MIlgard aluminum should be fine as long as you step above the entry level products. You will definitely get thinner sight lines from aluminum than fiberglass. The only thing you could do to get even thinner sight lines would be steel but then your looking at a completely different breed of cats (and more $$$).

I agree with Millworkman, and would just add that while some fiberglass windows offer narrow frames, Milgard isn’t one of them. Thermally-broken aluminum is the way to go for the look you want at a reasonable price point.

You could look at commercial windows for what you want . They are not cheap but certainly give you that look .Have you looked at folding glass doors for that large opening.

Remuddling that poor old house into something it is not is tres expensive. Starting with windows that will actually pass code. Commercial will just be expensive and not pass.

Renovating house in southern CA. Most aluminum windows will not pass Title 24 without doing a bunch of energy efficiency upgrades to the rest of the house.

Thank you to everyone who commented. After actually seeing and physically trying out the windows at a showroom the quality and operation of the Marvin Ultimate (in contemporary style) are hands down heads and tails above the others mentioned here. Aluminum Clad ext/pine int with Ebony ext/Designer Black in paint. I got a quote for 8 Windows and a kitchen door for 12.5k; pricey but this is for our main great room so I think worth it. However, I am still on the hunt for a patio door that opens all the way (1st choice) or stacks with opening on the left for a 14'x8' opening. Any suggestions?

Patricia Colwell Consulting; I like the picture of these; do you know what brand/style these are? thanks

Sophie Wheeler; thanks for your feedback but as you can see I'm well on my way to prettying up my pig so not sure if you were offering advice or discouragement?

" However, I am still on the hunt for a patio door that opens all the way (1st choice) or stacks with opening on the left for a 14'x8' opening. Any suggestions?"

Marvin should have either one.

Not a pro ... but

Loathe "fixed" windows ... but I live in a rural area, have plenty of shade around my home, wider than average roof overhang on all but one (site of a future porch, hopefully, and I choose to leave my windows open from early spring thru late fall.

To me, side/slide windows (without the internal cross pieces intended to make them look as if they have six or more small window panes), especially window and door frames with narrower frames (especially metal) and dark (black) color, have a much more modern look than any lift/raise window made of any material.

Don't sacrafice the practical for a look you currently like -- tastes change. Do choose double window panes rated (heat/cold) for your area.

millworkman-Marvin does but 20k for the stacking and 13.7k for a 4 panel slider opening from the middle...seems pricey...

suezbell-yea i loath fixed windows too. None here. Agree 100% with your comment:

To me, side/slide windows (without the internal cross pieces intended to make them look as if they have six or more small window panes), especially window and door frames with narrower frames (especially metal) and dark (black) color, have a much more modern look than any lift/raise window made of any material.

All windows will be Marvin Ultimate (contemporary series) with Alum clad/wood int with ebony ext/designer black paint at the factory interior. All sliders.

I assume you are also looking for aluminum clad doors to match your windows? You can try Anderson E, should be around 20% less than Marvin Ultimate. Sierra Pacific will probably be less than Anderson E. From what I gather, Anderson E is relatively well regarded by the pros here. Sierra Pacific is not so well regarded.

E series being 20% less than Ultimates would be a bit of stretch from what I am hearing lately. Pretty close and sometimes a tad more depending on the options.

"millworkman-Marvin does but 20k for the stacking and 13.7k for a 4 panel slider opening from the middle...seems pricey..."

Quality costs. That would be the range but Solar Innovations may be cheaper if you have a dealer local.