Architectural Record 2015-04

166
EDUCATIONAL-ADVERTISEMENT
CONTINUING EDUCATION
The growing use of
European-made windows
in the United States
reflects both increasing
interest in tilt-and-turn
hardware as well as
better componentry and
thermal performance.
European Windows Boost
U.S. Performance and Design
Enhancing design flexibility and bringing performance
to the next level with European windows
Sponsored by Zola European Windows | By C.C. Sullivan
Architecture is about making form,
right? Not so fast, says Peter Zumthor,
the Swiss gold-medal architect known
best for his thermal bath in Vals. In London a
few years ago, Zumthor said, “Architecture is
not about form, it is about many other things:
the light and the use, and the structure, and the
shadow, the smell and so on.”
Le Corbusier said it in even stronger terms:
“Architecture is the masterly, correct and
magnificent play of masses brought together
in light.”
To bring natural light indoors to illuminate
massing, materials, and other features
requires openings and fenestration in the right
proportion and arrangement. More than that,
one needs windows that achieve the same levels
of craft and quality as the building assemblies
custom-designed by the architectural team.
“Architecture is made of memory,” says
California architect and author Anthony Lawlor.
“The slope of a roof, the shape of a window, and
the color of a door contain the record of the
minds that conceived them and the hands that
crafted them.”
Appreciation of craft and demand for better
performance have led to the importing and
fabrication of European window technology
across a growing area of the United States.
Unlike European automobiles (or even beer)
where one might argue the product’s prestige
and premium cost overshadow any real
performance advantages, the trend toward
using more European windows is 100 percent
performance driven. Prestige tends to be
subsidiary to the quest for real improvements in
occupant comfort, operability, energy savings,
and appearance.
Continues at ce.architecturalrecord.com
Photo courtesy of Zola European Windows
CONTINUING EDUCATION
EARN ONE AIA/CES HSW
LEARNING UNIT (LU)
EARN ONE GBCI CE HOUR FOR LEED
CREDENTIAL MAINTENANCE
Learning Objectives
After reading this article, you should be
able to:
1. Describe the features and measures of
high-performance European windows
including the types of windows available
for energy-efficient, sustainable buildings.
2. Explain how glass selection and gas
fills impact window and building
performance including heat gain, light
transmission, and energy efficiency.
3. Discuss how window sizing and
installation detailing can boost window
performance significantly beyond the
NFRC ratings.
4. List the areas of focus for Passive House
standards, and the ways that European
windows may help meet the rigorous
standards.
To receive credit, you are required to read
the entire article and pass the test. Go to
ce.architecturalrecord.com for complete
text and to take the test for free.
AIA/CES COURSE #K1504N
GBCI COURSE #0920003237
Swiss-trained architect, Florian Speier, founded Zola Windows in 2011. Unsatisfied with the domestic selection of windows, Speier partnered with
European manufacturers to design extremely energy-efficient windows and doors. Zola offers extensive product lines—from the top-of-the-line
Passive House ThermoPlus Clad, to budget-friendly uPVC windows that are perfect for multifamily developments. www.zolawindows.com
CIRCLE 72