Openings are one of the trickiest elements to deal with. They have to control the transmittance of various elements like Vision, Sound, Breeze, Light, Heat, Water, Dust, Insects and Intruders. A clear understanding of the various forces will help in achieving physiological and psychological well being.
Form of Openings
An opening is basically a space devoid of a ‘wall’. This opening is a technology in itself to exist. A wall has to be terminated in height and width. The staggered masonry of the wall is straightened using various techniques of wall design. A lintel which is a structural element over the window distributes the load of the wall above the opening over to the wall besides it. Various shapes of openings can be created. These can be enabled by using ‘Arches’ in masonry or by using monolithic frames in Wood and RCC.
Treatment of Openings
The opening is weather-proofed by plastering or lining it with stone strips. A chajja or fins are also added to counter light & heat and rainwater. Grooves or drip-moulds are created around the window to divert rainwater around the openings. A monolithic frame made of wood or stone is articulated within the opening to distribute the load of the structure around the opening. The material of the frame is also such that it can in-turn house the shutters of the window or ventilator within it.
Depending on the purpose of the openings, secondary elements can be added to counter external forces. Coverings, Screens, Louvers, Glass, Insect-Nets, Grills, etc. of various materials can be created. Hybrid and dynamic systems can also be created to facilitate various functions at different times. A simple openable or sliding shutter can either let-in or shut-out the interiors from the externalities.
Shutters
Various types of shutter options are available. Nowadays Aluminium sections or profiles are extensively used. These can be made as sliding and casement (openable) panels. These are also available in UPVC. These industrial products can house Glass, Nets, Louvres etc. Special glasses and sandwiched glasses are also available to be used which have heat & light resistant properties.
Bespoke windows can be made using wood and metal. These can be designed to have the combination of elements and operations.
Energy Efficiency
Today we use Air-conditioners to condition the climate within our spaces. Openings become a weak element in insulating the interiors from the external elements. These cause excessive use of energy in maintaining comfort conditions within the space due to different properties of materials and gaps between them. Hence proper use of materials for frames, shutters, panels which have the ideal specifications to counter the elements is critical. Also sealing the joints between different materials & elements is important to avoid leakage.
The use of elements inside the openings can also supplement the windows in controlling the ambience within the house. Elements with thick & thin, Opaque & Translucent materials help in light & heat regulation. Fabrics, Wood-Grass louvres, Metal & Plastic blinds, Sun-Films, etc. can be used independently or in combination to create variety of conditions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Security is the biggest concern when it comes to enjoying the external climate. The larger the openings, difficult it is to secure the space from unwanted intruders – humans or non. The use of grills and nets becomes critical. The use of Railings are also important when it comes to safety of the inhabitants.
The design of openings in a building is like a double-edged sword and a critical balance in the proportions has to be achieved to create an economic building.
Best of Luck!!