Window Planning This is what you need to consider

If you want to build a house, window design is especially important. Because it makes a big difference where they are placed and how many there are! The right window design can transform a house into a welcoming and comfortable home. If you plan incorrectly, rooms may end up with dark corners or not be able to ventilate optimally. To prevent this from happening, we have put together an overview of window design for you.

Why is correct window design so important?

Daylight influences our biorhythm. If you have enough of it and add a good intake of fresh air, you have created the right conditions for a good biorhythm. This is exactly why proper window planning is crucial. Because restful sleep, good mood and health depend on biorhythm. If you make the right choice when designing your windows, you will help your biorhythm move!

To correctly position a window you need to take into account several points when designing the window. The most important things are light, privacy and furniture.

incidence of light

Daylight is brightest vertically above an object. The closer the horizon gets, the more the brightness decreases. Directly on the horizon there is only 33% of the brightness of the zenith. For this reason, skylights are more effective than simple side windows. Window placement plays a key role in how much natural light actually enters your rooms.

Privacy

Are you considering large glazing in your window design? These are of course a real highlight. Visually the living space increases and at the same time a lot of light is brought into the house. But they also attract curious glances. When designing windows, consider not only the visual aspects, but also the problems that may arise. It is not uncommon in everyday life for attractive glass facades to be covered with curtains to create privacy. However, this sensation depends on the position of the windows: the glass facades overlooking the garden or terrace are less visible. But even in this case one should not ignore the direction of the compass, because very few homeowners would be happy with a north-facing glass facade.

Furnishing capacity

You should not forget about decor options when designing your windows. Because where a window is located it is not possible to place any furniture or only some furniture. The right incidence of light can also be fundamental for a desk or workplace. But it’s not just the position of the window that influences the decor of your home. It is equally important whether the window can be opened to the left or right. If you know roughly how you want to furnish your home, it will be easier for you to design your windows.

How big should the windows be?

Windows are now available in all possible sizes and formats. That’s why there is no universal answer here. The function and size of the room are crucial. How much light is needed, how much space is needed? However, the building code roughly states that (depending on the federal state) the window surface area must be at least 1/8 to 1/10 of the net surface area of ​​a room. This regulation does not include sanitary rooms, kitchens, corridors and staircases.

What should you consider with larger windows?

Large windows mean more light. But this always goes hand in hand with a certain loss of energy. Better insulated windows let out less heat but at the same time less light enters. For example, if you use triple-glazed windows, there will be less natural light. This must then be compensated for with more electric lighting. This means that savings from less heat loss to the outside can be offset by higher electricity costs. The right balance between different energy savings from a specialist it is therefore particularly useful.

What are the advantages of smaller windows?

Smaller windows are particularly useful in roomswhere as little space as possible should be wasted. A great example is the pantry. But small windows also have other advantages: they offer more privacy, but still let in light and allow for ventilation. This can be a good solution, especially in bathrooms.

Window design and costs

Of course, budget plays a role in all aspects of building a home. The same goes for window design. Depending on the window material you prefer, for example, you will incur different costs. The type of glass also has a significant impact on the price. Overall costs vary depending on the size and type of window. The price also depends on the type of glass used. Other factors, such as sound insulation, privacy protection or burglary protection, also influence the costs.

The Window Planning Checklist

• What is the purpose of the room and how much natural light is needed?
• Where should there be space for large furniture?
• Does the position of the windows still guarantee sufficient privacy?
• Is the energy balance of the windows good? (savings on heating costs compared to light intensity)
• Should windows open to the right or left?
• Is the choice of window (frame material, glass type, burglar protection, etc.) within your budget?