8 functional considerations for windows & doors

Whether you are renovating your home or starting from scratch, windows are a crucial way to improve atmosphere and well-being. The decisions you make regarding them will impact how your home will look, feel and function.

In this article we will go over eight key considerations that we find are crucial to consider early in your design phase.

8 design considerations

1. Style

Every building project starts with a vision. Everyone has an idea of how they want their home to look and feel, and it’s important to choose windows that fit not only your creative vision, but your lifestyle as well. 

So how will your frames and configurations compliment the building design?

DuCo offers a range of window configurations and finishes to suit all styles. Sliding doors and large fixed panels will complement the modern home, or if you’re after for a more classic look, French doors and casement windows may be the answer. 

2. Light

One of the integral purposes of windows is to let natural light into your house. Good window placement will connect your home to its surroundings and create an atmosphere of well-being. However, there is more to it than installing large windows on every wall. Some key questions to ask are:

• What’s the orientation of your home?
• How will you reduce unwanted glare?
• How will you prevent UV rays from damaging the interior furnishings or surfaces?
• How will you balance your need for light with privacy?

There are a range of glass coatings and tints that can let light in while protecting your home. 

3. Movement and access 

It’s important to consider the access points to your home and how these will be used. Front doors are the first thing we think of, but do you need a laundry door to get to your washing line? An easy access to the BBQ? What about level-entry for wheelchair users?

Each room in the house has a purpose, and you want your windows to suit it. If alfresco dining is a big part of your life, large sliding or folding doors could be the best fit.

4. Airflow

Ventilation has a big impact on the comfort and energy efficiency of your space. By choosing the right windows and doors, you can increase control over airflow and improve the interior air quality.

• Will the windows and doors allow a cross-breeze?
• Are the openings protected from prevailing winds?
• Does your hardware allow for trickle ventilation?

5. Views and wall space

Window openings will often be the centre point of any room. If your project is in a stunning location, you’ll want to make the most of the views, but there may also be areas you don’t want to highlight, such as roads or neighbouring houses. 

Large, fixed windows are ideal for framing a particular outlook with no distractions. Likewise, sliding doors can get much larger panes of glass compared to folding or hinged doors, which have a higher number of internal aluminium frames that may obstruct the view.

It is also important to consider the amount of interior wall space available for artwork, light fixtures, and furnishings.

6. Sound

If your home is near a busy road, train tracks, an airport or a school, you’ll know how disruptive noise can be. Fortunately, your glazing can improve how much noise enters your home. 

Laminate glass and double glazing is an effective method to reduce noise transmission.

7. Security and Safety

One of the most critical qualities of windows and doors is the security they provide. While there are minimum safety standards to comply with, there are some extra precautions we can take. To ensure your home is both safe and private, ask the following questions.

• Do the doors and windows provide sufficient security from intruders?
• Do you need a digital lock for safe after-hours access?
• Do the windows require security/restrictor stays to allow ventilation?
• Will toughened or laminated glass reduce the risk of accidents and break-ins?
• Will privacy glass help reduce break-ins?

8. Climate Conditions and Temperature

When choosing the type and placement of windows and doors, you need to think about the climate conditions, internal temperature and the level of comfort in your home. Windows in your home will influence the thermal mass in several ways. Large windows can magnify sunlight causing rooms to heat up in the warmer months but will also leak warm air to the outside during cooler months.

There is a vast range of recent technological improvement available to improve the insulation values of windows and doors. As a minimum you will need to meet the new H1 requirements, which will differ depending on your build location and zoning throughout New Zealand. 

At DuCo we would recommend taking a bespoke approach and considering how the climate will affect each room and what is the product to compliment this. For example, large north facing windows in a warmer climate would be better suited for a solar control glass to keep heat out, whereas in a cooler climate you would prefer to keep the warmth inside and use smart ventilation systems to cool during summer.

Windows and Doors NZ

Designing your windows and doors doesn’t need to be daunting, but it is a key factor in achieving your dream home goals. As well as being a crucial part of the structural design, windows bring in fresh air, natural light and outside views – all of which enhance your well-being.   

The DuCo team has serviced hundreds of residential and commercial projects across the North Island. We work with builders, homeowners and developers to supply high quality aluminium joinery of all specifications. 

No matter what stage of the design or build process you are at we are always happy to help with advice and guidance. Contact us today to discuss your project or download our full Guide to Windows & Doors.