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Architect's Toolbox: The Open Corner Window
Wrap a corner with glass to blur the distinctions between rooms and views
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I am licensed to practice architecture in Illinois, Florida, New Jersey & Wisconsin and I am a certificate holder from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Since 1996 I have worked from my home office and provide full architectural services exclusively to the single family residential market. My passion is to transform my clients' houses into their homes. I strive to have the "new" home accommodate my clients' lives without fighting them at every junction. I look to add curb appeal to encourage a beautiful streetscape. And I design any addition to look and feel like it has always been there.
Our projects have won numerous design awards as well as having...
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located... More »
The traditional way of making a room is to build four walls, each connected and perpendicular to the adjoining wall. Doors and windows are then "cut" or "punched" into the walls to connect rooms and introduce light and views.
In the late 19th century, architects in the upper Midwest started to experiment with creating rooms that flowed one into another and from inside to outside. They did this by eliminating the corners and not connecting wall to wall. Opening up by taking out the corners of the room was like eliminating the corners of a rectangular bowl. The space within the room, like the water within the bowl, would flow freely, spilling out to the adjoining rooms and the outside.
The result is that the open corner, like the flat roof, has become a trademark of modern design.
In the late 19th century, architects in the upper Midwest started to experiment with creating rooms that flowed one into another and from inside to outside. They did this by eliminating the corners and not connecting wall to wall. Opening up by taking out the corners of the room was like eliminating the corners of a rectangular bowl. The space within the room, like the water within the bowl, would flow freely, spilling out to the adjoining rooms and the outside.
The result is that the open corner, like the flat roof, has become a trademark of modern design.
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| The lack of any structural support at the corner has the effect of flattening the space, transforming the view into what appears to be a large landscape painting. |
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The space of the room spills out to the wooded landscape beyond, and the tree becomes a part of the room.
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| Glass wraps the corner, and the wall is virtually nonexistent. The horizontal muntin bars form a residual corner and connect the two walls. The space of the room is simultaneously contained and allowed to spill free, a nice duality. |
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| There is nothing in the way to impede the view while creating the next great piece of literature. |
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The corner window gives this shower the illusion of being outside.
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Here is a fun and colorful version of the open corner, proof that this tool can be used across any style.
Like individual frames of a movie, the windows capture increasing amounts of treetop and sky, while the open corner keeps the progression going.
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Walls of glass without any visible means of support blur the distinction between inside and outside.
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The large piece of glass turns the corner to create an uninterrupted view of the landscape, while the large expanse of wall above the glass creates a hard edge to the space, simultaneously expansive and sheltered.
More: Getting it Wright: Today's Prairie Style Homes
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More: Getting it Wright: Today's Prairie Style Homes
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Comments
Jennifer Johnson Wow....LOVE these windows. They're the perfect way to take in a great view.... it would be so inspiring to wake up to so much expansiveness or to have so much creative fodder right there at your desk. Thanks for a fabulous ideabook!
19 months ago · Like
Joanne Cannell Designs I love the look, but I'm wondering if this is allowed by building departments or a good idea in areas prone to earthquakes.
18 months ago · Like
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saghdasi Wow!very nice,very good!
18 months ago · Like
midmodfan Richard Neutra invented the "spider leg" to support the open corner. Always loved that detail.
18 months ago · Like
mkeller70 Love this type of window. Where can I get info on these for my builder?
5 months ago · Like
Bud Dietrich, AIA @mkeller70 - For something like the corner windows shown here your best approach would be to work with a good architect first
5 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on Nov. 8, 2011.
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