24/09/25

Designing Windows for a New House

Basic Design Principles

When designing windows, it is necessary to consider many factors that affect living comfort and energy efficiency of the house.

Calculating Window Sizes

The glazing area should be at least 1/8 of the total room area. For example, for a 20 m² room, the minimum window area is 2.5 m².

Window Orientation by Cardinal Directions

• South side: installation of multifunctional double-glazed windows to protect against overheating
• North side: maximum glazing with good thermal insulation
• East and west sides: standard glazing taking into account insolation

Room-Specific Design Features

Living room: the optimal solution is panoramic glazing or wide three-leaf structures. The recommended glazing area is 35-50% of the total room area.

Bedroom: standard double-leaf window, taking into account bed placement.

Kitchen: the window should be located in the work area, preferably to the left or in front of the work surface.

Utility rooms: compact windows for minimal lighting and ventilation.

Design Features

The sill height is usually 90-100 cm from the floor. Exceptions are made for:

• Bathrooms (1.5-1.7 m)
• Rooms with panoramic glazing

Recommendations for Choosing a Design

Opening type:

• Single-leaf — for small openings
• Double-leaf — for living rooms
• Triple-leaf — for spacious rooms

Profile materials:

• PVC — optimal price/quality ratio
• Wood — environmental friendliness and aesthetics
• Aluminum — for large-scale structures

Additional Recommendations

• Avoid fixed panes for easy maintenance
• Consider furniture placement during design
• Choose windows with good sound insulation for houses near roads
• Provide sun protection for south-facing windows
• Use anti-burglary fittings for security

Proper window design will ensure comfortable living, optimal microclimate, and energy efficiency of the house for many years.