DESIGN CHALLENGE

When a Michigan family started the journey of updating the home they built 20 years ago, they dreamt of an open floor plan that reflected their Asian culture. They also wanted to take full advantage of the remarkable views by including larger windows and doors that would span the back of their home. During the design process one of the most important decisions made is the selection of windows and doors. They not only affect the overall aesthetics of the home but have a substantial influence over energy efficiency, functionality, and privacy—and can even have an impact on health.

DesRosiers Architects used Weather Shield’s Contemporary Collection to achieve a custom look for homeowners in Ann Arbor.
DesRosiers Architects used Weather Shield’s Contemporary Collection to achieve a custom look for homeowners in Ann Arbor.
The Michigan homeowners opted for Weather Shield’s Contemporary Collection Casement Windows, Direct Set Windows, and Hinged Doors, which include an aluminum-clad exterior, providing a virtually maintenance-free finish that resists varying weather elements.
The Michigan homeowners opted for Weather Shield’s Contemporary Collection Casement Windows, Direct Set Windows, and Hinged Doors, which include an aluminum-clad exterior, providing a virtually maintenance-free finish that resists varying weather elements.

The family decided to partner with DesRosiers Architects because of the firm’s impressive design portfolio, which aligned with their vision. But DesRosiers had their work cut out for them. Using the current site and core structure as a starting point was a challenge, especially since the floor plan had to be transformed into something completely different.

THE SOLUTION

The goal was clearly defined: a home that’s beautiful inside and made even more beautiful by drawing in the outdoors.

The homeowners wanted to take full advantage of the remarkable panoramic views of their rolling 5 acres in Michigan by including larger windows and doors that would span the back of their home. (Shown here is Weather Shield’s Contemporary Collection Casement Windows, Direct Set Windows, Sliding Patio Doors, and Hinged Doors.)
The homeowners wanted to take full advantage of the remarkable panoramic views of their rolling 5 acres in Michigan by including larger windows and doors that would span the back of their home. (Shown here is Weather Shield’s Contemporary Collection Casement Windows, Direct Set Windows, Sliding Patio Doors, and Hinged Doors.)
The custom window and door sizes not only helped create symmetry throughout the design of the home, but also allowed the homeowner to get the view they wanted.
The custom window and door sizes not only helped create symmetry throughout the design of the home, but also allowed the homeowner to get the view they wanted.

DesRosiers used Weather Shield Windows and Doors to achieve the custom look and the homeowners received much more in return: a return on investment. In the bitter-cold Michigan winters and the hot, humid summers that follow, the windows and doors need to be well insulated to help keep the house comfortable for the occupants as well as provide energy savings. Every window and door included in the house is energy efficient with tempered, insulated low-E glass—a perfect pairing for the newer, larger home.

More important than the beauty and awe of the new larger-set windows and doors were the health benefits that came with it for the homeowners. Oversized windows and doors offer easier access and more visibility to the outdoors, which can help dramatically reduce some health issues. Having a stronger connection with the outdoors can improve mood, cognition, and overall health.

Every window and door included in the home is energy efficient with tempered, insulated low-E-glass (Weather Shield Direct Set Windows is shown).
Every window and door included in the home is energy efficient with tempered, insulated low-E-glass (Weather Shield Direct Set Windows is shown).
Oversized windows offer more visibility to the outdoors and can help dramatically reduce some health issues. Having a stronger connection with the outdoors can improve mood as well as provide a dramatic backdrop (Weather Shield Direct Set Windows is shown).
Oversized windows offer more visibility to the outdoors and can help dramatically reduce some health issues. Having a stronger connection with the outdoors can improve mood as well as provide a dramatic backdrop (Weather Shield Direct Set Windows is shown).

The windows and doors have an aluminum-clad exterior, providing a virtually maintenance-free finish that resists varying weather elements. The homeowners wanted a unique look and chose the designer-focused hardware collection with a finish that perfectly complements the interior design. In addition, the windows and doors include unfinished pine interiors so they could be customized to the colors to the rest of the home. This versatility allowed the homeowners and designers to choose nearly any size, shape, and color for a truly unique home geared toward their taste, yet at a moderate, reasonable price.

Window and door choices can completely change the look of a home. By working closely with an architect to see their vision through, the homeowners were beyond pleased as they were able to get the home of their dreams that was at once modern, innovative, and unique with the right amount of Asian flair intertwined into the design.

Weather Shield products used in the home: Contemporary Collection Casement Windows, Direct Set and 90̊ Corner Windows, Hinged Doors, and Sliding Patio Doors.