JOIN USThe use of cutting-edge technology has ensured that windows are getting energy-efficient and better. Bindu Gopal Rao explores the wide range of options available in the market today.
Windows are a wonderful functional element in a home. As a source that allows for natural light and ventilation, and one that shuts out noise. They can also be done up to add up to the overall decor of a home. Windows today are getting smarter and better and actually use cutting-edge technologies (yes, you read that right) to give you an experience like never before.
New vistas
Shani Corporation Limited has introduced Cora uPVC Performance Windows in India, which are both sound-proof and eco-friendly. These windows are built using eco-stabilisers and offer optimum insulation, therefore saving energy and the environment. They are versatile in design and function and can be uniquely configured into large combinations for maximising views and enhancing lifestyles. Pawan Rana, CMD of Shani Corporation Limited says, “We use the highest quality UPVC products in different designs which are perfect for Indian building styles. Each window is custom-made to suit your requirements - in size, colour and design.” Ram Kumar, zonal head, Karnataka, Fenesta Windows adds, “Changing home windows is a hot new idea in home improvement. It has always been Fenesta’s endeavour to design windows that are suited for India’s unique requirements. Our newly launched villa windows not only address these unique requirements but also expand the design palette available to architects and end users.”
The villa window integrates the traditional Indian window design of grill and mesh (popularly made out of wood) with UPVC, the new age window material pioneered by the company in India. Some other unique window design options include designs that can span entire balconies, rise from floor to ceiling, sliders, casements (windows with sash that open outside), slider and casement combo, bay windows that can be created at any angle, arches and French windows.
The latest range of world class weather proof UPVC windows are especially designed for the lifestyle conscious in the country. “The new system is specifically significant for high-rise, condominium dwellings as it effectively counters high-pressure winds and rains, considerably enhancing the safety and comfort of houses.
These windows are structurally strong and have a long life. They have been proven to substantially bring down noise and dust levels as well as reduce air conditioning bills. They are resistant to termites and require low maintenance. The windows come in a wide variety of colour and design options, thus making them a preferred choice for builders, architects and individual consumers,” says Rohit Bhatia, Business Head, OMA. Pella’s energy-saving technology can make a major difference in terms of comfort and energy use. These windows actually save up to 86 per cent of energy. Amit Sabharwall, COO, Pella India explains, “by using argon gas in between panes of glass, our windows make sure the air is non toxic and provides an extra layer of insulation from heat and cold.
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coating blocks harmful UV rays and reflects heat energy and also prevents fade damage to carpet, furniture and window treatments. Our range of ‘between-the-glass options’, helps you snap in blinds, shades, decorative panels and grills which are easy to change.”
Dress them up
Choosing the best curtains that complement the decor is the first step when it comes to decorating windows.
Using linen window coverings to gorgeous silk panels, curtains are an easy way to decorate the window. Around the curtains, you can use tie-ups and stickers to keep them tied up.
The latest innovative ways being used by people are painting the window in decorative styles or using caricature designs. Windows are important features while decorating interiors. You can have glass panel windows which ensure that your home gets enough natural light and ventilation also. Frosted glass, sliding glass and design windows enhance the decor of your home.
Moreover, there are many varieties of designs for window curtains and blinds in the market.
“Watch the windows of your home come to life with beautiful vinyl wall stickers. They are easy to use and give a beautiful paint-like effect to the surface you apply it on. You can place it on any smooth surface like windows or glass to change the look of your interiors.
What’s more, it is reusable and repositionable, so you can use it eight-ten times on different surfaces easily. Place them all together or decorate different walls all around the room. This is a very creative, highly aesthetic, adhesive wall art product and is a do-it-yourself one. The design range responds to almost every mood and personal preference,” says Narasimha Jayakumar, Chief Operating Officer of HomeShop18.com.
Product range
Big sized wooden windows with straight line designs and UPVC windows are the latest trend in India these days. “With changing trends we see that customers prefer using unique styles for their windows. The latest trend that marks windows is an arch window that adds to the elegance of the house, casement window that provides excellent ventilation, a bay window that adds to the focal point of the room and gives a feeling of spaciousness and garden windows that are generally used in the kitchen to ensure that there is enough light and air entering the kitchen adding to the greenhouse effect. These styles can be used in a standalone position or in a combination as per the design of the house. Latest window accessories used by customers to beautify their house are the window grills (aluminium, brass, mild steel, wrought iron, stainless steel or designer), faux iron, curtain rods, wall hangings around the rods on the window, wind chimes, painted windows, etc” says Sanjay Raj, CEO & Executive Director of Golden Gate Properties Ltd.
Windows are no longer elements used to fill the openings in the building envelope. Today’s windows are expected to perform various functions such as letting in light, keeping out heat/cold, noise attenuation as well as being aesthetically attractive, needing lower maintenance and using energy saving/efficient materials. “The main advantage that the customer seeks today apart from the ones mentioned above is energy saving i.e. window material leading to a reduction in air conditioning bills up to 20-30 per cent plus saving of wood.
“Therefore, windows made with high usage of energy-intensive materials like aluminium is a major plus. Consumer preferences in India are evolving from region to region and options are available in slider and casement windows, and combinations of fixed and casement. All these factors have propelled A49 group to construct innovative frontiers using this technology and innovation,” says Harsh Bhutani, Managing Director ED & P.
Window treatments
Window treatments are the best way to add colour, pattern and instant style to your room. While there are many types of window treatments that are available in the Indian market, they don’t all cater to your needs, so one has to choose accordingly.
“Look at curtains, for instance. They are versatile when it comes to style, but only have two options when it comes to managing the amount of light that enters a room.
“You can only have them either open or closed which limits your choice. Blinds also offer lots of options when it comes to light regulation. You can control these with much ease, letting you adjust the amount of light you want to allow into the room.
“You can either have them fully opened, or opened in varying degrees, until they are closed. With these treatments, you can either have total brightness or total darkness depending on your choice. Modern blinds come with latest technologies where you can control them with a remote control.
You can opt for variety of blinds which are there in the market like: rollers, blackouts, wooden, pleated, Venetian, Roman shade,” opines Vandana Khoshla, Creative Director of Elvy Lifestyle. Window shopping can be great fun, even literally, so give your windows a facelift now.