Home windows taking on high-tech edge
By Alan J. Heavens
Knight Ridder News Service
Do you use your windows as the maker intended?
That's not as dumb a question as it sounds. Windows were designed to perform certain functions, and we, as users, don't always make the most of what they are made to provide.
Windows remain working components of building skins, and manufacturers have been quick to develop new technologies that improve visibility, security and comfort.
After a century in the business, Andersen Windows considers them "the home's main interface with the outside world."
The manufacturer introduced some ideas about the future use of its product at the builders show in Las Vegas in January.
New technologies rapidly becoming part of everyday life might be incorporated into window design.
This would help free homeowners of "much of the clutter and complexity filling the home today and once again rely upon the window as the interface for light, air, information and security," Andersen's Cameron Snyder said.
ClearSite, which Andersen has dubbed "the invisible insect screen," is designed to provide a much clearer view of the outdoors and increase appeal.
The technology used in ClearSite manages light transmission and reflection for better outdoor views, and increases the amount of air and light entering while preventing even tiny insects from passing through.
Andersen's AirWays micro-ventilation window deals with security, ventilation and cooling costs via integrated vents in the interior and exterior frames, with push buttons inside that control a built-in fan.
The design creates an exchange of air to supplement the home's heating/ventilation/air-conditioning system while the window remains tightly closed.
The most interesting concepts involve incorporating computer screens and home entertainment centers.
For kitchens, the SlideAway media window features a touch-screen computer that slides into a pocket in the window frame when the computer is not in use.
You can stand at the sink and look out the window while downloading recipes, watching TV, listening to music, or controlling air-conditioning, security systems or other utilities without leaving the room.
The ViewPoint media-window concept is a bay window that doubles as a home entertainment center. On command, the window's center panel switches from clear to opaque glass to block outside light and allow it to be used as a projection screen for watching TV, videos and DVDs.
The casement windows flanking the screen are the speakers.
