When you close your eyes and picture your ideal mountain-style home, what do you see? Some say it is the emphasis on natural wood surrounding us in every room. Others mention the open spaces of the home’s layout. However, almost everyone mentions the great room window with its sheer size and view that makes it the focal point of the room. This is where the the calm of the indoors and the untouched beauty of the outdoors melded together beautifully. Since great room windows play such a critical role in your mountain-style home, picking the style and configuration that provide the best outcome for your location is critical to the design of your custom home.
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Configuration
The great room is typically the largest room in the home. It is a place where family and friends gather and spend the most time together. This is why the view is often the focus of this room. The ratio of window to wall space in your great room is an important factor in creating your window design. Additionally, the windows’ shapes and sizes are a design consideration.
There are ways to be creative with your living space based on your floor plan, budget, and the view you want to capture. For some, the best design for their home could include a configuration of log or timber in the window, whether that is through cross-bracing with logs or timber framing. Others might have different ways they wish to see the sights—doors leading to a patio or sun room where they are closer to nature could be a better fit for their great room window design.
Function
Windows do not just have to provide a view to the outside world. Including doors with windows will allow you to access your property or deck without limiting your view. You could even incorporate a wall that completely folds out of the way. This option provides a seamless connection between your outdoor and indoor living spaces.
Location
Obviously, your log or timber home will have windows. Since they allow light and air to filter through as well as protect you from nature’s unpredictable elements, their location is a primary consideration. Imagine if your home is built in New Mexico and the sun beat down on a window wall. The room would overheat and not be at all comfortable. Working with your architect to choose your great room window wall’s orientation and its composition is important. Your architect may suggest including deep eaves and angled window orientations so that you can retain the phenomenal view while mitigating the sun. With these factors in mind, your home will remain a place of comfort for you at all times.
For more examples of vastly different and unique window designs, view our photo gallery.
