There’s no denying that architects love glass. Though “invisible”, windows can become the feature of an architectural project. When windows are placed strategically and with intent, they have the capacity to frame views, to create bright, light filled spaces, and to allow the interiors to become immersed and connected to the surrounding site.

At FrankFranco architects, we often specify windows with narrow mullions and minimal or no window casing, allowing the views to become the art work, and the windows to become the frame.

Windows can have transformative capacities. One of the first things we discuss when we approach renovation projects is how we can improve the light quality in a space. By eliminating unnecessary partition walls, and expanding window openings from small apertures to floor-to-ceiling glass applications, we get closer to our goals of creating bright, inviting, contemporary spaces.

The following before and after images feature the transformative capacity of windows in some of our recent and ongoing projects.

In this particular renovation project, the existing home had good bones and generously sized rooms; upgrading the rear wall to floor-to-ceiling glass allowed us to see the potential of the existing home and created a bright, expansive light filled space with beautiful views to the ravine beyond.

Though the before and after of this home both feature the extensive use of wood, the type and application, combined with the oversized windows and abundance of natural light, transformed the dated room in to a contemporary space.

The impacts of adding windows can be seem immediately, and even make this construction site look appealing!

Though this room already had a number of windows, the size and shape made the space feel dated. Increasing the size of the windows and opting to use black frames made the space feel contemporary and seamlessly connected to the forested rear yard.

Glass has the capacity to create or transform a space. Though the use of glass has always been common in architecture, floor-to-ceiling glass and generously sized windows have become increasingly more common in residential projects as our clients opt for more modern and contemporary designs. Consider this a PSA: It’s time to buy stock in glass cleaning products!

Progress Photos by FrankFranco Architects. Completed Project Photos by Anthony Manieri.