normal windows design
In
most homes the top of the window (window head) is set at 2100mm above the floor
level. This then lines up with the top of external door openings creating a
uniform look from both inside and outside. Period style homes with higher
ceilings and possibly feature glass infills above doorways will more than
likely be suited to windows being set at 2400mm. (or in line with infill
panels)
The overall comfort and control of heating and cooling costs of the home will largely be affected by the size and location of the windows. In broad terms northern facing windows should be maximised to take advantage of winter sun; southern windows should be minimised to reduce heat loss and cooling by cold winds; eastern windows will be better being taller and narrow and westerly facing glass if required, shallow and up towards the eaves to provide shading protection.
Try to keep window panel sizes uniform - an 1800mm wide window (made up of 2 equal panels) will tie in with a 900 wide (single panel) or a 2700 wide (3 panel) window. A 1200mm wide (single panel) window will look uniform with a 2400 (2 panel) window. A 900 and a 1200 window side by side will look unbalanced.
A kitchen window height of 1 meter will leave around 200mm of splashback above the bench top. A 1200mm high window will place the window sill directly on the bench top. (Kitchen bench heights are 900mm)
A bathroom or unsuited window 100mm taller than the sizes above will result in the same splashback heights as vanity tops are set at 800mm.
In a standard 900mm wide toilet, windows are normally 600mm wide to allow room for full width architraves to the side of the window. The next size up - 850mm - can be used but the architraves will need to be trimmed to fit between the window reveal and the side wall. With ornate mouldings this can take away from the effect.
Window heights of up to 1200mm are often used with the most common possibly being 1000mm.
Windows in master bedrooms, being in many cases at the front of the home, are generally 2100mm high. Windows to second and third bedrooms often 1200mm high allowing 900mm below for the bed or a desk to be positioned.
Window sizes are generally the same with all manufacturers in that they are manufactured to fit in with brick size openings. Moving away from these standard sizes will require the supply of a 'special' sized window, costing more. Window size brochures are available from all manufacturers.
Windows are coded as to their size and type (the format often seen on house plans or window schedules). The code is comprised of a series of letters and numbers.
For example AS1812 denotes an Aluminium Sliding window 1800mm high by 1200mm wide. TDH1218 denotes a Timber Double Hung window 1200mm high by 1800mm wide. Other prefixes are AW - awning, TAW - timber awning, CW - casement, ADH or ADW - aluminium double hung.
In the number section of the codes, the first two numbers refer to height and the second two to width.
The overall comfort and control of heating and cooling costs of the home will largely be affected by the size and location of the windows. In broad terms northern facing windows should be maximised to take advantage of winter sun; southern windows should be minimised to reduce heat loss and cooling by cold winds; eastern windows will be better being taller and narrow and westerly facing glass if required, shallow and up towards the eaves to provide shading protection.
Try to keep window panel sizes uniform - an 1800mm wide window (made up of 2 equal panels) will tie in with a 900 wide (single panel) or a 2700 wide (3 panel) window. A 1200mm wide (single panel) window will look uniform with a 2400 (2 panel) window. A 900 and a 1200 window side by side will look unbalanced.
A kitchen window height of 1 meter will leave around 200mm of splashback above the bench top. A 1200mm high window will place the window sill directly on the bench top. (Kitchen bench heights are 900mm)
A bathroom or unsuited window 100mm taller than the sizes above will result in the same splashback heights as vanity tops are set at 800mm.
In a standard 900mm wide toilet, windows are normally 600mm wide to allow room for full width architraves to the side of the window. The next size up - 850mm - can be used but the architraves will need to be trimmed to fit between the window reveal and the side wall. With ornate mouldings this can take away from the effect.
Window heights of up to 1200mm are often used with the most common possibly being 1000mm.
Windows in master bedrooms, being in many cases at the front of the home, are generally 2100mm high. Windows to second and third bedrooms often 1200mm high allowing 900mm below for the bed or a desk to be positioned.
Window sizes are generally the same with all manufacturers in that they are manufactured to fit in with brick size openings. Moving away from these standard sizes will require the supply of a 'special' sized window, costing more. Window size brochures are available from all manufacturers.
Windows are coded as to their size and type (the format often seen on house plans or window schedules). The code is comprised of a series of letters and numbers.
For example AS1812 denotes an Aluminium Sliding window 1800mm high by 1200mm wide. TDH1218 denotes a Timber Double Hung window 1200mm high by 1800mm wide. Other prefixes are AW - awning, TAW - timber awning, CW - casement, ADH or ADW - aluminium double hung.
In the number section of the codes, the first two numbers refer to height and the second two to width.
normal windows placement
Window
placement is usually worked from the top down. The tops of windows are normally
placed at the same heights as the top of adjacent doors generally about 81 1/2”
from the floor.
- A typical living room window height is 60” or about 20” – 21” from the floor to the bottom of the window, which is a reasonable height from the floor for viewing, but not too low for reaching hardware to operate the opening windows. Keep in mind the closer the glass is to the floor, the more the glass is prone to be cold, more smudges and potential damage from children and pets.
- Dining rooms work well with the bottom of the windows being about 30” to 32” off the floor or a typical window height of about 48” – 50”. This is a good height for viewing from a sitting on a firm chair without someone from outside looking in under table level.
- Kitchen windows over the counter should be about 40” to 42” off the floor, or approximately 38” to 40” window height. This provides good viewing from the standing position even for those who not very tall. Don’t forget most counter heights are 36” and backsplashes are 3” to 4”. Glass close to the countertop over a sink is prone to splashing on it. Shorter people prefer both their counters and windows lower.
- A nice height for bedroom windows is about 40” to 46” from the floor or window height of about 34” to 40”. This allows flexibility for furniture placement, a good height for fire escape, good viewing when standing at the window, while still providing privacy.
- Bathroom and utility room windows are optional. Very often, air quality is controlled through mechanical means. If you are going to use a window in these areas, they are best at about 50” – 56” area off the floor or 24” to 30” window height to provide light and a view, while maintaining more privacy and less sight path to your laundry area from the outside.
- Basement windows should be no less than 28” high and would be better if they were 32” high. This means your foundation should be out of the ground about 48” or you will have to use window wells to use a better quality casement window.