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Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

  • 1.  Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-17-2013 08:14 AM
    I am working on a modern home design with large 2-story glass walls in the mid-Atlantic where the client has specifically requested aluminum framing.  This design style is fairly uncommon in this area so I am not familiar with manufacturers other than commercial store front framing.  We are looking for thin, sleek mullions, thinner than 2" in profile.  Does anyone have recommendations for residential applications?

    Thank you!

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    John Lehman AIA
    Lehman Associates, PC
    Highland MD
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  • 2.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-18-2013 06:26 PM
    Wind forces are nothing to chance with unsubstantial framing. Suggest you stick with Kawneer and other major manufacturers as your design basis.  They can reinforce internally with steel.  Best of luck.  Of course, if you want to get super sleek, go with spider frame clamps and structural silicone to structural glass and interior vertical truss bracing.

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    Rand Soellner
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 3.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-19-2013 09:08 PM
    If you have the budget use Vitrocsa.  3/4" frames but very expensive.

    http://www.vitrocsa.ch

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    Thomas Carson AIA
    Principal
    Carson Architects
    Venice CA
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  • 4.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-18-2013 07:06 PM
    Hi John,

    Actually, the commercial storefront system is a product to consider. I use this system for my modern homes in both southern California and Honolulu. What's nice about using storefront is that you can develop a pattern for a large opening and then decide on where to insert operable units. Storefront creates a very clean look. My go-to window and door manufacturer is Fleetwood. Their style fits with a modern design and their product is very well made. I confidently use Fleetwood doors to replace the lanai doors on some of Honolulu's older oceanfront high-rises.

    John

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    John Black AIA
    Partner
    Lapis Design Partners LLC
    Honolulu HI
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  • 5.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-18-2013 09:38 PM
    Look at Fleetwood Windows.  FleetwoodUSA.com  For a window wall such as you mention, their Kona system with 2-7/16" site line is about as slim as your going to find.

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    William Foster AIA
    William E. Foster Architecture
    Pacific Grove CA
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  • 6.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-19-2013 01:44 AM
    There aren't many aluminum options less than 2", but one is the Encore line (storefront) from Kawneer. For thinner lines, you may want to look at steel. Hope's Windows are very nice but also quite pricey. Be prepared for quite a shock if you are comparing these with traditional residential window options. ------------------------------------------- Bradley Walters AIA University of Florida, School of Architecture Gainesville FL studiowalters.com -------------------------------------------
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  • 7.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-20-2013 05:43 PM
    I don't know if Kawneer has changed their attitude toward residential projects, but my builders, homeowners, and I in the Atlanta area have had them tell us they refuse to deal with houses. YKK, on the other hand, seems to have a more positive outlook when using their products in homes. Unfortunately, operable storefront units are rather bulky looking on a house. Too bad steel windows are so expensive and thermally inefficient.

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    Eric Rawlings AIA
    Owner
    Rawlings Design, Inc.
    Decatur GA
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  • 8.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-21-2013 05:57 PM
    Currently the best option in residential windows for the storefront look is fiberglass windows. InLine fiberglass wdws can come extremely energy efficient and their 400 series wdw is a storefront design. The operable wdws are available to fit into the stormfront system seamlessly and even though the operable sections have an additional sash, the look is pretty good and is similar to what happens in aluminum storefront wdws. Depending on the glass you desire you can get unit r values over R6.

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    William Mammen AIA
    Mammen Associates Architecture
    Park City UT
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  • 9.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-22-2013 02:45 PM
    I've been working on mid-century reno's here in NY, and new modern projects.  The rub often is that so many clean 'modern' details & products come out of the commercial sphere.  Another problem with Kawneer and the like is finding all the functions you'll want in a residential window.  I'm excited by Dynamic Windows "Modern Fineline" common mullion window wall...really graceful.  These are designed for residential applications.  They are high-end windows, highly customizable, with all the window types appropriate for a home.   I've not yet spec'd them, but thier pedegree is impressive.

    A less expensive alternative would be aluminum clad windows by Hurd   They are NOT as graceful as Dynamic, but are a very clean looking window, square sticking on the outside, available in clear anodized.  Depending on the scale and proportions of your job, it might be a nice option.  They also have realy big awning windows as an option... Fewer, bigger opeinings also helps simplify a facade!

    Andersen 'Eagle' might be worth looking at as well, I don't know if they are available as square as Hurd's window, but they also have many anodized finishes, and huge variety of sizes, conbinations.

    Good luck!

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    Julie Evans AIA
    Julie Evans Architecture & Design
    Croton On Hudson NY
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  • 10.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-21-2013 10:34 PM
    Mr. Lehman,
    There are some aluminum windows manufactured in Florida for Hurricane wind zones (MiamiDade NOA approved).
    The firms  are CGI (in Miami, Florida - 1-800-442-9042) and PGT, in Venice, Florida near Naples -(No, I'm not making the names up) and PGT is also in Lexington, North Carolina (closer to you) [www.pgtindustries.com] (1-800-282-6019).
    Are your windows going to be operable or fixed? Please be wary of the infiltration/exfiltration of wind-driven rain of some operable windows. Ask the manufacturer for test results.
    Enjoy the design challenges.

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    John Ahern AIA
    Past-President AIA Treasure Coast Chapter
    Ahern & Associates Architects, P.A.
    Stuart FL
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  • 11.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-21-2013 10:03 AM
    I want to thank everyone who responded to my post about modern aluminum residential window framing.  I now have quite a few great options to consider with my client.

    For those who do not utilize this resource, the CRAN Network Forum is excellent for product searches and technical information!!!

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    John Lehman AIA
    Lehman Associates, PC
    Highland MD
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  • 12.  RE:Modern Aluminum Residential Window Framing

    Posted 06-25-2013 09:09 AM
    John -
    I'm late to the party here, but you might want to look at the VistaLuxe collection by Kolbe. 
    It is relatively new... in fact, I hadn't heard about it until I saw it this weekend at Kolbe's booth at the AIA Convention in Denver.
    http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com/whatsNew/index.cfm?pcID=2&pID=206

    Hope this helps,
    >Eric

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    Eric Catellier AIA
    Architect
    Becker Morgan Group, Inc.
    Salisbury MD
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