By Gabriela Taylor, Sierra Pacific Windows
According to the Resilient Design Institute, resilient design is defined as designs created with the capacity to adapt to changing conditions and to maintain or regain functionality and vitality in the face of stress or disturbance. It is the capacity to bounce back after a disturbance or interruption. These impacts include more intense storms, greater precipitation, higher winds and wider temperature swings.
When designing a resilient home, choosing the right window and door package is crucial to the integrity of your building “envelope.” However, you also want your home to be just that -- your home, which is warm, inviting, and comfortable. So how do you find the best of both worlds?
Aluminum clad exterior, wood interior windows may be just the answer: strong on the outside and able to complement your custom furniture pieces on the inside. Choosing the right windows will provide both exceptional durability and the beauty, warmth, and sustainability of wood.
The integrity of your finished home is created by many factors. When it comes to the element of custom windows, there are some things you should look for:
Durable materials that enhance the resiliency of your home.
Thick, low-maintenance, and weatherproof aluminum clad exterior.
A powder-coated exterior finish that can withstand the elements and is environmentally-friendlier to produce, with virtually no waste or harmful VOC’s.
ye-h photography | Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architect
Beautiful and certified sustainably produced wood, domestically grown that provides excellent thermal insulating capabilities and reduces our carbon footprint.
Energy performance capabilities.
Glazing options to suit your needs.
A variety of ‘Low E’ glazing coating options to achieve optimal thermal performance goals. .
Dual or triple glazed units to reduce noise, improve energy performance, and filter UV rays.
Windows that can lead to energy savings by reducing the use of fossil fuels, thanks to thoughtfully placed windows to take advantage of daylighting in the right places, reducing heat loss during the winter months.
Windows that contribute to passive building methods using solar energy.
Processes and design techniques that maintain your building envelope.
Proven installation methods that protect your home from harsh winds, as well as air and water infiltration.
Excellent design pressure ratings, contributing to tighter building envelopes.
Wood components and insulated glazing that add to sound reduction providing quieter acoustics.
Resilient design is ultimately about the entire building and can be achieved by choosing the most advanced window design products for the particular environment and climate of your project location. To achieve both resilient and beautiful design, choose a window and door product that meets all of your performance requirements and aesthetic needs.
Gabriela Taylor is an architectural consultant with Sierra Pacific Windows. Sierra Pacific is a core member of NextHaus Alliance. Learn more at www.sierrapacificwindows.com.
