Architecture
12 Unusual Windows With a Fresh Point of View
These houses are throwing squares and rectangles out the window in favour of angles, circles, curves and slants
Square and rectangular windows have long been the most traditional shapes in domestic architecture, with arched and pointed-arch windows debuting in Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. But architects and designers today are breaking the conventional window shape without breaking the glass. These 12 interesting and unusual windows have taken shape to offer a fresh perspective on the world.
2. Split-circle spectacle
A split-circle window pierces the loft space of this house, which was once an Anglican church. The circle is neatly inset within the triangular space, and balanced by the circular coffee table.
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A split-circle window pierces the loft space of this house, which was once an Anglican church. The circle is neatly inset within the triangular space, and balanced by the circular coffee table.
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3. Slanted scene
The upper volume of this two-storey is angled to project over the courtyard below. A large window on the front face of it is also slanted to follow the lines and form, while a triangular window with sliding door is on the left side, and three thin and slanted windows on the right.
The upper volume of this two-storey is angled to project over the courtyard below. A large window on the front face of it is also slanted to follow the lines and form, while a triangular window with sliding door is on the left side, and three thin and slanted windows on the right.
Here are those three windows up close.
4. Hexagon hallway
A six-sided window plays with lines and angles, just like the triple-pitched roof. The small window provides a view into the hallway, with the entry to the house being the sliding door immediately to the right.
What type of roof do you have?
A six-sided window plays with lines and angles, just like the triple-pitched roof. The small window provides a view into the hallway, with the entry to the house being the sliding door immediately to the right.
What type of roof do you have?
5. Strip-scape
A strip of glass between two bathroom vanities extends from the floor across the roof to offer a slivered view of the landscape beyond.
A strip of glass between two bathroom vanities extends from the floor across the roof to offer a slivered view of the landscape beyond.
6. Angled aperture
What was once an old cowshed is now a contemporary family home that retains the building’s original fabric where possible. Windows run the length of the side of the house, and follow the angled roof line to bring natural light into the second storey.
What was once an old cowshed is now a contemporary family home that retains the building’s original fabric where possible. Windows run the length of the side of the house, and follow the angled roof line to bring natural light into the second storey.
7. Combination casement
A deeply recessed circular window sits above a horizontal and slanted strip of windows here. The round window is in balance with the curve of the roof peak, while the left-hand slant follows the angle of the roof.
Read stories about interesting architecture
A deeply recessed circular window sits above a horizontal and slanted strip of windows here. The round window is in balance with the curve of the roof peak, while the left-hand slant follows the angle of the roof.
Read stories about interesting architecture
8. Pair of portholes
Two circular windows – one smaller, one larger – are set into this vertically panelled bedroom wall.
Two circular windows – one smaller, one larger – are set into this vertically panelled bedroom wall.
The windows are recessed from both the interior and exterior surfaces, as if they have been carved out of the wall.
9. Curving corners
A bow window, otherwise known as a a curved bay window, is a curvaceous addition to this Bondi penthouse. It mimics and exaggerates the curve of the original brick building, while extending up and out.
A bow window, otherwise known as a a curved bay window, is a curvaceous addition to this Bondi penthouse. It mimics and exaggerates the curve of the original brick building, while extending up and out.
10. Waving window
The clerestory window on this contemporary abode follows the form of the timber-lined roof with a smooth and undulating wave.
What type of windows do you have?
The clerestory window on this contemporary abode follows the form of the timber-lined roof with a smooth and undulating wave.
What type of windows do you have?
11. Missing-piece pane
This house is characterised by its unusual shapes and angles, which appropriately apply to the windows too. Its linear and sculptural forms were inspired, in part, by the nearby trees, as can be seen in this window with the top-right hand corner sliced off.
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This house is characterised by its unusual shapes and angles, which appropriately apply to the windows too. Its linear and sculptural forms were inspired, in part, by the nearby trees, as can be seen in this window with the top-right hand corner sliced off.
Tour this house
12. Oval outlook
A feature window in the wall behind this bed is like an oval-shaped porthole with a shutter that opens inside the house.
TELL US
Do you have an unusual or interesting window in your house? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
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See more wondrous windows
A feature window in the wall behind this bed is like an oval-shaped porthole with a shutter that opens inside the house.
TELL US
Do you have an unusual or interesting window in your house? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
MORE
See more wondrous windows
This bay window with irregular sides and flowing, curved corners has a mid-century vibe. Deeply recessed, the window frame accommodates cushions for reading, relaxing or strumming the guitar.