All the better to see through

While aesthetics are always important when choosing products and materials for your home, it is often the least obvious features that have the most impact.

Doors and windows are a good example. The structural engineering that goes into the manufacture of Loewen doors and windows is a key reason they are specified by architects worldwide.

Loewen architectural consultant Fernando Scolnik says the house shown here is a striking example of how the company's products can enhance an architectural design and provide a well-insulated home that is comfortable all year round.

"The homeowner trained as an architect and wanted the house to be an expression of the family and an extension of the way they live," he says. "Standard products just didn't fit into their vision."

The design features picture, awning and casement windows, as well as terrace doors and dramatic custom shapes. The exterior of the doors and windows was also customized with two different colors of metal cladding.

"The stain on the interior of the windows highlights and enhances the natural beauty of their Douglas fir construction," says Scolnik. "The window interiors were treated much like furniture,which makes sense, given the craftsmanship and artisanship that go into both. The grain and the color of the wood also fit well with the other natural materials used in the home."

Scolnik says that as the home is in northern California, designers factored in the mixture of warm, sunny days and cool nights.

"Our recommendation was for windows with a Low E2 coating to keep their home comfortable and energy efficient, without obscuring the dramatic views of the forest."

For more information, contact Loewen, phone 800 563 9367. Website: www.loewen.com.

Story by: Trendsideas