You can have whatever you want in your build ... just need time and money to get it done.

It is a matter of architectural style.

It's a matter of architectural style and money to pay the right architect/designer.

@Mark Bischak and @Michael Menn -

That makes sense; I wasn't sure if it was due to some engineering or energy efficiency code changes that occurred over the decades. By "selecting the right architect / designer" I assume you mean someone experienced or specializing in that type of design?

@millworkman -

Very good to know!

@chipsa -

Isn't that the truth!

Clearstory windows are typically found on modern architectural style houses, and not traditional or historical style houses. Most builder and tract division houses are the latter style, and not modern style house.

The post and beam houses you show in your pictures appear to be mid century modern styles.

Here's a Frank Lloyd Wright house with clearstory windows.

The idea behind clearstory windows is that they allow additional natural light into the house interiors.

They can easily be a part of your house design if your architect is designing in the proper architectural style.

@Virgil Carter

That makes sense. I wonder why their popularity waned in 80s contemporary. Our 80s contemporary has clerestories but they're ~5 inches from the ceiling, surrounded by trim. I didn't know if it was a stylist choice only or practical reasons.

@Virgil Carter

That makes sense. I wonder why their popularity waned in 80s contemporary. Our 80s contemporary has clerestories but they're ~5 inches from the ceiling, surrounded by trim. I didn't know if it was a stylist choice only or practical reasons.

We are thinking about using them in a current build. They may or may not need to be steel windows, depending on an opening and a header design. Structural windows are really expensive or at least we do not know where to look. Most the time people use thermally broken aluminum.

Most double hung and casements limited in height to 72", fixed to 96" anything else $$$. It is easy to draw 84" or even 96" tall casement - finding them for anything reasonable ... different story.

Most "modern" houses uses large areas of fixed glazing and smaller sizes of operable glazing. It all depends on the design aesthetic.

When we remodeled our previous house in 2002, we used what are essentially 'store-front' windows, and steel beams because we took out all the load bearing interior walls.

@sushipup1

The wall of windows looks lovely. Store-front windows sound ideal. In my humid climate (the south) it's not really practical to ever keep windows open anyway so fixed windows make the most sense in all aspects.

Below are smaller sliding windows that can be opened. This is a split lever so the smaller windows you see in the picture are at floor level above in the kitchen.

@sushipup1

I noticed you incorporated smaller sliders at the bottom of your design; they look great and seem well sized if you're opening the windows for airflow. I also love your low built in bookshelves below the windows.