Just imagine: you went into a room, and there, instead of a wall... the sea! There are ships, flying seagulls, and clouds. In the morning - dawn, in the evening - sunset.
Another idea: a whole panorama of the city, and beyond it - beautiful mountains! Green fields! And it's hard to say which is more beautiful: a day with its blue sky or a night with its lights and stars.
Have you dreamed? Fine, but now I have to go back to earth. And look at the panoramic windows (they give so much beauty) from all points of view. Maybe panoramic glazing in Cyprus shouldn't be done at all?
1. Advantages of panoramic windows in Cyprus
"The panoramic window is beautiful, I want it!" is, of course, an argument. But not the most powerful one.
There are other, more significant advantages. You probably already know them:
- Cyprus has great views: the sea or the mountains in the distance. It is simply a sin to hide such beauty behind ordinary small windows! So most new buildings in Cyprus, starting with the comfort class, have panoramic windows overlooking the sea or mountains.
- On the upper floors (from about 10th and above), a panoramic window gives the illusion that you are floating above the sea. Because only the endless blue surface is visible.
- Insolation. It means that sunlight enters your room. And panoramic windows, of course, give increased insolation - and even increase the daylight hours in the room. By the way, this is very important for saving electricity in Cyprus.
- Visual expansion of space. Of course, panoramic windows give more "air". Accordingly, the room becomes visually more spacious.
- Closeness to nature. This is an option for private homes in Cyprus. When a room with panoramic windows seems to have a "green continuation": a lawn, a lawn, a flower bed, a forest, and so on.
- The value of real estate is increasing. Apartments and houses with panoramic windows are always more expensive than housing with conventional windows. Therefore, if you plan to subsequently sell or rent real estate, a panoramic window will give you about 5% of the total cost.
Now, even those who doubted to the last, wanted to have at least one room with a panoramic window. Let's try to check whether panoramic glazing is appropriate everywhere?
2. Where you can make panoramic windows
The phrase "panoramic windows" personally takes me, the author, into the spacious living room of a private house. Where are the huge panoramic windows, and even the second light! I think that most people have exactly the same association.
Well, the living room (even in an apartment, even in a house) is the first thing that comes to mind. Indeed, panoramic windows are more appropriate there than ever: a large space becomes gigantic, everyone loves to gather in this room, here you can have lunch, breakfast and dinner with a magnificent view.
About eating: the panoramic window looks good in the dining room. It is also a frequent gathering place for the whole family. Not worth talking about the living room combined with the kitchen!
Panorama in the bedroom? Guess it looks great too! Wake up and admire the beauty. The main thing here is that the panoramic window does not overlook the neighboring house and not the busy street.
Kids room. Yes, and here, perhaps, is not bad! Only security is worth thinking about more carefully (more on that below).
Bathroom? Well, this is an element of luxury... if there is a beautiful landscape outside the window, then why not?
Where else do panoramic windows look good:
- corridor-gallery
- loggia or balcony
- terrace: it can be glazed from the outside, or you can make a panoramic exit to it
- greenhouse
- cabinet
- bay window.
And what about the size of the apartment or house? For example, in a studio apartment, a panoramic window is not a luxury, but a necessity. A powerful tool that solves several problems at once: visually enlarges the space and increases illumination (i.e. insolation).
For a small room, a panoramic window becomes a salvation. Even if it's not very big.
In a spacious room, a panoramic window enhances the effect of scope, emphasizes it and presents it in the most favorable light.
Conclusion: a panoramic window is good in any room! If there is no street or curious neighbors opposite.
3. Cons and their solution
So we come to the most interesting thing - to the minuses of panoramic windows. Moreover, taking into account the location of an apartment or house in Cyprus, that is, the climate and other features will be taken into account.
Just listing the cons would not be enough. They can - and should! - bypass. Especially if the dream of panoramic windows has been keeping you awake for a long time.
3.1. High price
Non-standard glass size, high-quality fittings, complex installation, additional structural elements. All this entails spending money.
It is worth preparing for the fact that the panoramic window will cost twice as much. For example, you have a large wall, and 2 regular windows would fit on it. But instead of them, you will make a panorama, which means that at a cost it will come out as 4 ordinary windows. In other cases, even more expensive.
In addition, the care of the panoramic window will require additional costs. As a rule, to wash it, you will have to call a cleaning service. Repairs (if needed) will also be more expensive.
There is only one piece of advice here: mentally prepare to spend more money. But the dream is not a pity, right?
3.2. Climate
The climate of Cyprus is Mediterranean. In summer it is very, very hot here, and in winter it is cool. So much so that every degree in an apartment or house counts. And heating (usually electric) is not cheap.
How to use panoramic windows so that they become helpers, not enemies?
Summer. In summer, the sun and heat enter through the windows, heating the room. Panoramic windows are generally capable of turning a room into a stove! Can you do something?
You can! Here are some options:
- place the windows on the east or west side, avoiding the south and north (we'll tell you why below)
- use a special sun protection film
- hang blackout curtains or, if possible, install shutters
- in a private house, take care of a good ventilation system - it will save electricity bills - because you will use air conditioning less.
If your house is designed correctly, then even in the strongest heat with panoramic windows you will be comfortable.
Winter. Precious heat escapes through the panoramic windows, if only because the heat exchange is faster. Considering that there is no heating we are used to in Cyprus, this can become a serious problem.
But you can also deal with it like this:
- monitor the quality of window installation - there should not be the slightest gaps at the joints and in the seams
- choose double-glazed windows - this will save you from fogging and significantly reduce heat leakage from the house
- if there are still walls in the house that face the street, additionally insulate them, at least from the inside.
Let's return to the question of why you should not install panoramic windows on the north side of a house or apartment. Yes, in the summer it is optimal, but in the winter it is not. So you will not get natural heating, which can give you an extra 2-4 degrees.
If you install panoramic windows on the east or west side, there will be no overheating in summer, and in winter the sun will help increase the temperature in the room.
3.3. Constant maintenance of cleanliness
If you live outside the city, then you know very well that the air in Cyprus is very clean, precipitation is rare. Therefore, windows can not be washed for months. In the city, of course, you need to wash windows more often, but also not every week.
But with panoramic windows, the situation is different ... Any speck on them becomes a real thorn in the side! It is annoying and immediately negates the whole beautiful panoramic view. Therefore, the cleanliness of panoramic windows must be maintained more carefully: this is the first problem.
The second one: they are quite difficult to wash! Especially outside. Therefore, you will have to call a special cleaning service (unless you live in a complex where this service is included in utility bills). These will be extra costs.
How can this problem be dealt with?
- use dirt-repellent products that will help maintain cleanliness for a longer time
- arm yourself with an arsenal of quality tools to wash the window once or twice
- when designing a window, calculate everything so that it is convenient for you to reach every corner - if you want to manage it yourself, without a cleaning service.
If the window is in the kitchen or dining room, place the stove, dining table and other items on which cooking takes place as far as possible from it. This will protect the glass from greasy droplets and plaque.
3.4. Unsafe with small children
It would seem: a double-glazed window is already a super-durable construction. But, unfortunately, kids sometimes manage to do the impossible. Therefore, when a small child appears, the question of safety arises.
Here are some ways to solve the problem:
- Protective film - it is often offered already complete with a window, but not always. In addition, you may need not ordinary, but enhanced protection. Discuss this issue with an employee of the window company. It prevents the glass from breaking into small pieces and to some extent increases its strength.
- Decorative fence with frequent rods. It slightly deprives the panorama itself of splendor, but it guarantees safety: the child simply will not get to the window. As for aesthetics. The fence will stay with you for only 3-4 years, this is a short time.
- A low lattice-balcony outside is a good solution, especially if you beat it like a flower bed. It comes with a protective film perfectly: the child will not get hurt if he suddenly breaks the glass and does not fall out.
If you are designing your own home, then consider that a panoramic window with access to the terrace is one of the safest solutions. Then you only need a protective film and several generations of children will quietly grow up in this house and with this window.
3.5. The complexity of installation and selection of curtains
In 90% of cases, curtains for a panoramic window are still needed. They become necessary when the sun is too bright. In addition, light curtains give the interior a more sophisticated look.
But choosing and even more so hanging curtains on a panoramic window is not an easy task. Not all fabrics are suitable for this business. What to choose?
- lightweight, well-draped fabric
- if the interior requires heavy curtains, then choose a flowing, gleaming or shimmering fabric (for example, velvet) - it will smooth out the heaviness
- dense fabric so that it does not let in sunlight
- roller blinds are a good solution, but then they do not need to be hung on all parts of the window
- blinds on a large window do not look good - instead of them it is better to use fabric curtains that open from top to bottom
- the print, if any, should not be too bright and clear - it is better to strive for uniformity.
And what about the installation of curtains? It is worth thinking about it even at the time of installing the window. As a rule, the curtain fastening system is mounted simultaneously with the window, as this is included in the project.
Entrust this matter to a specialist - you can simply not cope on your own. Since the usual curtain is not an option here, it is better to do everything at once, and correctly.
3.6. Curious looks from neighbors or passers-by
Ground floors, neighboring houses. All this makes it impossible to put a panoramic window? Yes and no.
For living rooms, kitchens and terraces (that is, for common areas), blackout curtains for the evening will be a logical solution to the problem. But keep in mind that in winter the daylight hours are short, and you will have to sit with the curtains closed half the time.
Whoever is not satisfied with this option - architectural film is suitable for that. Depending on the level of privacy you want, you can choose:
- mirror film - from the side of the street it looks like a mirror, completely protects from prying eyes, but in the evening, when it is dark outside and lit inside, it can shine through a little
- matte film - “blurs” the image without completely hiding it, but at the same time does not reflect the sun's rays, which is beneficial for cold rooms in winter
- colored film - creates the effect of a stained-glass window with patterns and drawings, as a rule, is applied only to part of the window (for example, from below).
The advantages of the film - you can stick it, and then remove it as unnecessary. Cons - can be expensive. But in the latter case, you can contact the designer.
3.7. Difficulty in creating a harmonious interior
A panoramic window imposes certain requirements on the room itself. Here you can no longer do with a simple plan “I will put a sofa, a table and two chairs”. The interior will have to be thought out more carefully.
Here are some general rules:
- A panoramic window is about airiness, about a large and free space. Therefore, you should not clutter up a room with such a window with large things and just an abundance of things. Choose non-massive sofas, furniture with thin legs - and strive for minimalism.
- Almost all styles are combined with a panoramic window. But its appearance must be carefully thought out: from the number and size of fractions to the material, color of the frame and accessories. A completely transparent window is not suitable for an Empire style, and a lattice window in the French style is not suitable for Art Nouveau.
- A panoramic window is not advisable to force furniture. You will have 3 walls instead of 4, that is, you will lose one functional plane. But it is a mistake to force the remaining walls to be solid - this will “eat up” the entire effect of space.
- The main decoration of a room with a panoramic window is the view from the window! Therefore, other decorative elements should be kept to a minimum.
- The view from the window should be combined with the interior. If there is a city landscape outside the window, then a more modern style, such as a loft or hi-tech, will do, if nature is something more natural. For example, country or Norwegian style.
- If dark tones prevail in the interior, then the window should be large enough, perhaps on two walls at once. If it is disproportionately small, then all the free space will disappear, and the effect will be the opposite.
If you do not want to involve a designer in the work, then you will have to work out this issue yourself. And review more than one hundred options. But it's really possible to do it on your own!
Advice: if you are composing an interior with a panoramic window on your own, attract at least a visualization designer. It is not very expensive, but you can imagine exactly what will happen in your future room.
3.8. Deteriorated sound insulation
Glass transmits sound better than walls. Therefore, in too noisy places (main streets of the city + first floors), it is simply not advisable to install panoramic windows.
But in most cases, a double reinforced double-glazed window is enough to solve the problem. If you are on the floor above the 3rd floor or you have a private house, you can not worry that the noise from the street will be too noticeable.
4. Types of panoramic windows and their design
Obviously, for every negative there is a solution to the problem. Therefore, we will not refuse panoramic windows! And at the same time, let's see what varieties there are.
1. Classic. Direct window to the entire wall. The most simple and inexpensive type to install. It also allows you to choose any of the types of construction for closing and opening (more on them below). Ideal for any space.
2. Bay window. May be semicircular or polygonal. The bottom line is that the window "is issued" to the street. It adds space to the room, but! This type is the most difficult to install, and it does not provide such a large viewing angle as a classic panoramic window.
3. Angular. Installed on two adjacent walls. Glass can be end-to-end (the most interesting, but also the most difficult option from a technical point of view), or maybe through a frame (this method is easier, two windows with their frames just crash into the walls). Increases the viewing angle, looks very interesting, but requires the highest quality and reliable installation.
How can you open panoramic windows?
Here, too, there are several ways:
- hinged sashes - as on a normal window, can open horizontally or vertically, inward or outward
- sliding sashes - ideal for a classic panorama, allow you to actually make glass in the entire window (without frames)
- accordion sashes are a very interesting option when the window can be folded like a screen, but such windows have a significant disadvantage - there is no escape from the draft
- therefore, accordion windows are usually installed with access not to the street, but to a closed / semi-closed terrace.
Whichever window you choose, it's great! Congratulations in advance on such beauty in the house! Take your time with the choice - look and evaluate all the options. Do not save on quality and do not be indifferent to the little things. Then you will definitely say: “It’s good that we installed a panoramic window!”. And you will enjoy it every day.
Interested in real estate in Cyprus? Welcome to the DOM site! Here you will find options for houses and apartments in Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Famagusta, as well as get the help of experienced professionals.
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