Modern villa architecture increasingly focuses on openness, light and harmonious connection of the interior with the surroundings. Large glazing, occupying almost an entire wall, allows one to enjoy an unobstructed view of the garden, lake or city skyline, while allowing plenty of natural light into the interior. Adam Bronikowski, co-founder of Hola Design studio, which specializes in designing luxury villas with areas exceeding 800 m², talks about the role of large glazing.
Large glazing is one of the most important trends in premium projects
Photo by Yassen Hristov
Space and light
These two aspects play a key role in contemporary design. What solutions help maximize the use of natural light in interiors?
- Daylight is one of the most important elements we pay attention to in our projects. In our climate zone, we often experience a shortage of it, which is why it is so important to maximize the use of natural light. We use high daylight zones with walls of glass that open up the interiors to the garden and surroundings," says Adam Bronikowski.
Adam Bronikowski, co-founder of Hola Design studio
Photo by Yassen Hristov
Large glazing makes the greenery penetrate inside, creating a coherent and harmonious space. Moreover, such handling of light allows not only to increase the comfort of residents, but also to build a unique interior atmosphere. Interior glazing allows to optically enlarge the space, while providing acoustic insulation. Modern solutions, such as glass with variable transparency, are gaining popularity. Thanks to the use of a special film applied to the sheet or laminated between layers of glass, it is possible to regulate the degree of transparency of the surface using electricity. This innovative solution works well, for example, in separating the bathroom from the bedroom, eliminating the need for traditional blinds or curtains, while maintaining the modern and luxurious character of the interior.
Large glass surfaces are also used in the interior
Photo by Yassen Hristov
A new standard in luxury architecture
In today's premium architecture, huge glazings have become a standard, giving buildings lightness and allowing the interior to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Entire walls of glass, reaching up to several meters horizontally and vertically, draw inspiration from solutions used in office buildings, from where the technology of facade glazing originated. Thanks to innovative solutions, it is possible to use glazing not only on facades, but also on sloping roofs, which opens up new possibilities in the design of building masses. Increasingly, imported facade construction systems are also being used, which make it possible to realize even larger and more spectacular glazing, emphasizing the exclusive character of modern residences. These technologies make it possible to create large-size windows and sliding doors of impressive dimensions - up to 6 meters high. This makes it possible to design entire glass walls in single-family buildings, which open up interiors to the surroundings and maximize access to natural light. Advanced systems allow up to six large sliding elements to be combined to create spectacular open spaces that emphasize the prestige of premium architecture.
Large glazing in private interiors is inspired by solutions used in office buildings
Photo by Yassen Hristov
SkyFrame or Panoramah?
Windows with minimalist designs are also often used in premium investments. One such example is SkyFrame products. The biggest advantage of these modern and exclusive window systems is their almost invisible frames. These extremely slender profiles are only 2 cm, which allows to achieve the effect of an almost uninterrupted sheet of glass. They also use advanced technologies, such as hidden 10-12 cm wide tracks flush with the floor and precision sliding mechanisms. This ensures a smooth transition between the interior and exterior spaces, while meeting the highest standards of thermal and acoustic insulation. Panoramah also specializes in large-scale, minimalist sliding window and door systems. These products are distinguished by their ultra-thin aluminum profiles, which can be up to 20 mm wide, allowing for maximum interior illumination. By using large panes of glass and concealed structural elements, Panoramah's systems make it possible to create spectacular open spaces with almost unlimited views. Both brands are often chosen for luxury architectural projects, where a combination of modern design, high-quality materials and excellent technical performance is crucial.
Enormous glazing allows the interior and exterior to mingle
Photo: Yassen Hristov
Are you planning large glazings in your home? This is something you need to keep in mind!
However, designing homes with large glazings involves a number of challenges that architects must take into account to ensure the comfort of the occupants and the energy efficiency of the building. One of the key aspects is the proper planning of interiors in the context of glazing operation and changing weather conditions. Glass, especially in winter and summer, can reach temperatures that are significantly different from indoor temperatures, requiring appropriate solutions to prevent condensation, especially in the upper parts of the glazing. To avoid heat loss in winter and overheating in summer, advanced systems of low-emission glazing with high thermal insulation are used. Special filters in the glazing allow heat to be retained inside the building, while limiting the penetration of solar radiation. Low-emissivity glass keeps its temperature close to that of the interior, which improves the thermal comfort of the occupants.
To maintain the energy efficiency of a building, low-emissivity glass is used
Photo by Yassen Hristov
What windows will work well in houses with large glazing?
In houses with large glazing, the key role is to choose the right window system, which will ensure not only aesthetics, but also durability and high thermal insulation. The most commonly used solution is aluminum windows, which, thanks to their strength, allow the creation of large-format glazing without the need for thick reinforcing profiles. Aluminum is a weather-resistant material, does not deform and does not require intensive maintenance, which makes it an ideal choice for modern premium projects. An alternative to classic aluminum systems are hybrid solutions, in which the aluminum frame is covered with wood. Such a combination combines modern technology with the natural character of the material, ensuring high durability of the structure while maintaining a warm, cozy interior look. This solution works particularly well in projects that are designed to harmoniously combine elements of modern architecture with nature. More advanced projects also use windows with curved glazing or non-vertical layout. Thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to create glazing with frames inclined even at an angle of 20 degrees. Despite their unusual shape, they retain their sliding function. Such solutions open up new design possibilities, allowing to design dynamic, non-standard building blocks with smoothly transitioning glass surfaces. What about wooden windows?
- Among other things, we use wooden windows in historic buildings, where we have to operate under the supervision of a conservator. In such projects, it is crucial to preserve the original appearance, while adapting the window joinery to modern energy standards. This is a big challenge, but extremely rewarding - the windows look like they did a hundred years ago, but meet all today's technical requirements," explains the architect.
With large glazing, aluminum or hybrid windows are most often used
Photo by Yassen Hristov
Are you decorating your interior? We have more inspiration for you!
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