Windows & Window Styles (Part 2)

Windows are an important design consideration for your green home. There are many window types to choose from affecting the architectural style of your home.

Windows have three main functions in a home: they admit light, allow ventilation, and in some cases a way out of the home in the event of an emergency. Fixed windows are used mostly to admit light, and to capture views. Operable (non-fixed) windows may slide up, down, sideways, or swing in or out.

Design: - most popular window styles:

Perhaps the most common window style is the double-hung window. To open, the top sash may be lowered or the bottom sash may be raised, allowing easy control of ventilation. Single-hung windows have a fixed top sash and an operable bottom sash.

Casement windows are hinged on one side. Most open outward, although some do open toward the inside of the home. Since the whole window opens, the casement is easy to clean and delivers maximum ventilation to the home as well as providing the largest egress area possible.

Awnings windows are hinged at the top and tilt outwards from the bottom. Awning units are useful in that they allow for ventilation while its raining.

Sliders come in different configurations: two-sash sliders have one fixed sash and one sash on a track which slides open; and three-sash sliders with one center fixed sash and one sash on either side on tracks which slide open. Sliders are easy to control ventilation and are convenient for breezeways, covered porches, and screen porches.

A new, popular window style is the tilt-turn. As its name implies, it can tilt out for ventilation or turn fully open to act as an exit in the event of an emergency. Its versatility also makes it easy to clean.

Round-top windows are fixed units which are used to enhance architectural styles and add visual interest to the interior space and exterior elevation of the home.

Bay and bow windows Bay windows have one center fixed unit and two angled side sashes, which can be either double-hung or casements. Bow windows are basically curved bay windows, combining several windows (usually double-hung or casements) in an arc pattern.

Transoms are windows located above doors or other windows. For exterior doors, transoms are typically fixed units. If the transom is located above an interior door, it can be hinged at the top, bottom, or center.

Custom windows are available in most any shape and size, including seamless bent-glass corner windows which capture views in a corner.


Window style is generally a matter of preference and aesthetic taste, however some design and site considerations may dictate the window type. Our next blog will talk about the different types of window frames available.

Jackie Lampiasi, Marketing Director
Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC