FIX windows with clear frames! What are the disadvantages of adopting them?

2-1. Large glass in one piece with clear frame to look simple

Window frames support the glass from the inside and outside.

"Sliding windows" (windows that can be opened and closed by sliding them to the left or right), which are generally the mainstream, and "vertical sliding windows" (long, narrow windows that open and close by rotating the panes on a vertical axis), which are often used in design houses, require a larger frame to support the window because of its movement.

FIX windows, on the other hand, are fixed and do not need to be opened or closed, so the number of window frames can be reduced because no parts or mechanisms are needed to move the window.

白い豆腐 ( architect：Hironobu Hosaka )

In the above case study, window frames are almost completely eliminated and the walls are finished with painted walls, creating a smart impression.

The almost invisible delivery of the window frames on all four sides further enhances the white interior of the room.

In a typical sliding window, the frame is always at least in the middle of the opening, so the FIX window has a cleaner look in terms of design.

These FIX windows, which have few frames and are perfect for clean interior design, have become a popular choice for japanese-architects.com's architects.

Another good method is to create a sense of openness without daring to install curtains, depending on the purpose of the window and where it is not visible from the outside.

2-2. Highly airtight

The overall airtightness of today's houses has improved.

The purpose of improving airtightness varies, but the meaning of improving airtightness has been increasing in correlation with the improved thermal insulation performance of the windows themselves.

Sliding windows, which are used in the mainstream, inevitably have gaps where the left and right windows intersect, and between the sashes and glass panes on all four sides.

FIX windows, on the other hand, are fixed and cannot be opened, allowing for higher airtightness, and are recommended for those who are particular about airtightness.

2-3. Ideal as a lighting window in a stairwell

There are windows that do not need to be opened or physically cannot be opened, depending on the design of the house.

First are the windows installed in the stairwell and at the top of the stairs for the purpose of bringing in light.

Some windows can be opened and closed with chains, but there is basically no need to open them since there is no need to go in and out.

In such cases, FIX windows with a single pane of glass are perfect for a sense of openness.

Of course, it may be useful in a stairwell design to be able to open them for heat exhaustion in the summer, so consult with the architect about whether they are FIX or openable windows.

2-4. Security reassurance that you will not forget to close the window

This is a simple advantage, but it provides a high level of security because there is no forgetting to close the door due to opening and closing.

The most common technique used by thieves is to break the glass only near the crescent (key) of a sliding window and open the window to enter.

In the case of FIX windows, the entire window must be broken to entry, and the noise to break the window is loud and conspicuous, so they tend to be shunned.

The structure of the window itself is also effective in terms of security, as it is fixed with screws from the interior and cannot be removed.

2-5. Various shapes

FIX windows can achieve a variety of shapes that differ from windows that can be opened and closed.

Hill Top House ( architect：Noriyuki Tajima )

The shape of a FIX window, such as a circular window or a triangular window (on the second floor in the above example), can be arranged by processing the glass and sash.

For circular windows, it is a good idea to incorporate ready-made products, as they are available as ready-made products from sash manufacturers.

2-6. Lower cost than sliding windows

When comparing off-the-shelf products, prices are lower than for windows that can be opened and closed, such as sliding windows.

When comparing the same size, for example, LIXIL Thermos II (16018 size) has the following fixed price difference.

In this way, FIX windows can be used in areas that do not need to be opened and closed, thereby reducing costs.

3-1. No ventilation

The first point, of course, is the lack of ventilation and going in/out is impossible.

Therefore, the use of FIX windows is limited to places where they can be used, such as out of reach.

Depending on the season, homes can also last longer by bringing in outside air to refresh the air quality.

Regular air change is important for both the house and the people who live in it.

FIX windows should be balanced with windows that can be opened and closed, with ventilation also considered.

3-2. Cleaning the window outside is difficult

Since it cannot be opened and closed, cleaning of the outside glass can only be done from the outside.

I mentioned that they are sometimes employed in high places, etc. If FIX windows on the second floor are installed in places that are out of reach, such as balconies, they cannot be cleaned without scaffolding.

Glass above the stairwell, for example, cannot be cleaned from the outside in any case, but if you want to be diligent about cleaning it, you should be concerned about this at the design stage.

3-3. Cannot be opened or closed from inside the room when shutters are installed/h3>

Similar to the disadvantage of not being able to clean, but when shutters are used in combination, they are opened and closed from the outside.

There are also shutters that open and close from the outside for FIX windows and can be locked.

If shutters are to be installed on FIX windows, they should be either electrically operated or installed where they can be opened and closed from the outside.

4-1. Housing in Oshima

大島の住宅 ( architect：Yoshihiro Kono )

This example is a house with a great sense of openness built on the beach.

FIX windows are employed in the atrium, and one wall is composed of FIX windows.

Another unique feature of the FIX windows is that the upper windows are made to fit the trapezoidal shape of the roof, which matches the sloping angle of the roof.

This is an example of how FIX windows create a sense of openness that is difficult to achieve with off-the-shelf windows.

4-2. Atago Cottage

愛宕の山荘｜Atago Cottage ( architect：Yasumi Taketomi )

This is an example of a villa with a living room designed entirely in glass.

In particular, the window is composed of two tiers, upper and lower, but the upper window is fixed as a FIX window and is very large in one piece.

From the inside, the view of the forest outside can be seen all around, creating an extraordinary space to enjoy at the villa.

4-3. Residence jo kamisannomiya

residence jo kamisannomiya ( architect：Seiichiro Takeuchi )

This example features harmony with a tsuboniwa garden.

There are glass doors on either side that can be opened and closed, while the large central pane/upper portion consists of a FIX window.

The almost frame-less FIX windows serve to connect the calm interior and the lovely tsuboniwa garden where you can feel the wabi-sabi of the Japanese style.

The connection between the interior and exterior spaces, which is difficult to create without FIX windows, is a distinctive feature of this case study.

4-4. MGY base

MGY BASE ( architect：Eitaro Satake )

This example has an impressive front exterior composed entirely of glass.

Although this is an example of an office rather than a residence, FIX windows, which can be arranged in a variety of shapes, are perfect for this project because the entire surface is made of glass.

In this building design, FIX windows are used for safety reasons, as windows that open and close can be rather dangerous.

4-5. Kibako (wooden box)

木箱 kibako ( architect：Ryu Mitarai )

This case study shows the use of FIX windows for both safety and design.

In this example, the exterior of the building is also square-shaped, and the square FIX windows are in harmony with the design, creating an impressive picture frame-like design.

When ventilation is to be brought in, it is through small, non-dropping small windows, and the windows used for each purpose of lighting and ventilation are used in different ways.

4-6. Residence jo mibu banba

residence jo mibu banba ( architect：Seiichiro Takeuchi )

This case study is an example of a Japanese modern house finished with FIX windows on all vertical surfaces.

The entire area is a courtyard composed of stone tiles, creating a gentle Japanese modern style.

FIX windows are used to enjoy the courtyard from inside the house and to maximize the sunlight during the day.

4-7. Villa in Torami

東浪見の別荘 ( architect：Masaki Katayama )

Although this is an example of a villa, the FIX window in the dining room that creates a sense of openness is impressive.

The FIX windows on either side of the TV serve as picturesque reflections of the garden outside during cooking, eating, and entertaining scenes.

The entire interior is smartly designed by the use of sash and glass with almost invisible window frames, and the sleek windows with no protruding frames.

4-8. White tofu

白い豆腐 ( architect：Hironobu Hosaka )

白い豆腐 ( architect：Hironobu Hosaka )

The living room with a large opening creates a mysterious atmosphere that is both external and internal.

This is another attraction of the space created by the FIX windows, which are designed so that the window frames are barely visible.

Windows that are flush (no steps) with the floor and ceiling emphasize the smart and stylish impression.

4-9. Villa Minamihara

南原の山荘｜Villa Minamihara ( architect：Yasumi Taketomi )

The villa features large windows opening to the south in a modern classic interior.

Various shapes of FIX windows are used to let light in gently on the second floor.

Another advantage of FIX windows is that they can be easily arranged according to the slope of the roof.

4-10 RIGID FRAME 02

RIGID FRAME 02 ( architect：Takanori Ihara )

RIGID FRAME 02 ( architect：Takanori Ihara )

In this example, there is a large and distinctive vertical hazed-glass FIX window.

The frosted glass allows for privacy without the need for curtains, and at night, light gently leaks outside, creating an impressive appearance.

The house is filled with bright sunlight during the day thanks to these FIX windows.