14 Reasons to Embrace Internal Windows and Glazing
Take cue from these transparent and translucent spaces and find out how the use of extensive internal windows and glazing can work for you
Windows, by their very nature, allow light to pass through them; are used to let natural breezes enter your home; create a visual connection to the spaces beyond; and provide privacy without the feeling of entrapment. Windows, however, are much more than that and rather than be used solely for opening up your house to the outside world, they can be used extensively inside your house to create transparent and translucent dramatic spaces. The versatility of internal windows will undoubtedly create interest in not only one space, but the space beyond, creating intrigue and a want to discover what lies behind the sheet of glass. Let’s take a look at how internal windows and glazing can benefit you and your home … beyond what you’d likely expect.
2. To diffuse a beautiful light
If the drama of the exposed bathroom above challenges your most modest ways, then perhaps a translucent glazed wall is the answer.
The external and internal windows of this bathroom diffuse a beautiful light while also providing privacy. Simply sliding the opaque glass doors reveals the opulent bathroom to the bedroom beyond. Translucent or opaque glass, as it is commonly known, comes in a variety of different opaque finishes, but I especially like white translucent glass, as seen in this bathroom.
If the drama of the exposed bathroom above challenges your most modest ways, then perhaps a translucent glazed wall is the answer.
The external and internal windows of this bathroom diffuse a beautiful light while also providing privacy. Simply sliding the opaque glass doors reveals the opulent bathroom to the bedroom beyond. Translucent or opaque glass, as it is commonly known, comes in a variety of different opaque finishes, but I especially like white translucent glass, as seen in this bathroom.
3. To blend inside and out
Butler Armsden Architects have created an indoor-outdoor room that can be used all year round, protected from the weather but still give you the feeling of being outside. Apart from the use of external windows and skylights that allow the rays of the sun and breeze of the wind to enter the space, the clever use of a full-height glazed wall, separating one room from the other, gives you the illusion that you are leaving the inside of the house for some rest and relaxation outside.
In order to accentuate this feeling, the architects have also incorporated alternative finishes to these spaces. The outdoor room has stone tiles and even a stone coffee table while the internal room has more traditional internal finishes such as polished timber floors and furniture. The black window framing separating these rooms has been deliberately designed to be slim and light looking so it doesn’t act as a visual obtrusion to this indoor-outdoor room.
Take a tour of this Ahmedabad home that has an inside-outside connection
Butler Armsden Architects have created an indoor-outdoor room that can be used all year round, protected from the weather but still give you the feeling of being outside. Apart from the use of external windows and skylights that allow the rays of the sun and breeze of the wind to enter the space, the clever use of a full-height glazed wall, separating one room from the other, gives you the illusion that you are leaving the inside of the house for some rest and relaxation outside.
In order to accentuate this feeling, the architects have also incorporated alternative finishes to these spaces. The outdoor room has stone tiles and even a stone coffee table while the internal room has more traditional internal finishes such as polished timber floors and furniture. The black window framing separating these rooms has been deliberately designed to be slim and light looking so it doesn’t act as a visual obtrusion to this indoor-outdoor room.
Take a tour of this Ahmedabad home that has an inside-outside connection
4. To create a link or contrast
Another great way to blur the boundaries of the inside and outside is to create a link that appears to join two buildings together to create one space. The most successful way to do this is to make the link not a solid element but a transparent one, like a skylight. Here, the architects have created the illusion that you are going from one building to another by separating the spaces with a transparent skylight that follows the contours of the inside walls. Standing in the new addition of this home, you can see the old window and stone walls of what would have been the exterior of the house. The most important elements here are the transparency of the link and the use of contrasting materials.
You could also consider making the two buildings seem as separate as possible. A single skylight wouldn’t have worked here but a wraparound one that prevents you from seeing any solid connection adds to the illusion.
Another great way to blur the boundaries of the inside and outside is to create a link that appears to join two buildings together to create one space. The most successful way to do this is to make the link not a solid element but a transparent one, like a skylight. Here, the architects have created the illusion that you are going from one building to another by separating the spaces with a transparent skylight that follows the contours of the inside walls. Standing in the new addition of this home, you can see the old window and stone walls of what would have been the exterior of the house. The most important elements here are the transparency of the link and the use of contrasting materials.
You could also consider making the two buildings seem as separate as possible. A single skylight wouldn’t have worked here but a wraparound one that prevents you from seeing any solid connection adds to the illusion.
5. To borrow light
Using internal glazed windows or doors for a room that has no access to an external window for light is a great way to borrow light from another room that has access to the outside world. Not only does it give you the illusion that the room has natural sunlight streaming in, but it also prevents that fishbowl feeling, devoid of all means of experiencing the outside world.
Using internal glazed windows or doors for a room that has no access to an external window for light is a great way to borrow light from another room that has access to the outside world. Not only does it give you the illusion that the room has natural sunlight streaming in, but it also prevents that fishbowl feeling, devoid of all means of experiencing the outside world.
6. To connect complementing spaces
Internal windows are a great way to connect complementing spaces. Take this recreation zone, which incorporates different activities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium and even a chill-out zone to enjoy a drink, for example. Rather than separate the spaces with solid walls, Alexander James Interiors has provided huge transparent glazed windows that allow you to stay connected to rest of the zone, creating a sense of inclusion rather than exclusion. The added benefit of these internal windows is that the function of each activity is not compromised by having one large open area. Floor finishes, for example, can be changed for the pool area that are more water resistant than, say, the gym area where floor finishes need to be more cushioned.
Internal windows are a great way to connect complementing spaces. Take this recreation zone, which incorporates different activities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium and even a chill-out zone to enjoy a drink, for example. Rather than separate the spaces with solid walls, Alexander James Interiors has provided huge transparent glazed windows that allow you to stay connected to rest of the zone, creating a sense of inclusion rather than exclusion. The added benefit of these internal windows is that the function of each activity is not compromised by having one large open area. Floor finishes, for example, can be changed for the pool area that are more water resistant than, say, the gym area where floor finishes need to be more cushioned.
7. To set the stage
We have seen how internal windows can be used to create links and to make connections to other spaces, but they can also be used in rooms that have volume to create dramatic theatre. Where volume is a luxury, as it is in this home, internal windows can surround a central living space on multiple levels and provide a series of scenes depicting the activities beyond, or, in theatrical terms, it can be like watching actors on different stages. While solid walls can block out what can be seen, glazed walls allow you to enter these personal spaces. Like a stage, however, a simple curtain drawn across the windows can end the performance.
We have seen how internal windows can be used to create links and to make connections to other spaces, but they can also be used in rooms that have volume to create dramatic theatre. Where volume is a luxury, as it is in this home, internal windows can surround a central living space on multiple levels and provide a series of scenes depicting the activities beyond, or, in theatrical terms, it can be like watching actors on different stages. While solid walls can block out what can be seen, glazed walls allow you to enter these personal spaces. Like a stage, however, a simple curtain drawn across the windows can end the performance.
8. To add decoration that is also practical
Internal windows can be designed to be transparent or obscure, but they can also meet halfway to provide a decorative motif similar to a laser cut screen. This is done by etching the glass to any desirable design to provide not only visual interest but to disguise and tantalise the contents of the room beyond. This contemporary dining room is separated from the kitchen by a sliding glass door. However, rather than hiding the kitchen, glimpses are available via the transparent gaps in the abstract design. In its closed position, the glazed sliding doors resemble a decorative feature wall, as if a mural or wallpaper has been applied. The added bonus for the kitchen is that it can borrow natural light from the dining room, as it has no window of its own.
Tip: If you already have a clear glazed window or doors in your home, rather than replace them with acid etched glass to a design of your liking, you can have a film directly adhered to the glass depicting any design you desire that resembles acid etched glazing.
Internal windows can be designed to be transparent or obscure, but they can also meet halfway to provide a decorative motif similar to a laser cut screen. This is done by etching the glass to any desirable design to provide not only visual interest but to disguise and tantalise the contents of the room beyond. This contemporary dining room is separated from the kitchen by a sliding glass door. However, rather than hiding the kitchen, glimpses are available via the transparent gaps in the abstract design. In its closed position, the glazed sliding doors resemble a decorative feature wall, as if a mural or wallpaper has been applied. The added bonus for the kitchen is that it can borrow natural light from the dining room, as it has no window of its own.
Tip: If you already have a clear glazed window or doors in your home, rather than replace them with acid etched glass to a design of your liking, you can have a film directly adhered to the glass depicting any design you desire that resembles acid etched glazing.
9. To create a sense of arrival
Many traditional period homes, centuries old, use internal windows and doors in hallways to not only borrow light for these darkened spaces but to introduce you to the spaces you are about to enter. In this contemporary home, the open glazed doors invite you into the dining space, providing you a small glimpse of what lays ahead, and beckoning you into the room. It is a great way to create anticipation and provide a sense of arrival.
Many traditional period homes, centuries old, use internal windows and doors in hallways to not only borrow light for these darkened spaces but to introduce you to the spaces you are about to enter. In this contemporary home, the open glazed doors invite you into the dining space, providing you a small glimpse of what lays ahead, and beckoning you into the room. It is a great way to create anticipation and provide a sense of arrival.
10. To screen with a theme
Internal glazed windows are a great way to create a decorative screen or one with a particular theme. WHAT_architecture have designed a bespoke internal glass wall separating a bedroom into two zones. The motif of the timber panels provides a hint of the architectural style of the house and that of the owner. The overall design is quite clever as the screen appears unobtrusive even though it cuts the room in half. This is achieved by deliberately making the glass transparent and running the same built-in cupboards, floor and wall finishes through both spaces, therefore not limiting the spaces overall function but still providing privacy.
Internal glazed windows are a great way to create a decorative screen or one with a particular theme. WHAT_architecture have designed a bespoke internal glass wall separating a bedroom into two zones. The motif of the timber panels provides a hint of the architectural style of the house and that of the owner. The overall design is quite clever as the screen appears unobtrusive even though it cuts the room in half. This is achieved by deliberately making the glass transparent and running the same built-in cupboards, floor and wall finishes through both spaces, therefore not limiting the spaces overall function but still providing privacy.
11. For cross ventilation
Like an external window on the wall of your house allows wind to enter, cooling your home, internal opening windows can also provide the same function by allowing cross-ventilation from one room to the other. Louvered windows, as seen in this residence designed by Chan Architecture, serve various functions. Not only can they be opened to allow fresh air to enter the room, but they also allow you to partake in a conversation through the open glass, i.e. like giving an instruction to your children in a not so subtle way. Apart from that, it also allows the room to extend beyond its boundaries and be a part of the rest of the house, instead of being closed off behind solid walls. This sort of wall is great for a study or children’s space where watching the kids is important. It is also important to note that building regulations prohibit the amount the windows can open, to prevent children from falling through.
Like an external window on the wall of your house allows wind to enter, cooling your home, internal opening windows can also provide the same function by allowing cross-ventilation from one room to the other. Louvered windows, as seen in this residence designed by Chan Architecture, serve various functions. Not only can they be opened to allow fresh air to enter the room, but they also allow you to partake in a conversation through the open glass, i.e. like giving an instruction to your children in a not so subtle way. Apart from that, it also allows the room to extend beyond its boundaries and be a part of the rest of the house, instead of being closed off behind solid walls. This sort of wall is great for a study or children’s space where watching the kids is important. It is also important to note that building regulations prohibit the amount the windows can open, to prevent children from falling through.
12. To create the illusion of more space
You don’t have to have entire floor-to-ceiling glazing in your home to have a dramatic impact on a space. Clerestory or highlight windows inside your home are another great way to borrow light from another room and to make a space feel larger than it is. Highlight windows naturally let you see the ceiling of one room continue into another, giving the illusion of a bigger space. The other great attribute of having windows close to the ceiling is that it doesn’t impede the placement of furniture at a lower level.
Tip: If you want to obtain a greater illusion of one ceiling merging into another room, have your highlight windows designed without having any mullions or frames around them. Just have shear glass butt jointed at the corners and the glass supported into recessed frames hidden in the ceiling. It will feel as if the glass isn’t even there.
Check out these 18 tricks to make a tiny space seem bigger
You don’t have to have entire floor-to-ceiling glazing in your home to have a dramatic impact on a space. Clerestory or highlight windows inside your home are another great way to borrow light from another room and to make a space feel larger than it is. Highlight windows naturally let you see the ceiling of one room continue into another, giving the illusion of a bigger space. The other great attribute of having windows close to the ceiling is that it doesn’t impede the placement of furniture at a lower level.
Tip: If you want to obtain a greater illusion of one ceiling merging into another room, have your highlight windows designed without having any mullions or frames around them. Just have shear glass butt jointed at the corners and the glass supported into recessed frames hidden in the ceiling. It will feel as if the glass isn’t even there.
Check out these 18 tricks to make a tiny space seem bigger
13. To make a room more versatile
As homes become more compact, designers are becoming more inventive in how spaces can be made to feel larger and more adaptable. Walls are no longer considered to be rigid and immobile. Sliding glazed doors are a great way to open up a room onto another room. This bedroom has two corner sliding door units that neatly reveal its contents when open but have opaque glass for privacy when closed.
Tip: Make your bed one that folds away into joinery along the wall and suddenly you have a clear open space to wheel in your desk and chair for an additional bonus room.
As homes become more compact, designers are becoming more inventive in how spaces can be made to feel larger and more adaptable. Walls are no longer considered to be rigid and immobile. Sliding glazed doors are a great way to open up a room onto another room. This bedroom has two corner sliding door units that neatly reveal its contents when open but have opaque glass for privacy when closed.
Tip: Make your bed one that folds away into joinery along the wall and suddenly you have a clear open space to wheel in your desk and chair for an additional bonus room.
14. To create an airlock
I have always found that designing stairways above each other creates awkward balustrade details and my default position has always been to incorporate a simple glazed wall such as that seen in this stairwell designed by Chris Dyson Architects. Not only does it stop you from falling down the stairwell but it also offers an airlock, preventing noise from being transferred down the lower level. As an added bonus, it creates a type of display cabinet, a viewing platform to admire the artwork and prints on the wall behind.
Read more:
5 Reasons to Get Internal Sliding Doors
Tell us:
Does your home use internal windows or glazing in a dramatic way? Upload a photo and share your thoughts in the Comments below.
I have always found that designing stairways above each other creates awkward balustrade details and my default position has always been to incorporate a simple glazed wall such as that seen in this stairwell designed by Chris Dyson Architects. Not only does it stop you from falling down the stairwell but it also offers an airlock, preventing noise from being transferred down the lower level. As an added bonus, it creates a type of display cabinet, a viewing platform to admire the artwork and prints on the wall behind.
Read more:
5 Reasons to Get Internal Sliding Doors
Tell us:
Does your home use internal windows or glazing in a dramatic way? Upload a photo and share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Dramatic spaces, by their own definition, create a sense of theatre … and sometimes escapism. They are spaces that are not ordinary and sometimes outside of your comfort zone. Hotel rooms are such places that are, at times, designed to be havens for escaping the modest world we all belong in. However, these spaces do not have to be reserved for hotels only, and you too can create your very own private suite within your home.
The beautiful finishes of this bedroom exude luxury with the centrepiece being the dramatic bathroom, which, rather than hiding away, is on display, visible via a fixed transparent sheet of glass. Not only does the space extend beyond the bedroom, but the bathroom becomes a part of the overall space. Privacy is limited but if modesty takes the better of you, simply extend the sheer or not-so-sheer curtains from the side window and let them glide in front of the glass to give you additional privacy.
Browse through images of internal windows