Lecture 8

1. Lecture 8. Windows and Doors

Prepared by: S. Niyetbay

2. Windows and Their Structural Design

• Windows are important architectural elements of a
building and provide natural lighting for interior spaces.
• Natural lighting can be provided through:
• vertical openings in walls
• horizontal openings in roofs and ceilings
• The size and placement of windows are determined by:
• calculations of natural illumination levels in rooms
• requirements of building codes and standards
• For residential buildings, the window area should
typically be:
1
1
−
8
5
• of the floor area of the room.
• Architectural importance of windows:
• provide natural daylight and visual connection with the
exterior
• influence the architectural appearance of the building
• affect the interior design of spaces
• Windows and glazed facades are essential elements that
shape both the building façade and the interior
environment.

3. Thermal Performance and Types of Windows

• Thermal Performance and Types of
Windows
• An important requirement for windows is their
thermal insulation performance, which helps:
• reduce unnecessary heat loss
• improve energy efficiency of buildings
• ensure sound insulation of rooms
• Classification of Windows by Material
• Windows are classified according to the
material of their structural elements:
• Wooden windows
• Metal windows
• Reinforced concrete windows
• Plastic (PVC) windows

4. Structural Elements of Window Blocks

A window block typically consists of the following main
elements:
Window frame (window box)
Glazed sash frames
Window sill
The window frame is the main supporting element to which
the window sashes are attached.
For large windows, additional internal elements called
mullions (imposts) may be used to increase structural
rigidity. These elements can be arranged vertically or
horizontally.
The upper part of the window, which may be fixed or
opening, is called a transom.
Components of Window Sashes
Window sashes and fixed frames consist of:
frame members forming the structural skeleton
muntins or glazing bars, which divide the sash into smaller
glazing panels
Small ventilation openings (vent windows) may also be
installed between these elements to provide natural
ventilation of rooms.
Glass panels are placed in specially prepared grooves and
fixed using:
nails
metal pins
glazing beads.

5. Types of Windows According to Opening Method

• Windows can be classified according to their opening
mechanism.
• Common types include:
• Sliding windows
• Casement (hinged) windows
• Top-hung windows
• Fixed windows (non-opening)
• Louvered windows
• Bottom-hung windows
• Pivot windows
• These different opening systems allow:
• effective ventilation of interior spaces
• functional convenience in operation
• adaptation to various architectural and climatic conditions
• Proper selection of window type improves building functionality,
comfort, and architectural design.

6. Construction of a Window Block

• A window block consists of several structural elements that
ensure stability, insulation, and proper operation of the window.
• Main components of a window block:
• Window frame (box) – the supporting structure installed in the
wall opening
• Window sash (casement) – movable or fixed part holding the
glass
• Glass panels – provide natural lighting for the room
• Hinges and fittings – allow the sash to open and close
• Glazing beads and sealing materials – fix the glass in the
frame
• Vent window (small opening sash) – used for natural
ventilation
• To improve sealing and insulation, rubber strips or sealing
materials may be installed between structural elements.

7. Installation of Window Blocks in Walls

The installation of window blocks requires proper fixing and sealing
to ensure durability and thermal performance.
Main installation steps:
Fixing the window frame in the wall opening
The frame is secured using anchors, nails, or metal fasteners.
Sealing the gap between the wall and the frame
The gap is filled with insulation materials such as:
–
tow (packing material)
–
mortar or gypsum mixture.
Protection of the frame
The frame is treated with antiseptic materials to protect it from
moisture and decay.
Installation of additional elements
–
drip edges for water drainage
–
window sill inside the building.
Proper installation ensures:
thermal insulation
protection from atmospheric water
long-term durability of window structures.

8. Installation of Window Blocks in Walls

• The installation of window blocks requires proper fixing and
sealing to ensure durability and thermal performance.
• Main installation steps:
• Fixing the window frame in the wall opening
The frame is secured using anchors, nails, or metal
fasteners.
• Sealing the gap between the wall and the frame
The gap is filled with insulation materials such as:
– tow (packing material)
– mortar or gypsum mixture.
• Protection of the frame
The frame is treated with antiseptic materials to protect it
from moisture and decay.
• Installation of additional elements
– drip edges for water drainage
– window sill inside the building.
• Proper installation ensures:
• thermal insulation
• protection from atmospheric water
• long-term durability of window structures.

9. Modern Window Construction Systems

• In modern construction, several structural
solutions are used for window installation and
design.
• 1. Windows with paired frames
• In this system:
• the outer and inner frames are placed close
together
• they function as a single structural element with
two glass layers
• Advantages:
• reduction of wood consumption by about 30%
• lower construction cost (about 10%)
• lighter structural weight
• Disadvantages:
• increased heat losses compared with other
modern window systems.

10. Window Installation Without a Frame and Metal Profile Windows

• 1. Installation of windows without a traditional frame
• In this method:
• window elements are fixed directly to anchors or embedded parts
in the wall panel
• sealing materials are used to ensure airtightness and protection
against moisture
• This method is widely used in prefabricated panel buildings.
• 2. Windows made of light metal profiles
• Modern buildings often use windows made from:
• aluminum profiles
• light metal frame systems
• Advantages of metal-profile windows:
• high structural strength
• durability and corrosion resistance
• large glazing areas
• improved architectural appearance of façades
• These systems are widely applied in modern residential,
commercial, and public buildings.

11. Glass Blocks and Glass-Profile Window Systems

Glass Blocks and GlassProfile Window Systems
In modern
architecture, glassprofile systems are
often used for filling
window openings.
A glass-profile unit
usually consists of:
two glass layers
an air gap between
the layers
a frame made of
rubber or plastic
sealing elements
These systems
provide:
improved thermal
insulation
good airtightness
reliable sealing of
window joints
Glass-profile elements
are installed in upper
and lower steel
angle frame

12. Continuous Glazing in Modern Architecture

Modern architectural
design widely uses
continuous glazing
systems.
Continuous glazing
means that large wall
areas are replaced by
glass panels.
Advantages of continuous
glazing:
maximum natural
lighting of interior
spaces
visual connection
between interior and
exterior
modern architectural
appearance
improved aesthetic
qualities of buildings
Such glazing systems are
widely used in:
public buildings
shopping centers
transport terminals
industrial buildings
modern office buildings
Continuous glazing plays
an important role in
creating open, bright, and
visually expressive
architectural spaces.

13. Types of Glazed Facades and Display Windows

• In architectural design, glazed façade systems are widely
used to create transparent exterior walls.
• These wall systems may consist of a combination of:
• windows
• solid wall panels
• structural elements between openings
• Such façade systems fill the space between the structural
frame elements of the building.
• Glazing elements are usually mounted on a frame made of
steel or aluminum profiles.
Between the glazing elements, thermal insulation panels
may also be installed.
• Types of Glazing Structures
• Glazing systems may include:
• stained-glass façades
• display windows (shop windows)
• large façade glazing systems
• These glazing systems may have:
• single glazing
• double glazing
• triple glazing
• Glazed façades can replace an entire wall and form
continuous horizontal or vertical bands of glass.

14. Doors and Their Structural Design

Doors are used to separate interior
spaces and provide building access.
The location, number, and size of
doors depend on:
the number of people using the
building
the type and function of the building
requirements for circulation and
evacuation
Main Components of a Door
A door consists of two main elements:
Door frame (door box) – installed in
the wall opening
Door leaf (door panel) – movable part
attached to the frame by hinges
Types of Doors by Location
Doors in buildings may be:
internal doors
external doors
cabinet or service doors
Door Sizes
Typical dimensions used in buildings:
Single-leaf doors:
600 mm
700 mm
800 mm
900 mm
1100 mm
Double-leaf doors:
1200 mm
1400 mm
1800 mm
Typical door height:
2000 mm or 2300 mm.

15. Structural Types of Doors

• Door leaves can have different structural designs depending on construction
requirements.
• 1. Panel (Flush) Doors
• Panel doors consist of:
• a frame made of wooden bars
• a solid or lattice core panel
• covering sheets on both sides (plywood, fiberboard, or plastic)
• Characteristics:
• simple and economical construction
• widely used for interior doors
• relatively lightweight structure.
• 2. Framed (Paneled) Doors
• Paneled doors consist of:
• perimeter frame members
• intermediate vertical and horizontal members
• infill panels called panels
• Panels can be made of:
• wood boards
• plywood
• fiberboard
• plastic materials.
• Advantages:
• higher strength and durability
• decorative architectural appearance
• commonly used in residential and public buildings.

16. Door Installation and Hardware

• Door frames are installed in wall openings and securely fixed to the
surrounding structures.
• Installation Features
• The gap between the door frame and the wall is filled with insulating
materials.
• Decorative trim elements (architraves) cover the joint between the
frame and the wall.
• Sometimes a transom window is installed above the door to provide
additional natural lighting.
• Fire Safety Requirements
• Doors located in:
• staircases
• fire walls
• attic spaces
• must be fire-resistant.
• This is achieved by using:
• fireproof gaskets
• metal cladding
• heat-resistant materials.
• Door Hardware
• Main door fittings include:
• hinges
• door handles
• locks
• latches
• Proper door construction and installation ensure safety, durability,
and convenient operation of buildings.