Always keep the view

Despite optical andtechnical innovations and trends, windows are statistically only replaced after almost 50 years. Whether the old components still meet today's standards after such a long time or not is more than questionable. Not to mention the waste of energy. Windows should not only provide a view to the outside, they should also be environmentally friendly, safe, and chic.

So you should take a closer look before you have them installed in a new building or replaced in an existing property. A lot has happened in recent years with entrance doors, too. Manufacturers of entrance doors try every year to bring something new, modern, eye-catching, and user-friendly onto the market.

Not all windows are the same. Square, practical and well pressed into a perforated facade is far from being the most sustainably favorable option. Building owners are spoilt for choice between turn, tilt or slide constructions, integral, composite, or box-type windows. In addition, there is a choice between a wide variety of materials, from wood to metal and plastic to combinations of the various materials with glass.

"More glass and not so much around it, because: "less is more".

- Minimal window frames for maximum view

More glass, fewer frames - slim window frames offer the greatest possible view and discreetly take a back seat to the architecture. Especially in modern houses with their striving for purism in perfection, frameless and flush-fitted windows are the ideal solution. More glass and not so much around it: "less is more". Seen from outside, fixed glazing, casements and doors thus form a continuous unit with the facade. Inside, on the other hand, no superfluous offset disturbs the aesthetics. To meet the desire of many building owners for an elegant design, window constructions are placed in the supporting structure of the facade in such a way that no clamping frames are visible. You can enjoy a good view of the garden or balcony anyway, as you are to some extent protected from the neighbor's view. In addition to panorama windows, large-format lift-and-slide doors or even entire folding-slide systems are becoming increasingly popular. This turns the living room into a covered outdoor terrace in summer - and even on grey winter days, enough light enters the living room. Completely glazed corners also provide light, visually expand the room and enhance the architecture of the building. They offer an individual look and are a real highlight in the house facade. Due to the space gained in the room, sliding windows are gaining in importance anyway and are increasingly replacing the tilt and turn variant.


- Smart technology for security and comfort

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Photos: Shutterstock

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Well over half of all burglaries occur through windows and French windows. New windows give thieves fewer chances. Glass breakage detectors integrated into the pane or locking and opening detectors in the frame trigger an alarm if the window is opened by force. When building a new window or replacing an old one, you should therefore opt for burglar-resistant models (at least resistance class/WK2). Visually, they cannot be distinguished from normal windows. The frames are anchored at various points in the masonry. The fittings on the inside contain so-called mushroom-headed pins, the shape of which provides good resistance to levering. In addition, glazing that is resistant to break-through or even break-in can be installed.

Energy efficiency also plays a major role. An important trend about the environment and climate: modern windows are energy savers. Glass surfaces that are not thermally insulated and air-permeable frames allow heat to escape to the outside. This causes heating costs to soar, but the rooms do not get properly warmed despite the heating. Up to 40 percent of heating costs can be saved by replacing outdated windows.

- Modern front doors for an exclusive living feeling

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Photos: Shutterstock

The front door is much more than just an interface between the inside and the outside. It is like a calling card and reveals what is hidden inside the house. In terms of design, it must fit in with the architecture and also reflect the individuality of the owners. As far as current trends in entrance doors are concerned, clear lines and great functionality are in high demand. Room-high aluminium doors with handles that are almost as long have been on the rise for several years now and impress with their straight lines and elegant appearance. Wooden doors, for example, made of recycled wood, can also serve as a visual counterpart to the facade. The issue of security is also becoming increasingly important for entrance doors. In addition to a good multi-point locking system, smart home technology can also contribute to this. Automatic locks, built-in video systems, and alarm systems are perfect for effectively protecting the home from burglars. Modern access controls, such as a finger scanner discreetly integrated into the handle or door leaf, open the door without the need for a key. Text: Amelie Schäffer