HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WINDOW MATERIALS FOR YOUR HOME

Our Project House Austin window sponsor, Ply Gem, offers vinyl, aluminum- clad wood, aluminum and wood composite options.

“All our windows are made to order and can be configured to meet the specific energy performance requirements for all climate zones and local building requirements,” says Ply Gem’s Vice President of Marketing Steve Hoffins.

So, how do you choose the right window material for your home? Here are some tips to help you narrow down the perfect fit:

1. CLIMATE. Choosing a material that can withstand the climate you live in is the first thing to take into consideration. “In the north, where a project might require wood, aluminum- clad windows are a great choice. These windows offer the traditional look many homeowners are looking for while offering the durability and performance of a more modern vinyl window,” says Hoffins. “Aluminum windows are still popular in some southern climates, where thermal performance is less of an issue, and they can also offer a good, low- cost alternative. And vinyl windows will help lower heating and cooling costs while keeping your home comfortable in any climate.”

2. MAINTENANCE. Next, consider how much time and money you’re willing to put into maintaining your windows. If you’re looking for something low- maintenance, Ply Gem’s vinyl windows are your best option. “Premium vinyl resists deterioration, decay and damaging insect infestation,” Hoffins points out.

3. DURABILITY. All of Ply Gem’s window materials are durable and long- lasting.

“In addition to impact and wind resistance, today’s high- quality window materials are designed to resist damage from harsh weather, moisture and insects,” Hoffins explains. 4. AESTHETIC. Of course, you want to make sure that the material you choose will fit with the aesthetic of your Mid Century Modern home. Thankfully, all of Ply Gem’s window materials can be used to achieve an MCM look. As Hoffins points out, “Our aluminum 4700 windows are featured in this project home. They provide narrow sight lines and are available in dark, contrasting colors such as bronze and black to achieve that authentic MCM style. Our 1500 Series vinyl product line ( in the East) and our 200 Pro Series vinyl product line ( in the West) both feature dark bronze and black exterior colors to achieve the trending, bold, contrasting exterior look, but they also have neutral white interiors that are typically desired on the interior.” 5. PRICE. Lastly, take your budget into account. However, make sure you’re prioritizing the function and energy efficiency of your windows before their cost.

KEEP IT COHESIVE

With such a large home and a desire to bring new ideas to light with each space, it was a challenge to keep the theme cohesive.

“All the rooms have different identities to make them memorable,” Christine points out. “But with so many different rooms that we wanted to make unique, I still wanted continuity with color, texture, pattern, wood tone and silhouettes and to make sure everything was balanced throughout the spaces.”

The casita is where Christine really played up the retro theme: She chose common MCM colors such as yellow, robin’s egg blue and orange. The furnishings and décor all pay homage to mid- century style. However, in the main house, she took creative liberties and mixed in Scandinavian influences with modern appeal and included colors such as pink and blue. Nevertheless, every space was rooted in the love of authentic retro design, with clean lines, classic motifs and timeless architectural features. “I incorporated well- known motifs but wanted to rethink them in the context of a new build,” she explains.

EXPANDING MCM

One of the goals of Project House Austin was to bring mid- century design to people in a new way.

“Some people might see it as a contradiction to have a new MCM home, but there’s value in starting conversations and experimenting with new ideas,” says Christine. “I wanted it to be an experience for people, and I didn’t play it safe.”

Another goal was to bring MCM design to more people: “Having new homes built in our beloved Mid Century Modern way gives more people an entry point,” Jickie Torres explains. “It’s access for those who don’t live in areas where they can find an authentic one or where their needs and/ or budget just don’t fit into a historic home. As advocates of modernist style, we support and encourage new builds designed in the vein and spirit of MCM as ways of preserving and celebrating MCM history.”

TOP: FLOATING CABINETS COMPRISE A UNIQUE AND CONTEMPORARY FEATURE IN THE PRIMARY BATHROOM. “MOST BATHROOMS IN RETRO HOMES AREN’T THAT BIG, SO WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO RUN WITH IT AND SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN,” CHRISTINE EXPLAINS. THE DARK STAIN WARMS UP THE SPACE, AND THE IN- MOUNT FAUCETS GIVE IT A CUSTOM LOOK. GRAY- AND- WHITE TILES ADD PATTERN WITHOUT GETTING EXCESSIVE WITH COLOR. “I WANTED IT TO FEEL LIKE AN EXTENSION OF THE BEDROOM,” CHRISTINE SAYS. EDGE PULL HARDWARE FROM EMTEK KEEPS THE LOOK SLEEK AND ELEGANT. RIGHT: THE SOAKING TUB AND SHOWER PORTION OF THE PRIMARY BATHROOM IS SPACIOUS, WITH WALL- TO- CEILING GRAY KIT- KAT TILE THAT CONTRASTS THE RETRO, PALE- JADE PENNY TILE FLOORING. THE MINIMALIST LOOK IS SOOTHING, BUT IT STILL HAS TEXTURAL INTEREST. “IT’S THE MOST RELAXING SPACE IN THE WHOLE HOUSE,” SAYS CHRISTINE. “WE WANTED TO MAKE IT LIKE A SPA.”

ABOVE LEFT AND TOP RIGHT: THE CHILDREN'S BATHROOM BALANCES SOPHISTICATED, DARK CABINETS WITH A FUN, COLORFUL TILE PATTERN. “WE PULLED THE SAME WOOD COLORS FROM THE PRIMARY BATHROOM,” SAYS CHRISTINE. “THE TILE HAS A COOL, MCM MOTIF TO KEEP IT FUN AND LIGHT.”