A rounded façade calls for curved windows; descending windows can provide a modern twist on a traditional staple; and Creative Windows' expertise also extends to floor-to-ceiling doors that pivot on their fulcrum.
In a standard home, windows often play a crucial but straightforward role: allowing natural light and fresh air to enter the building, and retaining heat.
But in a carefully considered architectural build, bespoke window options are required to cater to the sheer scale of the home, or account for a specific architectural detail like a curved exterior.
Because of this, the true value of specialist architectural windows lies in the flexibility of design not provided by its standard off-the-shelf counterparts. According to Rod Allen, the Director of Creative Windows, good architecture utilises windows to simultaneously manipulate light, embrace views, create ambience, provide airflow, and open the interior to the outdoors.
This is only the beginning of the possibilities custom windows will allow for. “Utilising good design to enhance light, view, and flow creates that Instagram-worthy wow factor,” says Allen. “These concepts often encapsulate expansive spaces, intricate design features, and shapes that only custom windows can provide – ultimately creating the kind of home that quietly offers quality in day-to-day life for residents.”
The highly bespoke service Creative Windows provides means they can offer aluminium and steel solutions for ‘almost any situation’. “We scour the world for the best products and technology to utilise in our projects,” says Allen. “Because the projects we work on are of such a high standard, the quality and durability need to be top-notch too. So we need to ensure we cater for external factors like coastal environments, thermal issues and BAL ratings.”
The kinds of windows offered depend on the specific requirements of each project. A rounded façade calls for curved windows; descending windows can provide a modern twist on a traditional staple; and the company’s expertise also extends to floor-to-ceiling doors that pivot on their fulcrum.
Descending windows in the 21st century
Creative's descending windows aim to bring the outdoors in. At the touch of a button, windows retract into the ground and leave a large open living or commercial space - and they can also function as sliding or pivot doors.
"Descending windows utilise an automated counterweighted mechanism below the floor level, when activated the panel retracts into the floor," says Allen. "This system allows for a large area to be opened up in a dramatic fashion, for example linking an interior and exterior entertaining area.
"Best of all when closed it can house pivot or sliding doors allowing more day-to-day use."
The size of the floor space dramatically increases with this innovation, allowing for fuller utilisation of the whole space.
Pivot doors that make a statement
Then there are Creative Windows’ pivot doors, which benefit from a particularly ingenious design. Virtually airtight once installed, they're especially ideal for oversized glass units – and make a serious impression when opened.
“The pivot doors are a fantastic solution if you need an oversized opening door,” Allen says. “They allow for a much larger panel than your traditional hinged door. By pivoting in from the edge, it provides a counterbalancing effect making it easy to open such a large, heavy door.
“It can be enhanced with a hydraulic closer, which enables the door to be held open. Best of all – our system allows for a clear opening with a seamless crossover as no threshold is required.”
On top of being custom-made for each scenario, each door is available with single, double or triple-glazed units.
A highly engineered curved solution
When it comes to curved windows, Allen says there’s been somewhat of a resurgence. “We’re seeing architects exploring their options with curved glass, using it to soften elements of their design, create interest and mimic natural shapes.
“With the advent of better computerised rolling equipment, curved panels are available in a much wider range of sizes, allowing architects to push the boundaries of their design even further.”
New technologies have also provided the means for curved windows to be openable – if the client has the budget. If this is the case, Creative Windows can install curved sliding doors, hinged doors or pivot doors.
A particularly astounding recent project that utilised curved windows – Peninsula House, designed by Melbourne-based firm Wood Marsh – is a perfect example of what can be achieved when combining clever, thoughtful design with Creative’s ability to bring the concepts to light, Allen says.
“Architecturally, this house organically mirrors the contours of its environment, invites the landscape in via expansive glazed areas, plays with light to create defined spaces and includes a stunning fully glazed internal garden,” he explains. “And central to its design is its usage of curved windows: the glazed courtyard envelopes the interior garden with sumptuous curves just as the exterior glazing reflects the curves of the terrain.”
Completed earlier this year, the project employs both aluminium and steel framed windows for different aesthetic purposes – elevating the design vernacular and forming a dramatic sculptural relic.
It’s just one of many high-end projects making up Creative Windows’ portfolio – with several others in the pipeline. “We’re always learning, we’re always growing, and we’re excited for what’s next.”
Learn more about Creative Windows and its bespoke offerings.
