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Windows have been with us for millennia. Archeologists believe the first man-made glass was made in Egypt and Eastern Mesopotamia around 3500 BC. Stained glass appeared in churches and cathedrals beginning in the 13th century, but glass windows panes would not be widely used in homes until the 17th century.

Windows were made from wood until the early part of the 20th century when both aluminum and steel were introduced. The invention of insulated glass units was a milestone in comfort and energy costs, along with curtain walls and glass block, the latter of which ranges from transparent to translucent. Before the widespread use of HVAC, steel sash windows in combinations of awning and hopper types provided both abundant light and natural ventilation for warehouses and factories. These spaces are now sought after in urban areas for renovations into loft apartments.

Through the years, shapes and sizes of window types have evolved to include these popular types: bay (angled and box types), clerestory, double-hung, eyebrow, French, fixed, hexagonal, picture, round, sidelights, single hung, sliding, skylights and transoms.

Bohl Architects believe windows are one of the most important design elements for they allow sunlight to penetrate interior spaces, provide views of the outdoors from within and their correct sizes within the exterior wall contribute harmony to the house’s façades.

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We love this story and a half open plan kitchen-dining-family room that is the hub of the house, high above the Hudson River. The grid of sliding doors and fixed units beneath transoms stack in multiple rows to create a totally transparent space that becomes one with the outdoors.

2 Brown sunrm Storybook Cottage

Another of our favorite rooms is this sunroom with wrap-around windows for panoramic views of the landscape. With cozy chairs and a round table and chairs for dining, one could spend an entire day enjoying this delightful space!

3 dwyer porch to house kitchen wall

This roof extension with supports and an open transom over a porch frames the identical geometric shape at house’s exterior wall with its pair of sliding doors and fixed full height sidelights beneath a large transom window.

4 Martin circular room

Round spaces are inherently cozy since you feel embraced by the walls. This sitting room with both fixed and operable units below transoms, wood floors and wood slat ceiling creates a great spot for both bird watching and star gazing.

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If you have a narrow lot with neighbors close by but want as many windows as possible, we can add high windows to give you sunlight during the day and views of the stars at night.

6 Merida Int Kitchen

Another solution for a narrow lot next to neighbors is to add a side courtyard with both long windows overlooking the courtyard and high windows on the rear wall.

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We love box bays for their projection from the exterior that creates a focal point on this gable wall-we liked the idea so much we extended the box bay with its four-window units to the ground to become a portal with single doors between more double-hung units beneath a full transom.

8 Donaldsen rear elev.

We love this house’s rear elevation with its grid of glass, spandrel beams, sliding doors, full height fixed units and operable units for maximum views of Chesapeake Bay.

Whether or not you need an all glass wall like this house, Bohl Architects will create the best arrangement of windows sizes and types to maximize your house’s views, sunlight and starlight!