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The Tuscany Series from Milgard Windows & Doors. augusT 2015 | 29 Residential Windows E M B R A C I N G N E W T R E N D S Creating locks and windows that are easy for seniors to use is going to be increas- ingly important, as the Baby Boomer population ages. "We're responding to a need for easy-to-operate, easy-to- maintain products," explains Phillips. "This technology and others are enabling people to live independently in their own homes longer and more comfort- ably." The Milgard Tuscany series win- dows are designed with award-winning SmartTouch technology: with one hand, users can unlock and open – or close and lock – in one swift motion. Milgard is the first window manufacturer to receive the Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use Commendation. Indoor-outdoor spaces also remain popular, and moving glass wall systems are the most effective way to embrace the trend. "Large floor to ceiling units are required to provide that panoramic view from the interior to the exterior, leaving the homeowner with that feeling of an open concept," notes Ortis. But a grand window shouldn't just look good, it should function well, too. "Despite their larger-than-life size, these doors open and close to bring the outside in, or expand your living space," says Phillips. For Milgard's glass wall systems, she explains, "the secret is the tandem stainless steel ball bearing rollers that are strong enough to carry door panels. It's luxury that's easy to use." S T Y L E M E U P "We continue to see more and more modern contemporary house designs in the Metro Vancouver area," says Ortis. And that means plenty of glass. "Architects are looking for floor-to-ceiling glazing with minimal obstruction, which continues to challenge the industry." He points to a decrease in traditional, heritage style homes with muntin bars, arches and multiple roof lines, and an increase in large glazing options and true butt-glazed units with minimal t-bar. "These massive units stretch the capabilities of engineering departments in manufacturing facilities throughout B.C." "There's a desire by design- ers to have very thin window frames, and to have the glass all on the same plane," agrees Bousfield. Luckily for those designers, Cascadia has now developed a technolog y to allow those walls of glass to have energy-efficient vent- ing options. Fibreglass vent adaptors for curtain walls are nothing new – in fact vent adaptors have been allowing architects to install operable windows into curtain walls for years – but the poor thermal performance this produces has long been a problem, and with the new changes to building codes and standards, an update has been desperately needed. So Cascadia's development of a high-performance new vent adaptor is good news to say the least. "Our new fibreglass vent adaptor allows a designer to have an unlim- ited amount of opening windows without any reduction to the overall thermal per- formance," Bousfield explains. AT Y O U R F I N G E R T I P S Automation is a hot trend for coverings. "We are noticing on the residential level there is more interest in automation and operating window treatments through smart phones and iPads, or through smart home systems," explains Sun Glow's Kanargelidis. Automated window coverings are safer for family homes too by removing danger- ous chords that could be a choking hazard. Technological advancements make these blinds more appealing than ever: motors are quieter; the product is less expensive; rechargeable battery packs are housed inside shade tubes, and there is solar recharg- ing available for many models. Embracing contemporary looks and up-to-the-minute technology, these modern designs are sure to meet the needs of today's consumers – and maybe even tomor- row's, too. A

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