The Greatest Views Come from A Picture Window.

Here’s why you should consider one.

 

Mother Nature is an amazing artist.

You’ll see inspiring color combinations that leave you in awe, magnificent scenes that are ever-changing. Granted, they’re not everywhere but when you come across the opportunity to integrate it into your home, I say “Go for it!” How can you do that, you ask? A Picture Window.

 

A picture window is one of the greatest and most under-used additions to a home.

 

I live in the Texas Hill Country.  Rolling hills. Thousands of trees. Ranches with cattle and horses. Sometimes I see  goats, and the occasional hare. I see many homes being built  on land with beautiful views. Majestic homes with grand rooflines and beautiful finishes. Out of curiosity,  I visit the sites days after the foundation is cured –  preferably at sunset  because it’s no longer scorching hot outside. For those of you that live in the South, you know what I’m talking about.  😉 It’s  hot and you feel like you’re about to melt? It could be midday and you’re in shorts and a t-shirt, you’re in the shade… and you’re still about to melt.

For creative purposes and practices, I like to see what’s being built and picture the new home’s design.  I imagine the structure, the design and its overall character. I imagine where the windows will be placed in correlation to the scenery. I can imagine a grand view – which is the purpose of a lot-with-a-view’s purchase. Especially if you have a perfect view of the sunrise in the morning. When I visit in the evening,  I stay until the sun begins to set. As I watch this event take place, I take in the glory of the many bright, bold and rich colors across the sky.  Brush strokes in many variations. The sun gleaming proudly as it slowly disappears behind the horizon. I also imagine the view during  a thunderstorm. Dark skies with thousands of stars. Raindrops falling with the occasional  lightning illuminating the night sky. Simply magnificent.

At this point, I can imagine the exact placement of glass walls or at least, picture windows.  These windows will create a mural across the walls that are never the same way twice.  Why? you say. Well, Nature just doesn’t work that way.

 

Nature creates once and never replicates.

 

Now that’s amazing art.  This is why, when I see a lot with a view, I suggest clients go out to the lot and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Take it in and after seeing the beauty of those moments, consider the architectural design of their home. I tell them to purchase the lot first and decide on the house later, if they can and are willing to wait. Oftentimes, it’s a matter of a few days before they can make an informed decision on the home-plans.

 

A picture window is not really an addition but a feature.

 

A Picture Window creates a sense of openness  that you cannot acquire with a regular window. In fact,  the picture window is only surpassed by the glass wall which is another feature we are seeing more of. 🙂 Oftentimes, we see the glass wall with a frame. This is also considered a picture window because it has a frame. Typically, full glass walls have their frames hidden. While picture windows  appear seamless, glass walls require a seam between tempered panels to account for movement of the structure, even in it’s most miniscule proportions;  and that is the only difference between the glass wall and a full height picture window – frames and seams.

Having a picture window is  a plus when you have sunrise or sunset views. Or the mountains just beyond the property. While designing the home you plan on building, going to the lot and visiting in the early morning and the evening will help you decide what you want to do regarding the view. Personally and professionally, I suggest it. I’ve revisited so many sites near completion of the home only to see, not only standard window widths of 36 inches lining the wall but – wait for it! – 2foot by 2foot windows high up on the walls. The view is…gone. Where did it go….?

Some people don’t want to take in the view but in retrospect, it could be that they weren’t aware of the kind of ever-changing mural they could have had with an oversized picture window or glass wall. That’s right. You read it right – they weren’t aware of the ever-changing mural they could have had. Designed by Nature. Created once and never replicated.

 

There are many reasons to not have a picture window: Cost. The effect it would have on the overall Architecture of the home. Privacy.

 

All valid but not justifiable.  Cost: Yes, tempered glass is more expensive but not as expensive as a full-sized custom mural. And those don’t change like this one will.  The effect on the home’s architecture: Having an unbeatable view that no one else has? And, all from the comfort of the indoors? Try again. Privacy: That’s never an issue. There are custom draperies which are exclusively designed for your space. Motorized ones, too, if you want to make the investment.

In short, if you really want that picture window, the only thing that stops you from having all of the listed features is the fact that we often pick a house-plan and then the lot. And if Draperies concern you, give us a call. We can assist you with those. So, remember: Change the order. Pick the lot.View the sunrise and sunset ;and then, design the home around the view. Or, if you are purchasing pre-existing plans, don’t forget to add that picture window if you find that you just can’t cover up the gorgeous view. I mean, why would anyone want to do that? Why would anyone want to hide the beauty of nature’s art?

Right?

 

More about the Picture Window.

 

A Picture Window is a large window with fixed glass that cannot be opened. It is a beautiful window that brings you to the outdoors without you actually having to step outdoors. It provides access to a view that would normally be inaccessible to us, depending on location.

 

It is a portal to Nature’s magical art. And because it is a clear glass pane, there are no lites  in the way.  All you get is the window’s frame and the  scenery  outside the window.

Still not convinced? Take  a look at the images depicting the reason why they are called Picture Windows.

 

 

 

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