrop against which you see the ever-changing foliage, the colors, the light, the shadows,” says Schmaling.

Nomadic Shack, Galloway Bay, Saskatchewan
Designed and built by Nomadic Shack, this 2,400-square-foot cabin was prefabricated off-site to allow installation on a piece of land so remote that it would have made traditional building practices impossible.

The cabin focuses on natural materials, including a reclaimed barn wood exterior from Montana and a ceiling made of snow fence from Wyoming. Large Marvin windows frame unimpeded views in all directions, allowing a prairie-like view to envelop inhabitants.

 

Courtyard Residence, Downers Grove, Illinois
Chicago-based firm Kuklinski + Rappe Architects designed the interior spaces in their Courtyard Residence project to look out onto serene, landscaped areas. The home includes a “cloister” that runs along a main courtyard, offering a calming view for family members with special needs.

“The exterior spaces offer sensory experiences: A low concrete wall radiates warmth to the adjacent sitting area, a fountain with shallow basins allows soaking of hands and feet, a courtyard offers a small lawn and flowering tree, and a patio with an outdoor fireplace gives way to rolling, grass-covered berms,” says Scott A. Rappe, AIA, LEED AP.

Marvin windows clad in Cascade Blue echo the deep color of the sky, and transom windows are placed around the perimeter of the living area to allow a view to the outdoors from any position.

 

Soaking in the Trend: Statement Tubs with Dreamy Views
By July 16, 2019 Windows & Doors No Comments

Soaking in the Trend: Statement Tubs with Dreamy Views

Soaking tubs with nature views are putting the “rest” back in restroom.

When we talk about making a bold statement in bathroom design trends, we usually mention striking marble, walls of wallpaper or  colorful hand-painted tile. Those trends are all still going strong, but lately, bathroom designers and homeowners are making a statement with an old bathroom staple: the bathtub. Oversized, standalone tubs are gaining traction as statement pieces that – when coupled with expansive windows that let in morning light and soothing nature views – are equal parts fun and functional.

On the path to relaxation in a busy world, look no further than your favorite scented bubbles and these blissed-out bathrooms that have become part spa and part sanctuary thanks to larger-than-life tubs with equally impressive views.

This spa-like bathroom features side-by-side Marvin double hung windows flanked by sheer curtains, making a soak in this tub worth savoring.

 

 

 

 

In this earthy bathroom, a wall-sized Marvin direct glaze window paired with transoms over the vanity create a light-soaked feel you can appreciate from the tub (and just about everywhere else, too).

 

 

 

The master bathroom in designer Emily Henderson’s Mountain House project was the perfect opportunity to add a bay of Marvin windows around the “soaking tub her heart deeply desired.” The result is an immersive winter wonderland perfectly enjoyed from the depths of a hot bath.

 

 

 

Crisp white walls in this neutral bathroom create the perfect backdrop for uniquely placed Marvin double hung windows that complement a skylight overhead. We’re not sure what’s a prettier focal point from this tub, the statement art or the statement view.

 

 

 

This bathroom proves that soaking tubs can be modern, too – with a sleek shape and black-framed Marvin casement windows to frame the view. Taking relaxation to the next level, a set of Marvin patio doors invites the homeowners to follow a warm soak with a lounge on the adjacent patio.

 

 

 

With beautiful marble and an antique soaking tub, this bathroom’s Marvin double hung windows perfectly complement the classic feel. Grab a novel and get transported back in time.

 

 

 

If you’ve got a bathroom renovation coming up, consider the power of porcelain and the calming effect of an outdoor view to complete your soaking sanctuary.