Following are 15 of the world’s weirdest, wackiest, wildest window designs. Here’s some optical architecture to make Roald Dahl and Lewis Carroll proud – buildings and oddball windows hailing from all around the world. Strange and fantastic achievements in architecture, one and all.

I’d like to see some of these windows on a Pella showroom floor!

1. The Crooked House

In Sopot, Poland, stands one of the strangest buildings in the world. The Crooked House was built in 2004 and inspired by the paintings and drawings of Jan Marcin Szancer, a Polish artist and illustrator of children’s books, and Per Dahlberg, a Swedish painter. There is absolutely no other building like this one – these are the kind of windows you stare at, not through.

2. The Crazy House

From crooked to crazy, and from Poland to Vietnam we go. The Hang Nga Guesthouse, or “Crazy House,” is a testament to the belief that no window shall be round or square, that 90-degree angles simply should not exist. Unique is an understatement for this hotel, with its randomly winding hallways, giant giraffe and many strange windows. Vietnam travelers, be sure to pop in for a cup of tea.

3. The Dancing House

How about this for a curtain wall?! The somewhat rectangular windows are only there to contrast the building’s conical corner and swimming architecture. Besides, they are put to shame by the “dancing” wall of glass and concrete that crawls up the building’s side like a rolled newspaper come to life. Located in Prague, Czech Republic, The Dancing House was originally called “Fred and Ginger,” as it vaguely resembles a pair of dancers. It certainly has some windows I’d love to get behind!

4. The Hole House

How about a window that’s actually a wormhole that runs the length of the house? Well, maybe this isn’t technically a window, but it’s definitely weird. And you can bet no window companies have yet added wormholes to their repertoire. The Hole House was constructed by a pair of artists in Houston, Texas out of a condemned house. The intention, apparently, was to remind people of the fragility of the space-time continuum. Unfortunately, and somewhat ironically, the house has since been torn down.

5. The Air Force Academy Chapel

Churches are historically known for ornate window designs, and the Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado is certainly no exception. Once again, the windows are (literally?) a testament to the unique structure of the building that carries them. The chapel is built on a tubular frame of 100 identical tetrahedrons that create a row of seventeen identical spires. The tetrahedrons are set one foot apart, a space filled with some very interesting colored glass windows.

6. Pavilion for Japanese Art at LA County Museum of Art

The Pavilion for Japanese Art in Los Angeles blurs the line between wall and window. The roof structures are suspended by cables so that the walls can be non-load bearing – they are instead translucent window-ish walls that provide ideal lighting for the artwork inside, as well as adhere to a certain Japanese architectural aesthetic. Kyoumishinshin! The Pavilion was designed by architects Bruce Goff and Bart Prince.

7. The Price Residence

Also by architect Bart Prince, the Price home is a very interesting house with stained-glass window designs that seem to illuminate like solar-made artwork when under direct sunlight. Together, they expand up and outward from the entry door, blending seamlessly with the unusual wooden structure, which in turn blends seamlessly with the building site.

8. Futuro House

The Futuro House, or UFO House, resides in New Zealand and was designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968. It has a fairly simple, flying saucer-esque design, but its convex, oval-shaped windows are nevertheless strange and quite rare. And from what I hear, you need at least three eyes and greenish blood to gain entry.

9. Nautilus House

In Mexico City sits the Nautilus House, a giant nautilus shell (presumably from the mythical land of giants) with some very interesting window designs – designs that culminate in a stained-glass mosaic masterpiece where the once-upon-a-time nautilus would have come and gone from his shell. The house is truly a feat of creative architecture and the interior is as colorful as a tropical reef, thanks to its incredible window designs.

10. Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia

In 1970, the Cathedral of Brasilia was dedicated. Meant to resemble two hands reaching up to heaven, these concrete, parabolic columns (fingers?) are separated by some very fancy windows. The odd, wavy, triangle-like windows are made up of a series of equally odd panes of glass. They not only point passersby to a good place to genuflect, but allow plenty of heavenly light into the nave of the cathedral.

11. The Cybertecture Egg

The very shape of the Cybertecture Egg demands wacky windows. Okay, so the windows on this fascinating building in Mumbai, India are actually just a bunch of diamonds, but they cover nearly the entire structure, stopping at a few points to allow some fresh air in. Someone’s going to get a permanent window washing job from this project…let’s hope his last name’s not Dumpty.

12. BMW Welt

The BMW Welt building exemplifies curvaceous potential in window making. It’s a whole bunch of glass with nary a straight line or level surface at its entry. These windows that look so black on the outside actually allow a lot of light into interior rooms and give the odd building quite an airy feel…like speeding down the Autobahn in a Beamer, I suppose.

13. The Turtle Building

Once upon a time in Niagara Falls, a large turtle-shaped building was built as a museum to honor Native American culture, possibly referencing creation myths of the Algonquin people or Turtle Island, a name for the North American continent used by many Native American tribes. What is most fascinating is the head of the great turtle, whose windows are made to resemble the eyes, nose and mouth of a turtle. Unfortunately, the Native American museum failed economically and is now closed.

14. Piano Building

Somewhere in Huainan, China, a large clear-glass violin is resting against an even larger grand piano. It’s the sort of piano Paul Bunyan would’ve played had he and Babe had a more artistic calling. But instead, it’s a very unique house holding the strangest “window” on this list. Inside that glass violin is the staircase up into the main piano – that is, house. Paul Bunyan definitely would’ve had to leave his axe at least 100 yards away. Where are the window companies on 50-foot tall tempered glass musical instruments?

15. Bar-Code Building

“Schtrikh Kod” in Russian, the Bar-Code building is perhaps the most literal homage to shopping I’ve ever seen. The most amazing thing about the Bar-Code’s windows is not their shape or complexity, but that they’re part of a behemoth barcode. Schtrikh Kod is, as you might’ve guessed, a shopping center, and it certainly needs no large or neon sign to be recognized. An arbitrary assortment of numbers and windows will take care of that.

OK, so we’ve seen a nautilus and a turtle (posthumous Lewis Carroll story, perhaps?). Windows that are crooked, crazy, dancing and full of holes. Then there’s the giant pianos, violins, eggs, art and a few stylish places of worship. Well, it sure seems as if there’s quite the demographic for weird, wild and wacky window designs. So let this article be a notice to all window companies that we want stained-glass tetrahedrons, 50-foot violins and our penchant for dancing built right into our homes, and we want it standard!

Oh, and if you can’t find my billing information, just come on over and scan my barcode… you can’t miss it. Thank you, come again.

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Verifying prospective window installers is vital to ensuring that you get quality windows and professional craftsmanship. Of course, valid references and a well-thought out interview process are tried and true ways to recognize a qualified installer, but there are also certifications an installer can have that will help solidify his or her standing and ease your mind at the same time.

AWDI Certification

The American Window and Door Institute (AWDI) is recognized by the US Government to represent quality window installers. AWDI offers window installation guidelines and certification credentials to installers that pass their Installation Certification Training. The training covers all aspects of installation, from preparing the window opening to installing and sealing the window.

According to AWDI, over 90 percent of window problems are caused by poor or incomplete installation. And properly installed windows consistently outperform their stated warranties. To add to AWDI’s credibility further, in 2007, Consumer Reports recommended AWDI as a source for certified installers. You can ask prospective window contractors for their credentials when you meet them.

Installation Masters

Installation Masters is another training and certification program for window installers. The program was initiated by the Building Environment and Thermal Envelope Council (BETEC) through the Department of Energy. It is a nationwide program for new construction and replacement installers of windows and exterior glass doors in the residential market.

Certification involves a two-day program culminating in a test of participants’ installation skills. Successful installers are issued a Installation Masters Identification Card to prove their certification.

CalFinder Certified Contractors

Of course, we cannot forget CalFinder certified window installers! CalFinder does the vetting for you, and for free. CalFinder interviews and approves local window installation contractors across the nation. And then goes one step further by connecting you directly to these certified local installers for free no-obligation estimates on your new window project.

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In reality, every home’s savings will be a little different. Much depends on your climate, how inefficient the old windows are and what type of windows you upgrade to. Most of us that want a window upgrade are currently dealing with old wood windows, aluminum windows or any single-pane window that just isn’t cutting it.

Fortunately, the people at Energy Star – a good benchmark for energy efficient windows – have done the math on this one. They’ve compiled an array of estimates for energy savings and even adjusted them for different regions of the country. Overall, says Energy Star, you will save $126-$465 per year if you replace single-pane windows with Energy Star certified replacement windows. Furthermore, you’ll save $27-$111 if you upgrade from double-pane clear-glass (no Low-E coating) windows.

That wide margin is a result of the many climate variations we experience in the United States. Here is a breakdown by region of estimated yearly savings from Energy Star rated windows:

Savings certainly do vary, but no matter where you live, there are savings to be had from energy efficient window upgrades. And remember that these are yearly savings, so they’ll compound over time.
Finding energy efficient windows that meet or exceed Energy Star standards is no longer difficult. All the top brands (Andersen, Milgard, Pella, et al) offer qualifying windows. Until the end of 2010, energy efficient window purchases are eligible for up to $1,500 in federal tax credits as well. So, a homeowner in North Carolina, for example, could stand to save or recoup upwards of $2,000 within a year of installing energy efficient replacement windows. And the savings continue to add up from there.

Photo Credits: Crystal Window & Doors, Energy Star

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If you want to seal up your house so tight that winter drafts will screech and run away in terror, you’ll want the most energy efficient windows money can buy. That window will be an amalgamation of several energy efficient technologies. The most energy efficient windows will have all of the attributes listed below:

The Frame

Wood, vinyl and fiberglass window frames are all fairly efficient frame types. Aluminum frames are cheaper but very inefficient. However, fiberglass and vinyl have one advantage over wood. Their air cavities can be filled with insulation to provide the absolute highest window frame efficiency available today.

Okay, so the most energy efficient window will have an insulated fiberglass or vinyl frame. Next…

The Glazing

The most inefficient windows have clear single-pane glass. Double-pane windows are fast becoming the standard in efficient upgrades, typically with a low-e coating. But the most efficient windows in use today are triple-glazed, with three panes of glass each separated by a pocket of sealed-in air or gas.

So now, we have an insulated fiberglass window frame with triple-pane glass.

Argon, Low-E Coating and Spacers

Clear glass alone just doesn’t cut it. A low emissivity (low-e) coating should be applied to the glass to control heat transfer in either direction. Low-e coatings reduce energy loss by as much as 50%. Because the window is triple-paned, the manufacturer will apply a soft low-e coating between two panes of glass. Soft low-e coatings are slightly less durable when exposed to air than hard coatings, but are more energy efficient and will not degrade if installed between glass panes.

That space between panes can also be filled with Krypton gas instead of air. Krypton and its more commonly used cousin, Argon, are inert gases, which are more resistant to heat flow than air. Argon is more common because it is much cheaper than Krypton. Krypton, however, can take down Superman and has a better thermal performance, so it will be the gas of choice in the most energy efficient windows.

The best windows also have thermally-improved or low-conductance spacers between the glass panes at the edges of the window. These spacers are necessary in any insulated glass (multi-pane) window. Low-conductance spacers are part of Warm-Edge Technology (WET), which basically just means that they’re made from materials with low thermal conductivity rather than the traditional metal.

Type of Window

How the window operates also affects energy efficiency. Certain types of windows have different air leakage rates. Fixed windows with panes that do not open obviously have the lowest air leakage rates, but are not very practical for ventilation or fire escape.

Single- and double-hung windows, as well as sliding windows, have higher air leakage rates. Awning, casement and hopper windows tend to have lower air leakage rates because unlike their sliding counterparts, their sashes are hinged, providing a better air seal.

Installation

Poor installation can also cause wind and water damage to the siding, trim, and inside the house, all of which will affect the energy efficiency of the home in general. So be sure to have your energy efficient windows installed by a pre-approved window contractor.

Low Energy House.com

eCo Times

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Check out the latest in window technology and design:

Nordwesthaus

#1 – Our tour of the future begins in Austria, where architectural firm Baumschlager Eberle designed and built quite the futuristic meeting place for boaters in the port city of Fussach. The building is simple and rectangular in shape. The entire envelope is made from glazed panels, which allow light in and out, accentuating the oddly shaped “structural concrete elements” on the inside of the windows. During the day, the light shining through the random concrete pillars and reflecting off of the water provide a natural show. At night, the glazing and the ceiling inside light up, creating a surreal and unmistakable glow around the port.

The Window Phone

#2 – Don’t set your Window Phone against a window… you may never find it. This sleek and interesting mobile phone comes with all kinds of features, the most incredible being its weather update function. The phone changes its display to reflect the weather (it looks wet when it’s raining, frozen when snowing, etc.) and responds to a blow of your breath so you can write with your fingers on the glass… just like a window.

R129

#3 – It sounds like the name of a certain famous, little blue and white droid, but it looks like a transparent Mentos mint. The R129 from architect Werner Sobek is all about high-tech windows and futuristic design. The “windows” are actually the building’s envelope, somewhat similar to Nordwesthaus in concept, but far from it in shape. The structural frame consists of carbon box sections. That light, transparent skin is a plastic material, but an electro-chromatic foil has been added so that the translucence of the house can be controlled electrically. In other words, the entirety of the building can be darkened from clear to opaque, depending on the whim of the owner.

MIT Solar Window Technology

#4 – MIT’s solar concentrators aren’t meant to be just windows, but that’s part of the innovation’s big potential. First announced in 2006, the work is ongoing. These solar concentrators are great for windows because of their unique way of collecting solar energy: a special light-absorbing dye is applied between two panes of glass. The dye absorbs photons through the glass and holds them there. This trapped energy is naturally guided to the sides of the panel (or window), where strips of PV solar cells are waiting to convert it into electricity. Researchers claim that these solar cells are 40 times more effective than traditional designs. Because the design is also simple (actually an improvement on an abandoned concept from the 1970s), they believe they can cut the price of solar electricity in half within a few years. Here is lead researcher Mark Baldo on video discussing the solar concentrator.

Hi-Tech Energy Windows

#5 – Believe it or not, these are probably the least visibly high-tech of the designs on the list. There is nothing mechanical, computerized or otherwise electronic about Hi-Tech Energy Windows. They are not shaped like basketballs, nor do they talk or display the weather. What they do offer is a patent-pending, triple-glazed slider window (and patio door). A full 1/2″ of air space within the triple layers of glazing provides superior energy efficiency and noise reduction. It may not be flashy, but a little more energy efficiency goes along way in the home of the near future… Plus, they’re called Hi-Tech.

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It’s summertime, baby! And you know what that means: picnics, patio BBQs, family reunions, sprints through the sprinklers, and cool dips in the pool. In the winter, we install the storm windows, open the flue and set the fire a-blazing. But in summer, we flock in droves to the outdoors, we reunite with friends & family; in short, we gather.

So where do you like to go? Hopefully, you’ll make it to your favorite park, campground, lake or mountainside. Don’t forget, though, that the best summer gathering spots can be found in our own backyards.

Photo credit: HGTV

Customizing your backyard sweet spot can be as simple as covering the patio, or as intricate as landscaped pathways leading to shaded gazebos on the banks of a bubbling koi pond. Here are some ideas to jumpstart your summer haven:

Deck and Patio

The first step is the one taken out your back door, and where your feet land can dictate the whole scene. That’s why decks and patios are a staple of American life. We all need our stretching and breathing room.

Those of us with backyards should utilize our decks & patios to the fullest extent. As for the art of creating a gathering spot, a new wood deck, stone or concrete patio are fantastic options. Sometimes an existing deck or patio just needs a facelift, or perhaps some attractive adornments, such as planter boxes, container gardens or an outdoor bar.

Shade

Shade is key for summer hangouts. If you’re lucky enough to have towering oak or maple trees in the yard, I congratulate you. But there are ways to create cool and attractive shade where there is none. Build a pergola or arbor. These lovely garden or patio additions are relatively inexpensive and easy to build, do not block out the sky totally (although some homeowners let vine plants create a natural ceiling), and provide a surprising amount of shade all at once.

Sunroom

The sunroom is a refreshing way to blend the in- and outdoors. A small addition attached to the house, the sunroom allows family and friends to gather in the warmth and peace of the outdoors without the hot sun and insects. They can be screened or fitted with glass windows, or even connected to the home’s heating and cooling system for year-round good times.

Landscape

The art and architecture of your landscape can elevate it beyond a simple shady spot to a majestic & dynamic retreat. Water features, stone retaining walls, foot paths and a variety of plant life all contribute to the pleasant panorama of elaborate landscaping.

Gazebo

Like mini retreats within your own backyard, gazebos make for a fine gathering spot at the end of a long day’s activities. Usually octagonal (although variations abound), covered and often screened-in, gazebos act like detached sunrooms. They’re perfect for lazy afternoons with your friends, social club meetings, or just a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of outdoor activity.

Privacy

For all the urban or suburban citizens out there, a privacy fence takes top priority in the list of ways to create a gathering spot. Typically made using cedar boards, an ivy-strewn fence, for example, creates a sense of intimacy invaluable to your peace of mind, home safety, and fun family parties. And you can always invite the neighbors to the barbecue.

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Al Byrd, the owner of the home, received an unexpected call from his landscaper on the day in question, asking him if he still wanted his lawn mowed. When Byrd inquired as to why he wouldn’t want it mowed, the man replied that they were tearing down the house.

“You can’t imagine it,” said Byrd, “I’m just incredulous that something like this can happen and no one contacts the owner.”

Indeed, it looks as if reliance on technology may have gone a bit overboard for the unnamed contractor who demolished the house. Those involved believe that it was the home across the street that was meant for demolition.

The saddest part of this unusual story is that the demolished house, which Byrd no longer lived in, was his childhood home and still contained many of his mother’s former possessions. As to the repercussions of all this? That is still in question, although you can bet somebody is in deep water right now.

Via WSB Radio
Photo credit: Giles Douglas

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As of June 12th all analog broadcasts from television have been eliminated. This long awaited switch came after about two years of planning, debating, and educating the public. Yet even after that much time many of the results and implications of the DTV switch are unclear.

What this change really amounts to is a sort of concrete, all inclusive transformation to the new digital age; a societal switch in which our most basic information and entertainment infrastructure officially joins the internet, mobile electronics, and the entire new wave of technology.

The main reasons for the switch are practical, with benefits for both consumers and government. Digital signals are much more efficient than analog ones. They provide clearer pictures while taking up less space. That is, a broadcaster can fit several digital channels in the space required to send just one analog channel. That opens up airwaves for governments to use for emergency services as well as commercial communication services.

What It Means For You

The time of the rabbit-eared antenna is gone. In many cases so will be the channel numbers for your local television stations. Rather than UHF numbers like 12, 24, even 47 — just for the three channels you get with an old antenna — you’ll find digital numerics reading 5.1, 7.2, etc. You might find the same station broadcast over two or more channels. Typically at least one of these is high-definition (HD).

If you haven’t already, you will need to pick up a digital converter box (or new TV) from a local retailer. Best Buy, Target, other department stores and online sites like Amazon.com all carry them. The federal government has also been offering coupons to put toward purchasing a digital converter, find out more at www.dtv2009.gov. Boxes range in price from $40 to over $100 depending on its features.

The Digital Home of the Future

This rather historic switch to digital will have permanent implications, paving the way for the digital home of the future. Televisions, home stereos and entertainment systems all will now wholly embrace–both in design and function–this new age.

Surely we are already well on the path to an interconnected, smart and digital home–remote control ovens and smart meters are just two existing examples of that trend. Yet the symbolism and real effect on many U.S. households of the digital switch cannot be denied. It literally paves the way for automation of home technologies, likely leading to some (once) very science-fictional outcomes — already we have wireless Hi-Def stereo systems on the market.

Not only that, it will also change the face of electrical work in our country. It’s not going to put electricians out of work or anything, but it may create a new niche of jobs in the related field. Look for digital home entertainment systems to be hardwired into new homes, as well as digital home conversion becoming a big part of remodeling. At the least we will find a new skill set for the electrical contractor today and in the future.

Out With the Old

As hundreds of thousands of families make the switch to digital TV it will create a mass of old, analog televisions heading to dumps and landfills. This however can be easily prevented by recycling your old TV. There are plenty of resources available for this, including one in almost every community. Check out Earth 911 or My Green Electronics to find recycling programs in your area. For a more comprehensive list, see EPA.gov to find out where you can donate or recycle your old computers and other electronic devices, including TVs of the analog age.

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Nowadays your fixtures and appliances are smart enough to control themselves. Your house lights are able to recognize when you’re home. And your sprinkler system can learn exactly when to kick on the water. Electronic sensors are not only controlling the action and efficiency of many of our home systems, they are also making our busy lives a little easier and keeping our wallets a little heavier.

Following are some of the home systems, from lighting to landscaping, that can benefit from the addition of an electronic sensor:

Photo credit: takomabibelot

Lighting.

Home occupancy sensors can save you the trouble of fumbling around in the dark for a light switch as well as save the valuable energy and money involved in leaving a light on when you leave the home. This goes for motion sensor lights on the front porch as well as interior lights in the entryway. Especially popular in bathrooms, electronic motion sensors can be programmed to turn on when they detect movement and turn off after a set time in which no motion is detected.

Photo credit: doortoriver

Heaters.

Electronic thermostats are really catching on, in part because heating and cooling are the number one sappers of energy in the modern home. Electronic or digital thermostats can be programmed to turn off when you are not home (say, 9-5) and can have the home back to a comfortable level upon your arrival. Meanwhile you live with the comfort that your air conditioning wasn’t on the whole time you were at work. Most models allow you to set daily and seasonal changes in the system, as well as vacations and other getaways. Programmable thermostats are regarded as one of the best ways to conserve energy in the home; to the point that some utilities are even paying or offering rebates for their installation.

Sprinklers.

It happens all the time, a home’s sprinkler system (even one on a timer) will kick on in the middle of a thunderstorm, wasting energy and water. We just can’t be home all the time to manually control our irrigation systems and maximize water and energy efficiency. Electronic sprinkler sensors can detect changes in humidity, sunlight, and rainfall to shut off or turn on whenever necessary. Photo credit: drcorneilus

Faucets.

You’ve probably used faucets with electronic sensors in many a public bathroom. That’s because they save the owners or lessees of these buildings a lot of money, as well as saving the community a lot of water. This technology is finally permeating the residential market as well. Electronic faucets are battery-powered and only release water when it senses hand motion, while providing sanitary operation and saving water and energy.

Photo credit: Jeff Sandquist

Motorized Window Shades.

These are still on the cutting edge of home automation, although really no more complex than the above examples. Motorized window shades can be programmed as part of a home automation system or operated by remote control, switches, or sunlight sensors. They are a great way to maximize the benefits of passive solar heating in the winter as well as preventing it during the warm summer months when you’d rather keep the sun out of your house. Not to mention the pleasure of waking up, stretching, and literally watching the world open up before your very eyes. They come in the form of shades, blinds, or drapes. Motorized shutters are another option which allow you to control the amount of light entering and are great for out-of-reach windows.

Electronic Windows.

The future of automated home technology will most certainly include automatic windows as well as window shades. Hooked up to sunlight or heat sensors, these smart windows will know when to open or shut to maximize the home’s energy efficiency. You can see them in action at the world’s first “Active House.”

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There are a surprisingly wide range of sunroom designs from which to choose. That includes wood, vinyl, or aluminum structures, as well as three- or four-season sunrooms. And these are just some basic starting points. CalFinder certifies a number of sunroom contractors, all more than qualified to help you design and build a sunroom that will fit perfectly your home, location, and lifestyle. Below are a few examples.

Tooms Construction

Based in Baltimore, Michigan, Tooms Construction can handle all aspects of home remodeling, including sunrooms. Ask them about a four-season sunroom, perfect for Michigan with its beautiful but cold winters.

Energy Star Home Improvement

Energy Star Home Improvement, another Michigan-based firm (Grand Rapids) is proud of its one-on-one service and combines a sales and installation background, which allows for invaluable expertise in all aspects of customer satisfaction. They help Michigan homeowners maximize their home’s energy efficiency — a factor that is never more vital than in a new sunroom.

Lancaster Home Remodeling

Lancaster Home Remodeling works out of Natick, Massachusetts and has over 20 years of experience remodeling with quite a few decks, patios, and sunrooms under their belt. Former client Dianne Devlin noted Lancaster’s attention to detail as “nothing like I have ever seen before.”

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