You can install ones taller than standard windows.
A curved wall or bow window can be used to maintain wider sight angles.
Posted on 12/10/2023 6:08:38 AM PST by Jonty30
Actually, it’s not a stupid question at all if you understand the need for the question.
When I grew some basic architectural plans for a house I liked, I had the front door enter a hallway, where on the right side was my office and on the left was where you hung your jackets and shoes and there was a small closet where I would keep snowshovels and rakes for easy picking.
However, the problem I had was that there couldn’t be a picture window, so I was wondering if I had to have one and, instead, use a high quality camera with a projector in the living projecting the outside.
But then again, I suppose you could put little port holes around the house.
I eliminated the windows on the West side of my house because they let in too much heat, nothing but desert heat, and while I thought it was a bit of an eccentric thing to do at first, my conclusion is that it was wise.
You can’t fight 8 hours of direct desert sun with double-pane windows.
Yes. It’s called a bunker.
FR is failing.
I’d hate to have fear dictate my ability to view the property from the house. I loves me my bay window and wall of French doors and keep a labradoodle as an alarm (really just a big sweetheart with a deep dog bark that can be intimidating to the uninitiated) and Mossberg handy as insurance.
For me, it’s not about fear. Yes, I do see the window being a point of vulnerability, but that wasn’t the main reason for my idea. I realized, when I would build by little hallway when you enter the front door that a window would be useless in the living room.
a licensed home architect can help flesh out your plan and navigate it past local building codes.
Well, if the plans already exist, then a projected image would likely be an easier change than adding the window. Reminds me, though, of some sort of post apocalyptic movie where no one could go outside and the buildings have no windows.
Want sunlight? Pipe it in.
https://solatube.com/residential/tubular-skylights/
I’m sure there are other manufacturers, but I have some friends who put those in years ago and they work great.
In times where the diktats of our overseers may turn off utilities at any moment, either to save the planet or because no one knows how to maintain them any more, an earthen house covered with sod and with as few openings (like windows) as possible may make sense. Almost no energy needed to heat or cool it.
Best kind of a house in case of nuclear fallout, too. ;-)
The nice thing about solatubes is that you can pipe the light straight to your basement and give your basement almost as much light as the upstairs during the daytime.
Really cut down on your powerbills.
This conversation has been helpful in helping me make mental changes as to how the house should be. So, it’s nice.
Sophisticated video devices pierce blinds.
The easy answer is ask your architect or builder what the code requires and any hoa rules. There are egress and energy requirements pretty much everywhere anymore. As previously mentioned you also should consider impact on resale.
Dumb question
What about all the cape cod type houses built without picture windows?
I’ll give you permission to build your next house WITHOUT a picture window, but I suspect you’ll need to do more, such as a metallic screen that block x-ray or IR surveillance, but I’m far from an expert on this topic.
“minimum total window size per room sizemight be dictated by local building code.”
Definitely for bedrooms (to allow firemen to get in), not sure about other rooms.
You can install ones taller than standard windows.
A curved wall or bow window can be used to maintain wider sight angles.
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