Windows have always occupied a special place in human history-both physically, symbolically, and aesthetically. They bring light and air into our homes, offer views to the outside world, and serve as both a barrier and a bridge between the indoors and out. Poets have mused about windows to the human soul and explored their meaning as the boundary between inner and outer world, while architects have long seen them as an essential design element. Windows can represent an escape as well as confinement, depending on the context. Any way you look at it, windows are a big deal.
A Brief History of the Window
In ancient Egypt, windows were mere wall openings no bigger than a human head. Later in ancient Greece windows expanded and were sometimes covered by animal skins, perforated wooden screens or even large fish scales. Glass first appeared in imperial Rome and pretty much stayed with us ever since.
This is not to say that all glass windows are equal though! Far from it. So let me tell you a little bit about the windows at The Catskill Project – and I promise to spare you any attempts at poetry.
Windows That Work: The Catskill Project Approach
At The Catskill Project, our windows are one of the first things people notice, and with good reason. They are large, elegant, and essential to the way our homes perform. Unlike ancient Roman windows (or even today’s standard double-pane units), ours are built for the future.
Glazing is a cornerstone of Passive House design, which emphasizes energy efficiency and comfort. In fact, the most cost-effective and efficient way to achieve passive-level performance would be to build a bunker with no windows at all, thereby maximizing the insulation of the structure. You will probably not be shocked that this is not what we are doing; we’re not in the business of building bunkers. We believe in beauty and performance.
Why Orientation Matters
So, what goes into the calculus when we design and install our windows? For starters, it is the location. Our homes are designed with the environment in mind. In the northern hemisphere, the need for winter heating takes precedence over summer cooling. That’s why most of our windows face southwest in order to maximize heat gain in the winter via the low curvature of the sun.
Conversely, to prevent overheating in the summer when the sun travels higher we install sun visors above our windows, thereby eliminating direct sun access in the hottest period of the day. And even on cloudy days, your windows are still working for you – solar gain doesn’t stop just because the sun is hiding.
Triple Pane for Triple Performance
This energy gain would not be possible with ancient Roman windows though. Any heat gain would be automatically negated – and then some – by leakage. That’s because those windows were single-pane – and some are still today. And while most homes today use double-pane, we go a step further. All our windows are no less than triple-pane. This ensures superior insulation, resulting in a curated energy passage as opposed to unwanted drafts and leaks.
Meet Unilux
Who makes our amazing windows you might ask? The answer is Unilux, a German company that’s been perfecting high-performance windows and doors for more than 50 years. With beautifully crafted, sustainable frames, and cutting-edge glass technology, Unilux sets the gold standard. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better window – the evolution of glass windows from imperial Rome may have just about peaked with Unilux.
Come See for Yourself
Whether you are gazing out at the Catskill Mountains or watching a storm roll in, our windows connect you to the world while keeping you comfortable inside. Come see these beauties for yourself, sit and watch the beautiful Catskills nature go about its ways. You will feel connected, protected and inspired in equal measure.
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