A Brief History of the Window
Before the advent of the modern, energy-efficient window systems we know today, windows were nothing more than simple openings in the wall. In ancient times, people couldn’t protect themselves from harsh weather or natural elements, so their homes were often built without any openings at all.
The earliest version of a window was a small hole in the wall, designed primarily to let smoke escape when fires were made inside the home. These early windows also provided additional light and fresh air. However, due to the need for protection from outside dangers—such as bad weather, evil spirits, or wild animals—ancient civilizations, including those in the Mediterranean, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire, often avoided putting large openings in their buildings.
n Ancient Greece, windows were typically narrow slits meant to let in a little light. It wasn’t until the Roman Empire that the first glass windows appeared. This innovation unlocked new possibilities for architects, allowing them to incorporate beauty into their designs for temples, homes, and other structures, especially those of the wealthy.
By the 1300s, a type of glass known as “moon glass” was being used in Europe. This glass gained popularity until Venetian masters revolutionized glassmaking in the 16th century. The technique involved blowing a bubble of glass, which was then cut and flattened on a stone surface. The resulting pane wasn’t perfectly smooth; it had waves and a small, circular mark in the middle from the blowing pipe.
As glassmaking techniques improved, architects began designing different styles of windows, such as the Berlin window and the Venetian window. Today, windows are far more than simple holes in the wall. They are sophisticated systems made from advanced framing materials, locks, and multiple types of glass with solar control options. Modern windows also boast energy efficiency ratings, tailored to different climate zones.
For instance, window designs vary between North America and Europe. In Europe, the casement window, also known as the tilt-and-turn window, opens inward on hinges. Its top portion can also tilt slightly inward to allow for ventilation. One advantage of this style is that it can be made wider than the typical North American window. However, the downside is that if there’s furniture or any objects in front of the window, it can’t open fully.
On the other hand, North American-style casement windows open outward. This design prevents interference with furniture or objects inside the room. When opened, the sash pivots from the side, allowing air to flow from both sides. These windows are easy to clean, both inside and out. However, their width is usually limited to about 38 inches and their height to 72 inches.
In North America, other popular window types include awning windows, hung windows, slider windows, and fixed windows. For basements, slider windows, hopper windows, and egress windows are commonly used.
