Windows to the Future: 6 Elegant Architectural Projects Embracing Vitrocsa’s Cutting-Edge Fenestration

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Few materials have redefined modern architecture like glass. Vitrocsa, a pioneering Swiss glass manufacturer, has built on this idea through a revolutionary approach to window design. Vitrocsa seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create windows that transcend the boundaries of conventional architectural aesthetics. Switzerland’s commitment to precision and excellence is deeply ingrained in Vitrocsa’s DNA, driving the company to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of glass window solutions.

Architects and designers across the globe have embraced Vitrocsa’s products for their sleek, minimalist design and unparalleled functionality. Vitrocsa’s history can be traced back to the visionary mind of Eric Joray, an inventor and designer immersed in the meticulous world of Swiss watchmaking. In 1992, Joray laid the foundation for a minimalist window concept redefining spatial aesthetics. He invented the Vitrocsa minimalist window, characterized by uncluttered lines and unparalleled transparency. Today, Vitrocsa windows are exported to all five continents and over forty countries. As we delve into the transformative influence of Vitrocsa on architectural design, it becomes clear that the Swiss manufacturer is not just crafting windows; they are shaping the very lens through which we view architecture today.

Sunrise House

By MCK Architects, NSW, Australia

Sunrise House, nestled in the dunes of the Australian NSW South Coast, was envisioned to accommodate both a family of four and larger gatherings of friends. The design directive prioritized comfort, resilience against coastal elements, and blending seamlessly with the coastal surroundings. Positioned parallel to a popular coastal road, the building strategically places bedrooms on the ground floor for privacy, while living zones above capture panoramic ocean views. A steel frame over a concrete plinth facilitates an open flow from inside to out, maintaining privacy with recycled timbers on the street façade.

The house’s orientation optimizes engagement with the Pacific Ocean while addressing street presence concerns. High-quality glazing systems, durable off-form concrete and recycled Australian hardwoods contribute to the structure’s robustness and longevity. Vitrocsa’s Turnable Corner system was used to optimise space by using a roller which completely frees up the glazed components from a passageway. The collaborative effort of a visionary client, builders, engineers, landscape designers, and architects results in a rewarding outcome. The homeowners actively played a pivotal role in the process, challenging the team to explore unconventional solutions, particularly in structural design.

Indoor Swimming Pool, Buckinghamshire

By Paul+O Architects, Chalfont Saint Giles, United Kingdom

Paul+O Architects completed this contemporary pool house within the grounds of a Victorian country house in Buckinghamshire. The new structure encompasses a gym, playroom, and a swimming pool, connected to the main house by a linked corridor. While decidedly modern, the design draws inspiration from the existing architecture, featuring Belgian red brick and handmade clay tiles in a sleek interpretation of traditional materials. The slim brickwork and concealed gutter contribute to a seamless façade, creating a bold, volumetric form.

Strategic placement of glazed openings maximizes winter sun exposure, enhances heat retention, and prevents summer overheating, establishing a connection with the adjacent walled garden. The team describes the building products, noting that, “At the corners of the building, the robust brick walls give way to tall Vitrocsa glass windows that slide back into the cavity wall, dissolving the boundary of inside and out and opening up the pool to the garden.” The roof, with varying degrees of pitch, echoes the main house, resulting in an asymmetrical roofline that adds a playful touch to the contemporary annex. A long, slender window at deck level offers swimmers a picturesque view of the walled garden, blending leisure with landscape enjoyment.

House in Melides

By Pedro Reis Arquitecto, Melides, Portugal

Situated on a steep hill along the southern coast of Portugal in Melides, this residence skillfully integrates with the natural landscape. The geometric imprint of the house, formed by two overlapping volumes in a cross shape, establishes a strong presence while minimizing the construction’s scale. The lower volume, semi-interred and clad in on-site fabricated concrete blocks, harmonizes with the terrain, allowing the upper volume to partially suspend above. This strategic division, guided by the rugged terrain and program requirements, achieves a synthesis of two complementary dwelling forms.

The lower volume, housing support areas and bedrooms, emphasizes intimacy with narrow openings, while the upper part, hosting main spaces, embraces total transparency, connecting seamlessly with the environment. The home features Vitrocsa’s sliding glass design. The kitchen, central to the home, links the living room and garden through a shaded pergola, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The pool, nestled beneath the house, extends into the main bedroom, enhancing the dwelling’s playful character. The essence of this dwelling lies in a concentrated experience of indoor-outdoor living, encouraging contemplation and rest.

House on Bassett Road

By Paul+O Architects, London, United Kingdom

Paul+O Architects transformed a Victorian townhouse in Kensington into the House on Bassett Road. The renovation reinstated the four-story house as a single dwelling, combining open-plan living while preserving the original architectural integrity. The focus was on a rear double-height glazed extension, replacing an uninspiring 70s addition. The design, using glass and a cement flank wall, deliberately distinguishes itself from the original brick building per English Heritage’s guidance.

Internally, the layout was reorganized, and the staircase relocated, facilitating open-plan living without compromising the original structure. The extension’s minimalistic design and distinctive materials contribute to a contemporary interpretation of the Victorian aesthetic. Positioned in a conservation area, the project prioritized interventions to the rear to preserve the street façade’s integrity. The Guillotine window by Vitrocsa in the extension floods the living spaces with light, providing uninterrupted views of the south-facing garden, offering a modern interpretation of the traditional Victorian sash window.

20I30 Penthouse

By Raed Abillama Architects, Beirut, Lebanon

The 20/30 towers in Beirut were developed as residential buildings to showcase design and construction technologies. The interior is environmentally conscious, featuring a curved photovoltaic network that converts sunlight into electricity for hot water, heating, and air conditioning. Utilizing VRV technology, the building maximizes renewable resources. Exclusive insulation and zinc cladding minimize the carbon footprint.

Situated at the pinnacle, the triplex penthouse boasts a double-height ceiling, terrace, and pool, designed as an urban retreat with panoramic city views. Vitrocsa systems that were used include a sliding Vitrocsa TH+ with invisible wall and high-performance insulating glass with laminated double glazing. The project also features a Vitrocsa motorized guillotine design, where the system blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, tailored for the Mediterranean climate. Meticulous details, such as the invisible frame and white marble flooring extending to the pool’s edge, create a seamless space that highlights both landscaping and the surrounding view.

House on Cliffside

By Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, Spain

Nestled on a steep sea-facing plot, this home design harmonizes with the natural contours to create a sense of suspended time. The house overlooks the Mediterranean, with a sunlit pool creating a serene cove. A thoughtfully designed stairway introduces an evocative path, leading to a basement garden. To address the plot’s steepness and desire for a single-level structure, a three-dimensional reinforced concrete framework adapts to the terrain, minimizing earthwork.

This monolithic structure, anchored in stone, creates a horizontal platform for the house, while the pool is strategically positioned on a lower level. The home features Vitrocsa’s sliding glass design. The exterior was made with insulated concrete covered in smooth white lime stucco, maintaining a cohesive color palette that respects the region’s traditional architecture. The result is a home that highlights unity and continuity throughout the entire dwelling.

Architizer's A+Product Awards is open for submissions, with the Extended Entry Deadline fast approaching on Friday, February 23rd. Get your products in front of the AEC industry’s most renowned designers by submitting today.

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