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Stunning, Surprising Corner Windows
Angled Windows Skip the Frame for More Light and Panoramic Views
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
Traditionally windows are openings in a single wall that frame a view and bring in light from one direction. Corner windows are atypical and therefore something special; they create expansive views and bring in more light than typical punched openings. When a window eschews a corner support or frame the effect is even more dramatic, as the following photos attest.
Historically these apertures wrapping exterior corners trace themselves to Art Deco and early International Style architecture, be it houses, apartment buildings or offices. For an early example of a frameless corner one should look to Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater from 1936. Those corner windows create panoramic views and reinforce the dramatic cantilevers that made the lack of corner supports possible. Wright’s influence — as well as that of the early Modern architects — upon some of the following is undeniable.
Historically these apertures wrapping exterior corners trace themselves to Art Deco and early International Style architecture, be it houses, apartment buildings or offices. For an early example of a frameless corner one should look to Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater from 1936. Those corner windows create panoramic views and reinforce the dramatic cantilevers that made the lack of corner supports possible. Wright’s influence — as well as that of the early Modern architects — upon some of the following is undeniable.
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| This view looking literally through a corner window from outside really emphasizes what is special about these situations. One can easily imagine sitting in that corner to read or just sit and stare at the view. Here, the recessed placement of the glass dramatizes the thickness of the wall construction, further setting off the window as something special. |
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For this small office and guesthouse in Los Angeles, Kanner Architects used corner windows to stress the plan's angular form, and to frame views of eucalyptus trees and other landscaping on the site. The window in this photo is one of two corner windows in a building adding up to only 600 square feet.
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Inside the office/guesthouse shown in the previous photo, the impact of the corner window on the small space is obvious. Its integration with the seating, casework, and adjacent horizontal window helps to reinforce this corner.
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In this contemporary home office designed by Dror Barda Architects, the relationship between inside and outside is extremely important; a layered composition. The large corner window is visually open to a rock garden bound by concrete walls. Note how the walking surface in the garden aligns with the top of the casework inside. As well, the built-in defined by the wood-faced drawers mimics the concrete walls outside: two spaces, inside and outside, of the same form and relationship.
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| The exterior view of the previous home office is surprising, because the fairly oppressive weight of the solid walls above is not apparent from inside. |
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A design clearly inspired by Wright's Fallingwater in its use of corner windows with horizontal mullions is this residence by the office of Steven Ehrlich. Not only are corner windows abundant here — I count at least five or six in the photos on Houzz — some are accentuated with projections that recall Wright's Prairie Style architecture.
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| The interior of the previous shot shows this projection conceptually extending into the room, lowering the ceiling over the built-in seating against the window. Everything about this corner — the window, the furniture, the ceiling, the fireplace — makes it a special place in the house. |
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| Another use of corner windows in the Ehrlich-designed house is downstairs, next to a large sliding glass door between the dining room and garden. From the outside this corner does not seem to serve much purpose ... |
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| ... But seen from the inside, this corner window opens up a larger view of the house's manicured landscaping. Makes sense to me; if one is going to the expense of creating a garden like this, one should enjoy it from as many places as possible. |
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| Another house with a number of corner windows is this one in Palo Alto, CA; I count three of them in this backyard view alone. An educated guess would put the bathroom (following photo) in the wood-clad volume propped upon those steel stilts. |
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| As revealed, this corner window in the shower, combined with the glass partition, brings a good amount of light to the whole bathroom. Placing the clear-glass window high — at about head height — creates privacy and frames a view of the trees outside. And yes, this photo shows that corner windows aren't just for living spaces. |
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One more house that incorporates a number of corner windows is House Ocho in California's Santa Lucia Mountains, designed by Feldman Architecture. Here the large corner window seems to exist to frame a view of the tree just a few feet away.
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| From inside, a different corner window and a different tree framed by it. Note that the adjacent openings are operable windows and sliding doors. Seamless corner windows are fixed, due to the structural bond of the silicon at the corner. |
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| Still at House Ocho, this photo illustrates the relationship between the glass and the structure; the latter is located a couple feet past the exterior wall, allowing the corner window and clerestory to be free of framing at the corner. |
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| In the dining room of House Ocho two corner windows facing each other define a bay window. While this unfortunately puts framing and screens in the middle of the expansive vista, one sitting at the dining table is surrounded by the dramatic view. Next: Browse more photos of home architecture and design |
Comments
Annie Thornton More than just beautiful photos, your ideabook was very informative. Thanks for the exposure to both aspects of the detailing.
2 years ago · Like
Denise Vilim Thank you so much for this wonderful ideabook! One of my absolute favorites, from the stunning photos to the informational descriptions To have even just one tiny corner window in my home would be heaven!
2 years ago · Like
Danielle Excellent ideak, thanks for sharing it. I love the corner windows and hope to be able to have one of my own some day.
2 years ago · Like
ncarsten I live in an historic Art Deco building in downtown Atlanta, GA. We have 3 corner windows in our condo and we LOVE the light and feel they provide. Thanks for sharing these beautiful modern examples. 
2 years ago · Like
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jhaylor My aunt and uncle had a home designed by Neutra (now demolished) with two corner windows - one in the dining room and one in the master bedroom. Those windows were magical to me. My aunt kept her sewing machine on the counter below one window - what a treat it was for her to look up from her chores and and be surrounded by the garden with the ocean beyond
2 years ago · Like
Tracy Learner love these homes
2 years ago · Like
Sharon Barnard I'm a designer in Denver & have admired S. Ehrlich's work for a long time. The Kanner bath and office are just the BEST!
2 years ago · Like
rrpollack Stunning. Thanks for sharing these.
2 years ago · Like
ellie48 A wonderful post. I agree that where you can put a window instead of solid wall, especially to enjoy the view, go for it. A great post.
2 years ago · Like
Elahe JR i just can say was awesome, and i love your works. gonna check your website soon :) 
2 years ago · Like
John Hill Thanks for all the comments on my first ideabook. As an architect I'm glad to see such interesting houses on Houzz. As I browser I'm finding plenty of fodder for many more ideabooks!
2 years ago · Like
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patpatkay I am in awe of the beautiful architecture and interior design. This house is perfect.... Congratulations, John Hill. You are awesome! :D
2 years ago · Like
bodybygym Corner windows seem to open up a rooms size and view...Love it!
2 years ago · Like
Mahoney Architects I'm looking for manufacturers of corner windows. I know Pella no longer makes them, and there's Dynamic in BC; any closer to the East Coast?
12 months ago · Like
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Sheryl Horton I have corner windows opening to a SC Low Country water view that I absolutely love. However they are not energy efficient and are getting a little cloudy. What can I do to pass code in a coastal area?
9 months ago · Like
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Ideabook updated on Nov. 8, 2011.
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