UNIQUE SHAPE WINDOWS | An Architect Explains

Specially shaped windows are used by themselves as an accent or with other windows or doors. Some of the unique shapes are: Jalousie, Palladian, Clerestory and Arched windows. Each one is suited for a specific purpose and has certain advantages and disadvantages.

Unique shape windows have both advantages and disadvantages which make them suitable only in some places. As an Architect, I have described unique shape windows under the following headings so that you can decide whether it is suited for your requirement and your space:

What are Jalousie windows?
What are the advantages of Jalousie windows?
What are the disadvantages of Jalousie windows?
What are Clerestory windows?
What are the advantages of Clerestory windows?
What are the disadvantages of Clerestory windows?
What are Arched windows?
What are the advantages of Arched windows?
What are the disadvantages of Arched windows?
What are Palladian windows?
What are the advantages of Palladian windows?
What are the disadvantages of Palladian windows?

 

WHAT ARE JALOUSIE WINDOWS?

Jalousie windows were popular till the mid 19th century. They are best suited for mild-weather regions and rooms that aren’t climate-controlled.

Jalousie windows consist of parallel glass, acrylic, or wooden louvers (comparable to blinds) that overlap one another to form the pane. The louvers are locked together on a track, allowing them to be tilted open and shut in order to control the degree of airflow through the window and are typically operated with a crank or turn-screw mechanism. 

 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A JALOUSIE  WINDOWS?

Great ventilation: Due to their slatted design, practically the entire window can be opened from top to bottom, allowing for much greater airflow and improved air circulation.

Can be kept open during rains: as the outward slant of the slats keeps most of the rain out while letting the fresh, cool air in.

Open views: The open design ensures an unobstructed view. The louvered nature of the windows gives you a much larger viewing area.

Ease of repair: Each slat can be individually replaced without having to replace the entire window and frame.

Easy to repair: the mechanism supporting the opening and closing of the windows is a fairly simple design and easy to repair.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF JALOUSIE WINDOWS?

Air leak: The slatted design makes these windows almost impossible to seal.

Not very secure: unwanted intruders can easily and silently remove e individual slats. For these reasons, some modern building codes do not permit their installation.

WHAT ARE CLERESTORY WINDOWS?

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CLERESTORY WINDOWS?

Ample daylight to the interiors: It is an excellent way to bring natural light and fresh air to the interior spaces. And to ventilate roof and attic spaces.

No leakage: Less likelihood of water leakage problems in Clerestory windows.

Privacy: They can restrict view to the outside and inside while providing light and air. If a room doesn’t have pleasant surroundings to overlook or has the threat of onlookers, clerestory windows are a simple and effective solution.

Solar heat gain: and helps to save energy. Therefore, it is widely used as a passive building design element in Green homes.

Magnificent architectural element: It has been successfully used as an aesthetic and functional element in all types of buildings.

Floating roof: A band of clerestory windows below the roof level provides the illusion of ‘floating roof’, a concept which has been extensively used by architects all over the world. It is also used to emphasize a house’s roof shape.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF CLERESTORY WINDOWS?

Lose or admit heat:  if they aren’t properly treated.

Glare:  Windows will admit glare if they’re not oriented correctly.

WHAT ARE ARCHED WINDOWS?

Arched windows can be round, oval, semi-circle or can take on another geometrical shape like circle, octagon, pentagon, trapezoid, hexagon, chord windows. While most people think of an arched top in the shape of a rainbow with a flat bottom, there can be differences in the angle of the arch, the size of the arch, and the overall shape of the ellipse.

They can be installed on their own or in combination with double hung or fixed windows. They can include decorative elements like grilles, mullions and dividers. Arched windows add a distinctive and impressive look to almost any home. 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ARCHED WINDOWS?

Distinctive look: These windows look great as standalone windows and can make a big aesthetic impact when combined with other They can become a focal design element of a home and as an added bonus, let in additional light.

Increases the resale value:  Well-placed arched windows go a long way in enhancing a home’s design thus increasing it’s resale value.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF ARCHED WINDOWS?

Cost: Since these windows do not come in standard shapes and sizes, they need to be custom ordered which makes it a costly option. Also, the installation of these custom windows is expensive.

Replacement: Replacing an arched window is expensive, but a lot less costly than putting in a new one, since the unique shape is already cut out and ready for refitting.

Typically fixed frames: so they’ll let in light but cannot be opened for ventilation.

WHAT ARE PALLADIAN WINDOWS?

Palladian windows are a set of three rectangular windows with an arch over the centre window. These windows have become very popular in the last decade. They tend to be rather ornate designs and when done well can provide visual interest and a stunning focal point to a home.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PALLADIAN WINDOWS?

Elegant And Graceful:  with beautiful columns integrated into the framing and ornate molding and cornices topping the outside frames. They can add an amazing design feature to a home and make it a visual showcase for friends and family.

Allow Lots Of Light:  Because the whole opening is so large, they allow in a large amount of light. They rival clerestory windows for the amount of light that they bring into a room, creating an open and airy feel.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF PALLADIAN WINDOWS?

The Price Tag:  Palladian windows have to be custom made with the arched top,  big thick molding and columns in between the frames.