The history of the window is as old as architecture itself. Originally as small as possible, in the early days windows were only intended to provide light and ventilation for buildings. Nothing has changed in these basic functions, however modern windows have significantly more functions. The reason for this development was the energy crises of the second half of the 20th century. Today windows make a major contribution to energy efficiency and sustainability within the complete building. Also, depending on their design they provide effective son, sound, burglary or fire protection, and if required can also provide blast protection.

Windows also play an important role in thermal insulation: A properly insulated building with poorly insulated windows ease of as little benefit as a poorly insulated facade with Passivhaus energy-saving windows. Every facade has its own requirements and its own thermal insulation value, to which the windows must be adapted.

Innovations of today for the windows of tomorrow

Three of the most important properties of a contemporary window are indisputable:

• Longevity
• Simple care and cleaning
• Versatile use

Windows follow the requirements for the building – they either fit seamlessly into the architecture or provide highlights. An example of providing highlights can be undoubtedly seen ” in the city centre of Graz. With its many windows, the facade reminds you of a many-eyed giant. Despite the extravagant facade, the Apartmenthaus Agros Graz blends in extremely well to the environment.

Windows are not just simple building elements, but also represent quality of life. Therefore windows in a residential building should be given just as much attention in design as a kitchen or the bathroom.

Different window sizes provide each building with an individual character.

A well-designed building meets the current and future requirements of all users: This also includes the maximum convenience in the use of the windows. Whether you decide to have a fully automatic or mechanical solution, AluKönigStahl and Schüco provide complete systems for all your requirements.

Window aesthetics: A key feature for the whole building

The desire for design and aesthetics not only shapes the style of our clothes or our choice of car, but also our living space; the fact that windows also need to meet the highest demands in terms of design and function, however is often only realised in practice.

Window design depends on many aspects such as haptics, materials, surfaces, colours and contours. Elements such as visually hidden fittings or drive technology, with which the windows are automatically opened, closed or locked, and therefore can be integrated within Smart Home solutions, are also essential for the comfort of the user.

The appearance of the windows shapes the entire architecture. Therefore when purchasing windows all of these elements should be considered: With the aid of the latest software products such as the Schüco Product Configurator, the different combinations can be visualised, allowing the client to be guaranteed the greatest satisfaction on completion of the building. And with the SchüCal design software as a designer or when costing, you can carry out the offer and order processing as well as the work preparation. As well as the standard outputs for offer, order, manufacture, delivery and invoicing, as an option sectional views, section transfers to CAD, manufacturing time calculation as well as data transfer to ERP/PPS systems can be prepared.