Aug 3 2005
Picture yourself enjoying an early morning breakfast on the outdoor patio, quietly reading while a cool breeze blows through the window or relaxing as a summer meal is served on a three- season porch with nothing but natural air and daylight flowing through the screens.
Some call it the perfect blend -- bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out.
Windows and doors play an important role in blending home environments. While we rely on them for protection, privacy and optimal placement, we also need windows and doors that work for us to keep the home as safe, secure and energy-efficient as possible. Products from Pella Windows & Doors can match a home's mission to naturally blend with the environment. The green picture Before a home is even built, evaluate the environment surrounding the potential lot. There's a growing demand for new neighborhoods that take into account the green picture. These housing areas feature more green space for plants and play areas, plus schools, shopping and restaurants all within walking distance.
The popular concept is called New Urbanism, pioneered by world renowned architects Duany Plater-Zyberk. For example, families looking for new urbanist projects should consider if the development features tree-lined boulevards, no gates, and whether it passes the Popsicle(R) test -- can an eight-year-old in the neighborhood bike to a store to buy a Popsicle, without having to battle highway-size streets and freeway-speed traffic? Author and architect Sarah Susanka has long been an advocate of getting the most Mother Nature has to offer in home remodeling or new construction projects. In her book, "Home by Design", Susanka highlights three broad concepts fundamental to a welcoming home design: space, light and order.
Abundant natural daylight in a home is ideal, but strategic location of that light is key.
"We naturally and instinctively want to move toward light," says Susanka. "When windows are well placed to allow in beautiful sunlight, people will naturally move toward them when they walk into a home."
The wonder of windows, screens and doors Pella's Designer Series(R) Collection of windows and doors feature blinds between panes of glass and create an easy flow for going in and outside because there are no cords, blinds or clutter to get in the way. The Pella Rolscreen(R) retractable insect screen rolls out of sight when not in use and eliminates the need for seasonal screen storage. Pella's exclusive Vivid View(TM) screens are virtually invisible, allowing three times the airflow and 50 percent more light into the room than traditional screens. Many of Pella's products have earned the U.S. Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR(R) in recognition of their outstanding energy efficiency.
For more information, to find a local Pella Window & Door store or to contact a local Pella expert, call 888-84-PELLA or log on to http://www.pella.com.