Conceal or reveal a view?
When it comes to making the most of an enticing vista, a bigger window is not always better. Queenstown architect Stacey Farrell says what is concealed is just as important as what is revealed.
‘‘Having your windows as big as possible isn’t always the answer,’’ she says. ‘‘Getting peeks of a view can be more dramatic than revealing the whole thing.’’
Arrowtown architect Anna-Marie Chin agrees, saying it’s difficult to appreciate the intricacies of a view if you have it all out in front of you. ‘‘Ask yourself - do you need to see all the view all of the time? You don’t always want the same view in every part of the house. The main living area could suit big windows with lots of glass, but bedrooms or den areas might need a sense of privacy and intimacy and could suit seeing just portions of the view.’’
Window shape is another important factor. ‘‘The size and shape of windows can change the space dramatically,’’ says Chin. ‘‘Consider whether windows are horizontal or vertical.’’
Two windows of different sizes and shapes placed next to each other will reveal different parts of the view. ‘‘This can be more interesting than revealing the whole lot at once.’’
Farrell says window placement is also key, with high or low level windows often working better than simple eye level ones. ‘‘Unless you’re in the wilderness, the eye level view is often of your neighbours place or the street,’’ she says. ‘‘If you block that out selectively with a wall and a piece of art and then go for high level windows, they might reveal tree tops, hills and the sky instead.’’
Sometimes, being ‘in’ the view is appropriate, with window seats and cantilevers achieving this.
Windows can also be put in unexpected areas to reveal quirky views such as in stairwells, at the foot of the bath and in exterior doors.
Some window frames are more effective at bringing a view in than others. Black tends to recede into the background when you look out of them, drawing the eye to the view.
Glass balustrades and other transparent surfaces can also be used to maximise views from all angles, while mirrors can be placed strategically to reflect them.