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AUGUST 2019 | 33 Residential Windows Demand for smaller frames and bigger panes increases by STACEY MCLACHLAN T hough esthetic window trends don't change too dramatically year over year, the technology that's developing to accommodate the minimalist, modernist look architects love grows by leaps and bounds. From high-efficiency fibreglass frames to sleek, minimalist lock mechanisms, the industry continuously steps up to the plate to deliver beautiful, contemporary designs in a code-approved, energy-efficient package. "More than a window alone, we're seeing a renewed focus in how people want to live in their homes today centred on well-being," says Kris Hanson, director of group project management at Marvin Windows and Doors. "Homeowners are seeking a connection to natural light, fresh air, and the outdoors." This demand for soothing, natural spaces means an increased interest in maxi- mizing the amount of windows. "Homeowners are demanding bigger windows and combined indoor/outdoor spaces," she explains, and owners and developers are reacting to this trend. "The desire for more natural light isn't too surprising as a part of this broader trend towards spaces that incorporate natural elements, like wood, water, greenery, and natural light and air in novel new ways," says Tracy Nadiger, director, marketing and customer experience at All Weather Windows. To meet this demand for all-glass, all-the-time, Cascadia Windows and Doors is introducing the world's first fibreglass window wall. Durable and structurally adequate, the fibreglass offers substantial improvements over aluminum frames, improving the building's thermal performance by 50 to 100 percent. Triple glaz- ing moves that performance beyond 200 percent improvement for a similar price and similar structural capability. "The market wasn't expecting it, but it seems to be happening at a good time," laughs Michael Bousfield, technical director for Cascadia Windows and Doors. "At the same time as building codes are constrain- ing, we're helping to restore higher amounts of glazed areas without increasing the cost of the building." The consumer demand for a contemporary style vinyl window has been grow- ing too, so companies are ramping up their production tech. Milgard Windows and Doors' new Trinsic Series is one such solution. Fitting into the brand's existing vinyl line (including its Tuscany and Style Line series), the Trinsic series features more glass than any other vinyl product, a narrow frame for maximum views and even sightlines for pleasing esthetics. All of Milgard's vinyl products are made with the company's very own vinyl formula, featuring high-quality titanium dioxide and stabilizers to ensure a high- quality product that is heat stable and performs well over time. "We developed Trinsic Series to satisfy modern design trends," says Jeremiah Noneman, director of marketing at Milgard. "It's sleek and contemporary style meets the homeowner demands we've been seeing in the marketplace." Similarly, Marvin just introduced Modern Casement and Marvin Modern Awning – the first operable windows in the Marvin product line, joining the Marvin Modern Direct Glaze and Marvin Modern Multi-Slide Door, all of which were meticulously designed to support professionals and homeowners seeking a simplified design esthetic. Large glass may be popular in a variety or regions, but the technological demands for this look will vary depending on the region and climate. "As demands for large glass come in, we are constantly working to leverage advances in tech- nology and material science to deliver a beautiful and high-performing window," says Hanson. Glass Act 9100 casement windows from All Weather Windows. Marvin Modern Direct Glaze and Marvin Modern Multi-Slide Door.

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