Jesse Thompson of Kaplan Thompson Architects in Portland, Maine, designed a beautiful “Contemporary Outpost” in Sweden, Maine. On a quest to bring a little bit of Texas to their new home in Maine, the homeowners aimed to blend a modest home with their passion for horses.

This fascinatingly functional abode sits over a two-stall horse barn featuring a steeply pitched gable roof and double hung windows, along with cedar shingles and clapboard to fit within a classic Maine archetype.

Hugging the tree line along the edge of an idyllic pasture, there’s plenty of room to graze animals and respect the traditional settlement patterns of rural New England, while claiming dramatic views of New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington to the west.

The building plan allowed for extensive use of local woods and high quality thermal insulation (R-30 to R-60 values on all surfaces) to make it a durable, and sustainable home within a modest budget.

Integrity windows were the perfect balance of aesthetics, energy performance and durability for this project. And its affordability allowed for economizing the heating system against the region’s harsh winters.

INTEGRITY PRODUCTS USED:

Integrity Double Hung Windows
Integrity Casement Windows
Integrity Awning Windows
Integrity Inswing French Doors

Photography by Trent Bell.

• Outdoor living areas: Are you paying more attention to things like porches and patios? An outdoor kitchen (from simple to grand) and a fireplace can add a whole new dimension for homeowners. Who doesn’t love an extra room in the great outdoors?
• Green features: Green is hot right now, but homeowners are demanding practical things like energy efficient windows and water and electricity-saving appliances. Showing that products meet federal ENERGY STAR standards will be important in attracting and informing consumers.
• Open kitchens: If the hearth is the heart of the home, it makes sense people want to be in it. Open kitchens allow that cozy feeling while allowing the cook some additional space to maneuver.
• Smaller homes: To go along with the green theme, smaller homes are easier to heat and cool, easier to clean and discourage the mindless filling of rooms.

Do you see these trends when you are building and remodeling?

The following photos exhibit a variety of ways of framing views in contemporary architecture, from small openings to expansive ones. The main idea is a deliberate framing of nature or the city, turning the window into a picture, an ever-changing one.

Hill’s post is full of beautiful photos illustrating his point, and we’ve placed a couple of our favorites here. Be sure to check out the original post for more.

Our sister site, Marvin Windows’ MLuxe blog, has covered this issue before, as well, in a pair of videos with garden home designer P. Allen Smith: one in which he discusses the general concept of “framing the view” and another in which he discusses his own design inspiration (click the “watch inspiration video” tab).

There are two main parts to window safety: falls and escapes. Improperly secured windows and children can be a dangerous combination. Additionally, windows can also be a main escape route from a home in case of disasters like fires. According to Window and Door Magazine:

“…there is another aspect of window safety beyond mitigating the risk of falls, and that is to preserve the function of windows as potential emergency exits. Fall prevention and fire safety concerns must be balanced. Note, for example, that while windows with guards, security bars, grilles or grates will likely prevent falls, the windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a release mechanism as now required by the International Residential Code.

And that is the essential purpose of Window Safety Week–to heighten the awareness of what can be done to help keep homes and families safer from the risk of accidental falls, as well as from fires.”

How do you learn more about window safety? How do you teach your customers? We encourage you to communicate to them the benefits and limitations when it comes to windows and safety. Let us know in the comments!

J. T. Turner Construction Co. led this whirlwind project for Carmen and Jim Simpson and their three children. The family of five had moved to Savannah, GA, so Zoë, their 2-year old born with a usually deadly condition, would be closer to his doctors.

The new home is equipped to fully accommodate their son’s medical needs

To watch the full episode, visit ABC.com. You’ll see Integrity windows around 20:30 to 20:45.

Replacement Housing Services specializes in full replacement and renovation of homes for move-up buyers who value urban living. Each project is supported by extensive research and analysis covering everything from the selection of the building site to the architectural fit within the neighborhood and community, as well as the current and future lifestyle needs of the homeowners. An example of this process at work is the Cape Cod-style new construction at Rutledge Avenue in Edina, Minnesota – a home that brings value to the homeowners, neighborhood and community at large.

The theme for the interior, exterior and landscape of the residence are carefully crafted to suit the historical fabric of the neighborhood and to maximize homeowner value. The combination of high-quality building materials, finishes and traditional design makes for a home with strong character and high appreciation potential, yet one that also conveys a sense of individuality, strength and permanence for the homeowners.

As a part of the inclusive design process of Replacement Housing Services and to remain consistent with the architectural design standards of the project, Integrity windows were selected for their exceptional quality and value at a competitive price-point. The clean, sharp lines of the windows align with the unique architectural design and detailed trim of the home. In addition, the windows enhance the livability of the indoor environment by providing plenty of natural light and well-ventilated spaces for improved air quality.

It became evident to the city staff in spring 2006 that the effectiveness of the emergency services in Alexandria may be compromised by the desired layout and size of the proposed development. The resolution came in the form of the Station at Potomac Yard, a multi-use structure complete with a fire station on the first floor and upper levels consisting of retail space and four stories of residential housing. PYD and the city of Alexandria worked with architect Andy Caldwell and contractor Frank Curtis to create a building that was referenced in the Washington Business Journal as an “outstanding model of sustainable design.” The Station at Potomac Yard boasts 44 long-term affordable rental units and 20 apartments, built to the Atlanta area’s stringent EarthCraft standards for Green Building, while the ground floor was granted LEED certification.

The city’s goal to incorporate sustainable building principles in all facets of the project aligned perfectly with Integrity’s dedication to innovative, energy efficient products and practices. PYD selected 434 Integrity Wood-Ultrex Double Hung windows for their Energy Star performance, further reinforcing the building’s green design. Integrity’s 10 day delivery schedule and commitment to timely information exchange facilitated all communication and the resolution of any difficulties. Unparalleled service, matched with strong relationships in the industry gave this commercial project the opportunity to change and revitalize the Potomac yard community.

Although the fire station was only completed it 2009, its appearance is much more traditional and its architecture transforms the previous regional rail center. The Evergreen finish on the double hung windows flawlessly complements the station’s brick exterior and frames an even greener landscape outside. The fire station looks out to an open recreational area, ideal for socialization and fostering a sense of community. By improving public safety and infrastructure, exhibiting Smart Growth principles and meeting crucial requests for affordable housing, the Station at Potomac Yard stands as an excellent example for future collaborative housing authority projects.

Photos courtesy of Integrity Windows and Doors, Hayman Studio Inc.

Jack Poles of J Poles Interiors says, “I wanted to show that an eco-friendly design does not have to be bland and boring. All the materials and products in this suite meet the sustainable design criteria, but they are anything but boring.”

Luxurious materials used in the suite include Integrity windows, cherry wood, mosaic tiles, recycled porcelain and a steam shower.

Whether relaxing into a deep slumber in the bedroom or waking up under the shower in the bathroom, this master suite defines green luxury.