.}

Monday, June 1, 2009

Steel Windows and Doors

For more inspirational finds, please visit www.quatrefoildesign.com

I have recently begun to notice more and more homes that are using steel windows and doors. I am a big admirer of the style and the effect of steel windows and doors: any room that uses them seems to automatically achieve a high level of sophistication and sleekness, and the strength and durability of this style of window and door allows for a maximum amount of light and indoor/outdoor feel to be achieved.


Because steel windows and doors seem to be used most often in places where it is desirable to get a maximum amount of light and an unobstructed view, the ones I have seen most frequently have been in kitchens and family rooms or living rooms. I find this image of steel windows and doors used in a kitchen to be incredibly beautiful; there is a real connection between the indoors, the outdoors, and the decor. Note how the slim black lines of the steel are also seen in the table and the legs of the bench. I would love to see the rest of this kitchen! Image via William Hefner, architect.

2506 Parkside Drive_archtourist
The Architecture Tourist snapped this shot of a beautiful kitchen belonging to one of the homes on a recent garden tour. This kitchen strikes me as being very European with its open shelving, total lack of upper cabinets, and steel frame windows and doors.

Southern Accents March 2009 Kitchen - 4
Steel windows are used across the entire wall of the kitchen in this picture from Southern Accents, March 2009.

harris_trail
A high end spec home in Atlanta uses steel windows extensively throughout the house. The listing can be seen here. I tend to associate the sleek steamlined look of steel windows and doors with a more contemporary style of architecture and decor, but I have recently seen many examples where they are used to great effect in more traditional European architecture and decor.

frenchhb6
This picture is in my 'favorites' file - the light just floods into the room, unobstructed by walls or wood window panes.

IMG_0597
I saw this kitchen on a recent tour of homes and it literally made me gasp when I walked into the room and saw the wall of windows. Although I am not certain whether these windows are steel (I think they are), the overall effect is the same and it is quite striking.

atl_homes_july2008
A bathroom featured in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, July 2008, has a steel frame door that was designed to feel like a window too.



I was able to see the inside of a charming home recently built in Atlanta (the architect is Stan Dixon), and one of the features that stood out most in my mind were the steel windows and doors. The inside of the home can be faintly seen in the top picture; the front door can be see at the other side of the house. The view is really spectacular when walking through the front door as the eye is drawn to the back, through the virtually unobstructed view that the steel doors and windows allow.

3907956_2
Another Atlanta real estate listing that effectively uses steel frame doors for visual effect and maximum light.

3534546_4
This is from an Atlanta real estate listing from several years ago; I am not certain whether these are steel framed doors or wood doors with the trim painted black. Whichever they are, the effect is the same - clean lined and open. I am coming to the conclusion that my favorite kind of rooms have windows on at least two sides - this home is a French pavilion style with wings coming out of the back, and every room gets a lot of light.

wm_hefner_stairs
A steel framed window looks great with the art deco style metal railing in this home by architect William Hefner. The stair is tucked to the side of the house, making the space light and airy.

wm_hefner
The family room in a the same house by William Hefner - this was one of the first pictures I saw where the steel frame windows and doors really made me start to look for examples of this style in other homes. The steel window frames maximize the daylight and do not obstruct the vbeautiful view of this Los Angeles home.

I was not able to find much information of steel frame windows and doors on the internet, other than the fact that they are quite expensive. However, many architects prefer them above all other type of windows because of their durability, beauty, and clean lines. I certainly appreciate the beauty of these windows, but I tend to prefer to have more of a balance between windows, doors, and walls - despite the fact that I love a home that has a maximum of natural light coming into the home. I could definitely make an exception to this rule in the kitchen - an entire wall of steel windows would be fantastic in a sunny kitchen. I would love to collect more images of this look, so if anyone has a good image of steel frame windows and doors, feel free to email me!


To subscribe to my blog by email, click here. 
To follow my blog on Facebook, click here. 
Twitter: @TTIBlog 
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ttiblog/ 
Visit my online store, Quatrefoil Designwww.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com 
To see design, architecture, art, and decorative books that I recommend, please visit the Things That Inspire Amazon store.


Things That Inspire Favorites: Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths

Things That Inspire Favorites: Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum

Things That Inspire Favorites: Thera Breath Oral Rinse






77 comments:

  1. so pretty and SO expensive! but in the end, so worth it aesthetically...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gorgeous. Amazing how so little adds so much...

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm with you all the way. As long as the lights (panes) are still there and not too big, your windows seem to work across many styles.

    You also feature muntons and frames that are dark, even black. Also a great look.

    I'm with you on windows on 2 sides. It's Pattern 159. LIGHT ON TWO SIDES OF EVERY ROOM." If you go into a room that doesn't feel right, it's probably the windows.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree! I would love to see the rest of the kichen in your first image. Love steel windows and doors too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wrote a similar post recently: http://seenandsaid.blogspot.com/2009/03/throw-windows-open.html

    I love all your picks too. Even if not steel, I love the black window frames.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Quite possibly my FAVORITE architectural element! I love how they completely transform the look of a room. They are so delicate but make such a statement at the same time. Great interiors in these shots too!
    I snagged my neighbors old steel window that they had replaced and (hopefully!) one day will get to putting mirror in it's panes.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The best company for them, who has been around forEVER, is 'Hopes' -I love these vintagey steel and bronze doors and windows - my dream house will have them!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I nominate you for another blog watch for this post! The images are so beautiful!!

    John Saladino talked about steel windows and how he loved to use them but I remember him saying that the glass is so thin that he can't do them everywhere (I could be totally remembering it wrong though)

    Love your posts!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Normally not my favorite but some of these are really lovely and more delicate than I have seen the steel window look in the past...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for the comments, everyone!

    This is something I have been noticing for a while now, and while looking at the flickr files of a fellow Atlanta architecture buff, I was struck by the number of steel windows being used in the high end new homes in Atlanta.

    When 'trying' to do research for this post (could not find too much information) I did come across Hope's steel windows - gorgeous products!

    ReplyDelete
  11. One of the reasons you don't see them much, especially up here in the north, is they aren't always allowed because you need a thermal break. The metal transfers the cold weather directly through the muntins. I guess you don't have those code requirements and issues in a Southern climate.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Absolutely KILLER images! I will be back to stalk when I have more than a moment!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I enjoy reading the comments on these posts so much. Interesting information from Architect Design about the thermal break.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What an icredible gallery of images you have pulled together. These doors are absolutely gorgeous, and I have long been a fan of metal and iron doors..

    Fantastic post to keep handy..

    Vitania

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great depictions!

    If anyone has suggestions for sources, I would love to see them.

    ReplyDelete
  16. These are unbelievable. I have never seen anything like them. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to expand our horizons.

    Charla

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love this post and love steel windows. In fact, I posted a couple of projects we've worked on featuring steel windows, on our blog. Check it out if you'd like:
    http://traceryinteriors.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/steel-windows/

    This is a great trend, thanks so much for posting on this topic!

    Doug Davis
    Tracery Interiors

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is one of my favorite posts...your pics are great. In Tucson, we call these casement windows. They're not energy efficient because they are single paned. I had them in a house once...loved them. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love steel windows and doors. I have been gathering images for a similar post. I have been spotting them everwhere too!
    Great post.

    Best,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Bronze casements. I dream of bronze casements.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have nominated your blog for a Splash Award!! See my blog for details when you have a moment.

    Best,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  22. Fantastic post. I spent ages checking out W. Hefners web page.
    I have to check how fare are we with steel windows in Australia (they should be perfect for our weather)Love them!!
    Thanks
    X
    V

    ReplyDelete
  23. i must say ...my heart began to flutter when viewing this post.
    i agree with you about the windows. i do love them.
    the second picture of a kitchen, beautiful !
    this may be my favorite post of yours.
    weird , i know.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Just beautiful! I must say - Saladino's Villa de Lema has gorgeous steel windows!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love this look too. I think the dark steel on the windows makes the transition between indoors and outdoors almost seamless.

    I just recently saw some great examples of steel windows on another blog -- can't remember which one though. But I did download some of the pictures onto my home computer and included the name of the blog in the file names. So I'll be able to get the info and pictures to you from my home computer after work.

    Kelly @ DesignTies

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am just beyond obsessed with these...have been for ages and am just waiting for the chance to get rich, buy an apartment and renovate it using them!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a gorgeous post! I love love love steel windows. Growing up in the San Francisco area, I saw a lot of them. I never considered how they provide an unobstructed view before I read this--just thought they were classic and lovely. Here in the HOT valley, I don't think we could handle the single panes, though. Loved seeing them here!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Beautiful! Putting these in my "one day" file!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I LOVE this look. Steel sounds like such a heavy, industrial material, but it's so elegant in these uses. I particularly like how it blends with a french aesthetic. Really charming. And of course, it lets in so much LIGHT. That's the greatest advantage of all.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am a fan of steel windows and doors so I think this is a wonderful post. I especially love the wall of windows in the kitchen and the combination of a wall having steel windows and doors.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love steel windows. They can look very contemporary or wonderfully old world and rustic, depending on how they are used. Great, great post!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love this post on steel windows and doors!Beautiful photos!

    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  33. FAB idea. Love these windows and the light they give.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anyone could easily think that steel doors and windows would give an ultra modern effect to both the interior and exterior of a home. These beautiful images show just how wrong that impression would be. Lovely pictures of such wonderful light filled rooms.

    ReplyDelete
  35. As you know, I love steel windows.
    There is nothing like them.
    Steve is just finishing a home on the beach where he designed some great aluminum windows that are kynar finished that look exactly like steel but won't degrade from the harsh salt air.
    Great post!

    xo
    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  36. It's so funny - I have been noticing this trend to eihter paint casings black or install steel. To be honest I love the look! I adore the kitchen. I have saved your post in my favorites- I should just name a folder that says "Things the Inspire" - You are great!! Excellent post!
    xx-Gina

    ReplyDelete
  37. Love this post! I LOVE steel windows and doors. They MAKE a room! The project that I'm working on right now would have been so much better with steel windows, but it wasn't in the budget!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love your post on the steel windows.I use steel in as many ways as I can, windows, doors, kitchens, lighting and furniture, especially reclaimed industrial steel(see a previous post on fg-artdevivre.blogspot.com)
    I could move in any of these houses. Thank you for the great inspirations

    ReplyDelete
  39. I had never given any thought to steel windows before so as I read your post I wondered why...and then I realized that those of us in cold climates could never have steel windows because they would conduct the cold into the house or conduct the heat out of the house.

    The look is gorgeous though and I am envious of those that have this choice.

    Tricia - Avolli

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love this type of window and just the way they let the light in.

    Maybe in my dream house....

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great images - Crittall Windows has been active in the Atlanta area in refurbishment and new build residential projects see here

    ReplyDelete
  42. These are my favorite windows. They're so stunning. I seriously love every single photo here. GREAT post.

    ReplyDelete
  43. They are stunning!! A node to history- the height of the ceilings certainly helps. Thanks for the info Stefan.

    Just georgous, this post...bravo.

    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love them all and so glad you did this post. Really makes such a difference in the view!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I really really love this post. Such creative content! I love doors that go from floor to ceiling and open up the room completely to the outdoors! All these doors and window are devine. Remind me of a greenhouse kinda.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Gorgeous windows and post. Btw, thanks for the heads up about the Washington Post -- I hadn't caught that until you mentioned it!

    ReplyDelete
  47. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Great post on the effect of these steel beauties .. . such a perfect contemporary look to give a traditional space a bit of an edge --

    Jjjj

    ReplyDelete
  49. I know I'm getting old since my first thought was, "wow their gas bills must be crazy!", haha. I guess that's what I get for living in a 110 year old house in the northeast. Love the blog, you always keep me inspired as we repair our aging house.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Gorgeous design. The windows are accentuated very well, and shows great style. Thanks for the share.

    Nicolette
    http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. When it comes to windows, the bigger the better. These are just fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Fabulous images and I loved the way the steel work was used in a mix of traditional and contemporary, xv.

    ReplyDelete
  53. So crisp and clean! I love the wide open views with the steel frames. Beautiful!

    ~Misti

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love this look - it reminds me of Paris and Brussels

    ReplyDelete
  55. STUNNING! I love steel windows and doors too. They allow so much natural light and really blend the indoor and outdoor spaces. I love this post!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I saw a great room design with steel windows when I was down in California visiting a wine cellar there. They are totally worth it, and you can really tell the difference.

    Nicolette
    http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Great post--I love these windows too. I recognized the first kitchen from a recent episode of HGTV Top Ten. I tried to find a link for you but they just had a former kitchen top 10 episode featured on their site. The kitchen you liked had an amazing connection with the pool terrace, and was a beautiful blend of simple classic features. A re run is scheduled mid July if you can catch it. There are lots of other great kitchens on the show as well, including one by Vincent Wolfe. I have it recorded if you want to stop by for a glass of wine!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I love all that light. I think big windows of any kind make a house! Thank you for stopping by my humble little blog today.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I keep coming back to that kitchen with the huge window over the sink, it is just stunning. I love those windows, I want them in my house someday!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm just popping back over to say thanks for your comment on my Jamie Drake interview. Good to hear you enjoyed learning about the designer behind all the rooms you've seen :-)

    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  61. I can only wish for windows like that. Especially ones that face north.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'm with DesignTies, I keep coming back to this post too. A bit about the 2nd picture. It is an actual live shot, not from a magazine or showroom, not posed or lighted. Just before I took the picture (during the garden tour), a resident popped into the kitchen for a glass of water. The room took my breath away when I saw it and it still does.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thank you for the comments, everyone. I really learned a lot about steel windows and doors through the information some of you gave in your comments. We do live in a fairly temperate climate here in Atlanta, however it does get cold in the winter and I wonder how the steel windows and doors fare in the coldest part of the winter and the hottest part of the summer. They are beautiful, though!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am quite fond of steel window frames, but never put two and two together that that's what they were. You are so observant! And popular too - 65 comments!!

    Hope you are marvellous and well and having a lovely spring!

    xo Terri

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wonderful rooms! There's something about the windows that make them glow... I wish I could have more windows in my rooms. They look great!

    ReplyDelete
  66. ohhh, just loving these light-filled rooms. What a difference they make.

    Such a wonderful post, thanks for sharing (and inspiring)!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi,

    These kind of windows and doors remind me of something that I'd like to have if I lived in a house : a winter garden.

    Best regards,

    José

    ReplyDelete
  68. Absolutely beautiful post! Thank you!
    Sparrow

    ReplyDelete
  69. Love the contemporary look of these especially when paired with more traditional European decor. I love your beautiful photos and commentary.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Some nice photos. If you read Veranda magazine, check out June '09 issue to see one of our latest projects. Steel sash windows have been around for over 150 yrs and were originally a low budget item used mainly in factories and manufacturing plants. They gradually started to be seen in high end residential projects and used by the upper most affluent home builders. The Rockefellers had used steel windows in their private residences.
    Previously one of the largest concerns has been the energy efficiency of steel stash windows. Now there are thermally broken frames available in steel, stainless, Bronze and Corten with profiles as narrow as some of the old steel sash units. With the ever increasing energy code standards this is becoming the best solution for high end projects requiring minimal sightlines and thermal efficiency. Contact

    ReplyDelete
  71. Fantastic post! just saw this one. I actually have a client who has steel windows and I'm going over there tomorrow for a paint consult. Really love the black! It's such a nice effect and you've displayed great pictures that show steel windows look fabulous in any environment. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Stumbled across your blog, while researching black sash windows for our character home which we are presently restoring. The pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. I just read all the comments...which of themselves served to inspire me even more. Loved the idea of looking out steel windows, with a nice warm fire burning in the hearth, and looking out over a "winter garden". Love it! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Can you help me with finding any suppliers that offer the steel doors that you referenced above in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, July 2008? Your help is appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Besides Hopes, any other suggested manufacturers?

    -Matt
    Chicago Builder

    ReplyDelete
  75. love the look but how practical is it in colder climates? Does the glass fog up and will cold air come through into the house?

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails