Hardscaping 101: Steel Factory-Style Windows and Doors - Gardenista
Last week Michelle inspired us with 11 Facades with Factory Windows. And their elegant, narrow sight lines offer unobstructed views, blurring the lines between indoors and out.
For more of this project, see Steal This Look: A House with Slate Shingle Siding.
Photograph by Hufton & Crow courtesy of Gundry & Ducker.
Photograph by Matt Clayton.
The framing around industrial style steel doors can be pencil thin (unlike wood, which requires a large beam to support a door).
What are the benefits of steel frame windows?
London portrait photographer Abi Campbell’s kitchen renovation included new steel frame doors and windows with large openings to bring in as much light as possible to the north-facing room.
Requiring minimal framework, steel windows are a great solution for open corner windows, such as this steel entry door and surround.
Photograph via Portella Iron Doors.
Photograph by Dustin Aksland.
In a Brooklyn renovation Elizabeth Roberts Design Ensemble Architecture opened up the back of the house with a...
...double height wall of windows that includes an indoor outdoor dining room with the open feel of a greenhouse
The entire window slides open to create a double-wide opening to the garden.
Are steel frame windows energy efficient?
Bottom line is that metal is a poor insulator and the thin steel and single sheet steel factory windows of the past did little to keep...
...out the cold Steel fabricators will point out that steel itself has good insulating properties as compared to aluminum and thermal breaks may not be necessary
Like any window, the glass in steel framed windows can be UV-coated to protect indoor furnishings and art from sun exposure.
Are there different styles of steel windows?
Steel windows are available in a range of looks from factory style with a floor to ceiling collection of panes to Frank Lloyd Wright inspired...
...style his Falling Water House famously used steel windows to a modern minimalist look with large panes of glass supported by pencil thin sleek steel frames
Photograph courtesy of Design Hotels.
Steel-frame French doors connect a terrace to a hotel dining room at La Granja Ibiza. For more of this project, see Hotel with a History: A Landscape of Sun and Stone at La Granja Ibiza.
Steel frame windows are expensive. Like many aspects of a home remodeling, steel window pricing is very site specific.
How much do steel frame windows cost?
Suppliers of fabricated windows and doors that come highly recommended by several architects and builders include:
Where can I buy steel factory-style windows?
Shown here are custom steel frame doors from the Atelier Domingue Architectural Metalcrafts line.
Can I use reclaimed steel factory windows?
Reclaimed steel factory windows can be found at architectural and design salvage yards. Keep in mind that the price of fabulous vintage looks may include needed repairs and re-coating.
Photograph courtesy of Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture.
A renovated San Francisco garden by Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture viewed through ceiling-height steel sash windows. For a better look at the garden, see Scott Lewis Turns a Small SF Backyard into an Urban Oasis.
