Nine houses with large living room windows (with photos)
Large windows in a living room allow light and air to enter the room, creating an open and comfortable environment. In addition, they give off a sense of luxury that is a bit different from the surroundings, creating an elegant and beautiful house.
However, it is not all about advantages. If you do not understand the possible disadvantages at the same time, you may end up regretting the structure of your house.
This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of large windows in a living room, as well as nine examples of open-plan houses.
Please read to the end because the examples with photos will help you visualize the ideal window you would like to incorporate into your house.
<Table of Contents>
- 1.What is large window installed in living room?
- 2.Five benefits of large window in living room
- 3.Need to know disadvantages of large window in living room
- 4.Large window in living room won't degrade earthquake resistance!
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5.Nine examples of open houses with large windows in living room
- 5-1.Appearance
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5-2.Interior
- 5-2-1.Stunning house overlooking vast ocean
- 5-2-2.Building with large windows in living room to capture four seasons
- 5-2-3.House with large window in solid wood frame overlooking garden
- 5-2-4.House with nature by letting in full sunlight through roof
- 5-2-5.House with large windows on two sides of living room
- 6.Summary
1. What is large window installed in living room?
First, we will explain what exactly is a large window that you want to have in your living room.
1-1. Large window in living room is "floor-to-ceiling" type
The large floor-length windows often found in living rooms are called "floor-to-ceiling windows (sweet windows)" and have been incorporated into Japanese houses for centuries. The name comes from the fact that they were designed to make it easier to sweep dust and dirt out of windows when sweeping with a broom was usual cleaning method.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide a full sense of openness, are sometimes called "large-opening windows" because they can be opened dynamically. In addition, windows that can be opened to their full extent are sometimes called "full-open (wide-open) windows".
1-2. Typical size of floor-to-ceiling windows
Typical size of a floor-to-ceiling window is "width: 1,800 mm" and "height: 1,800 to 2,000 mm". Nowadays, more people choose high floor-to-ceiling windows that almost reach the ceiling to let in more light and create a more spacious living environment.
2. Five advantages of large window in living room
Here are five advantages of large windows in a living room. Large windows have the effect of creating a comfortable and livable environment overall and are an essential part of a long-lived family house. We will explain each of them in detail.
2-1. Open living room
Large windows provide a well-lit and open living room. For this reason, they are usually installed in locations facing a balcony or garden. It is also attractive that a space where you can feel the outside air makes you more positive and brighter than a closed room with no windows.
In addition, an open living room visually makes the entire room larger. Even a small living room becomes spacious enough to relax by installing a large window.
2-2. Enjoy connection to garden and terrace
Another attraction of large windows is the connection to the garden and terrace. This allows you to check outside immediately from inside the room, so you can let your children play without concern.
In addition, a wooden deck can be provided to enjoy simple meals and barbecues outside on weekends. A clear line of flow to and from the indoors makes it easy to carry meals. Large windows creates a connection between the indoors and outdoors, making your house more enjoyable for your family.
2-3. Excellent ventilation and lighting
Installing large windows in a living room, which is the center of the house, would be a great way for better ventilation and lighting.
To begin with, Japan has high humidity, so moisture control is important for a comfortable environment. The house with excellent ventilation can prevent mold which can cause allergies. In addition, a well-lit house lets in more light during the day, which will save on electricity costs.
2-4. Easy to carry in and out large furniture
Another attraction of large windows is that easiness in carrying in and out large furniture that would otherwise not pass through the front door when moving or adding new furniture.
If the furniture is too large to pass through the entrance and there is no large window, it is necessary to disassemble the furniture, bring it in, and reassemble it. Some contractors may charge an additional fee for this service, so it is highly recommended to install a large window that can also serve as a delivery route.
2-5. Escape route in case of disaster
In Japan, a disaster-prone country, large windows can also serve as an "escape route" in case of emergency. This is especially useful when there are many family members, small children, the elderly, or people in wheelchairs.
In an emergency such as a disaster, every minute counts and evacuation routes through windows are critical. Consider installing larger windows in case of emergency.
3. Need to know disadvantages of large window in living room
Large windows give a bright and open feeling to the interior, but here are four disadvantages you should know to avoid regrets after construction. We also explain how to solve them, so please take a look at them.
3-1. Concern about eyes of people
Large windows allow you to look outside from inside, which means you can also be seen from outside. Especially in the case of windows facing the street, you may be concerned about stares of other people.
To block the view from the outside, build a "blind fence" on the exterior. Planting plants and flowers around the fence is another way to hide the interior while enjoying nature.
If you are looking for a lot, it is advisable to choose a lot that is as wide as possible. This is because a large plot of land will keep people's eyes away from the house, making it difficult to see the details inside. In addition, a large plot of land is likely to be in the suburbs, where there are fewer pedestrians.
3-2. Easily hot in summer and cold in winter
Window glass with good thermal conductivity is characterized in that the house easily becomes hot in summer and cold in winter. The larger the window area, the greater the passage of outside air, so choose windows with high thermal insulation for comfort inside the house.
Specifically, windows with plastic frames and double-glazing are ideal. Resin frames have a very low thermal conductivity, about one-thousandth that of ordinary aluminum frames. Double-glazing glass can be expected to provide approximately twice as much thermal insulation as single-pane glass.
However, windows with high thermal insulation tend to be expensive. If you want to keep the cost as low as possible, you can install windows in a direction that takes sunlight into consideration at the design stage. Since the best orientation of windows depends on the surrounding buildings and land, it is important to consult with a professional.
3-3. Too much sunlight and glare
Larger windows also have a larger space for direct light to enter, which may lead to a stronger sense of glare. Too much sunlight can make it difficult to watch TV screens and read books, and can cause floors and furniture to sunburn and deteriorate quickly.
To cope with this problem, you can create shade by using eaves or external sunshades, or install light-shielding curtains. Eaves and window awnings provide shade in summer while allowing warm light come in in winter.
In designing a house, be sure to install large windows avoiding the west side. This is because the strongest daylight generates in the west side. When installing large windows, consider the south side, which gets appropriate sunlight.
3-4. Inferior in security
The most common route of entry for burglars is through the windows of first-floor rooms (Reference: YKK AP). Many households have blindfold fences installed to block the view, but in many cases, people are so relieved that no one can come in that they forget to lock the windows.
Even if windows are locked, ordinary window glass can be easily broken. In order for a family to live in peace, security of windows is essential. Therefore, for example, the following measures should be taken.
To improve the security of windows, various measures can be taken, such as replacing window glass with "security laminated glass" that is resistant to breakage or installing "interior windows," so please consult with your design office.
4. Large window in living room won't degrade earthquake resistance!
Many people think large windows in a living room will reduce earthquake resistance, but there is no problem as long as the building is built according to the law.
Openings of a house are measured and laid out in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Building Standard Law. Therefore, if a house is built in compliance with the law, its earthquake resistance will not be lowered even if large windows are installed.
However, in a case where many large windows are to be installed, loads will be placed on places other than the windows. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures such as increasing the strength of the wall itself and the metal fittings that make up the wall, and adopting earthquake-resistant reinforcing frames. Note that these measures may cost more.
5.[With photos] Nine examples of open houses with large windows in living room
Finally, we present nine examples of open houses designed by architectural professionals. All of them have large windows in the living room.
If you would like to consult with or be introduced to an architect who can design a living room and windows that suit you, japanese-architects.com's architect referrals are also useful.
5-1. Appearance
First, let's take a look at the beautiful exterior of the houses fascinating passersby.
5-1-1. Villa where you can directly feel benefits of forest
Villa where you can directly feel the benefits of the forest
Standing on an old road in Karuizawa, this building is a villa considered as a second home. Because of its location surrounded by beautiful green trees, eight large windows are lined up in the living room to create a space where one can feel the "healing power of nature" throughout one's body.
In addition, the spacious wooden deck naturally connects the interior and the garden, giving the appearance of integration with the forest, which is also a major attraction.
5-1-2. Impressive house with large square and triangular openings
Standing on a hill in Meguro-ku, Tokyo, this house has an impressive structure with large square windows as its main feature and triangular openings peeking out behind them.
The open atrium can be seen through the large windows, which will give a sense of lightness to the surrounding area.
5-1-3. House with open courtyard to let in light
The structure of this house is "closed on the outside and open on the inside" for privacy. The courtyard is planted with garden trees to provide a sense of healing, and is open to let in light from the sky.
And by placing large windows in each room facing such a courtyard, the house can coexist with nature without worrying about the eyes of third parties.
5-1-4. Two-family house in two-tone color
This two-family house is built with large windows on the first floor to give a sense of openness. The large openings make the space look larger, so that even if there are many people living in the house, it does not feel cramped.
The two-tone black and white exterior walls are finished by a plaster to create an interesting and crisp look. It creates a fashionable atmosphere, making the house different from its surroundings.
5-2. Interior
The next section shows the interior of a house designed with a large window in the living room.
5-2-1. Stunning house overlooking vast ocean
This custom-built house, built in Oshima Island, is located in a beautiful place with the blue ocean in front of it. To take advantage of this location, large window is installed on the side of the building overlooking the ocean. While relaxing in the living room, you can use the window as a large screen to watch the ocean swaying and rippling.
The rooms are also very attractive in that there are no walls in the kitchen, dining room, and living room. All the rooms are connected to each other, adding a sense of openness.
5-2-2. Building with large windows in living room to capture four seasons
Perched on a hill in the Yufu Plateau, this villa is a relaxing space with large windows in each room.
With beautiful green mountains spread out before your eyes, you will be able to relax and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.
5-2-3. House with large window in solid wood frame overlooking garden
This woody house was built in Shioya-cho, Tochigi. The large floor-to-ceiling windows provide a view of the garden at any time.
Solid wood, which gives a natural impression, is used abundantly in most of the interior, such as ceilings, walls, floors, and shelves. It is a space where you can feel nature in your daily life.
5-2-4. House with nature by letting in full sunlight through roof
In this house, a large portion of the roof is open. This allows the courtyard in the center of the house to be flooded with light, illuminating the living room, dining room, and children's rooms.
Children can also play freely in the courtyard where you don't need to concern about the eyes of people.
5-2-5. House with large windows on two sides of living room
In this house, an overwhelming sense of openness is achieved by providing windows on two sides of the living room. The living room is a relaxing place that makes you want to sit forever in front of the garden, which has beautiful greenery.
The elegant living room set and stand lights, as well as the slender spiral staircase, are all designed to coordinate with the luxurious feel of the house.
6. Summary
In this article, we have seen the advantages and disadvantages of large windows in a living room, as well as nine examples of open houses.
Although large windows have their advantages and disadvantages, most of their disadvantages can be resolved if the correct measures are taken. Instead of trying to take measures on your own, consult a professional architect (design company).
At japanese-architects.com, our first-class architectural advisors introduce architects and design firms to customers who wish to build a completely original custom-built house. If you are thinking of "making a living room sophisticated" or "installing large windows to make a living room bright," please use japanesse-architects.com's free consultation service.
