Fixed windows are window designs that do not include any sashes or sections of the window that are configured to open and close. Windows of this type are often used in the designs of many different types of buildings, such as offices, courthouses, and houses of worship. There are also windows of this type that are sometimes used in the design of private residences.
One of the more common varieties of the fixed window is known as the picture window. A window of this type is designed with a frame that matches the general elements of the room design itself. Featuring clear glass that makes it possible to view the exterior area, fixed windows of this kind are often strategically placed within a room design to allow people to enjoy the view while also enjoying the comfort of the climate controlled interior space.
Fixed windows can come in many different sizes and shapes. For this reason, it is not unusual to see fixed windows in many houses of worship. It is possible to create a large fixed glass window design that incorporates the use of stained or tempered glass that helps to minimize the glare from the sun. Christian churches often feature large windows of varying shapes that depict scenes reminiscent of events recorded within the canon of Christian scripture, or some event that is relevant to a particular Christian denomination or tradition.
In like manner, many office buildings make use of fixed windows as a basic part of the design. Depending on the layout of the workspace, the windows may be square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape desired. They may be placed and designed to allow the maximum amount of natural light into the space, or serve as a means of making a smaller workplace seem larger by using oversized windows that offer an impressive view of the outside. As more businesses look for ways to manage their energy consumption with more efficiency, the use of strategically placed fixed windows has increased in popularity.
The benefits of fixed windows include more efficiency in heat and cooling the interior space, as well as ease of cleaning and maintenance. Because there are no mechanisms to open and close a portion of the window, there is less chance of small cracks developing over time that let in air from the outside. In like manner, cleaning fixed windows is often considered easier, since there is no chance for sashes or other components of the window to move during the cleaning process.
