This Post is Sponsored by Pella
Our large arch window has been the talk of the house pretty much since we bought the home last June. The shape of the original window inspired us in so many ways, but the style and the fireplace blocking the view of the back yard just didn’t feel right for the home we are trying to create.
So when we were planning our phase 1 renovation and decided to remove the fireplace from within the large arch window, we wanted to make sure we still honored the original shape. We met with an architect, our contractors and a Pella consultant to go over options. We looked into just adding a window where the fireplace was, but we still didn’t love the pane design or the layout of the individual windows themselves.
So we knew the first step in creating the modern cottage we see in our minds, was to bring the windows up to date with cleaner lines and beautiful, substantial trim.
But let’s rewind and talk through the steps of this process, because the this window was one of the first things they started working on (they tore down the brick in August!) and they just finalized it yesterday. Yesterday!
Keeping the same outer footprint of the window may seem like it would make the process easier, but really the entire inside had to be restructured to ensure each of the individual panes was stable. A big concern with a window this size is the wind making the windows flex, possibly causing them to break (especially in our region which has high frequent winds). The window is about 13’x13′ so it took quite a lot of engineering to make sure it could withstand our high winds and be sound.
So in early December, the entire insides of the window were completely stripped out to make room for the new panes.
We also needed extra reinforcement that standard 2x6s couldn’t provide. So our contractors wrapped them in 16 gauge, galvanized steel studs to span the height and make the frame more rigid. Building the frame for the individual window panes took almost the entire first day, because they had to be exactly on the money, or it would be nearly impossible to get the final window trim to look straight and even.
And even though it would still be a long time before the window was finished, we’ve been able to enjoy them these past few months nonetheless.
We were so grateful for the guidance we received from our Pella rep and his team. They talked us through all of our options and helped us understand the engineering considerations for a window this large, and we’re so happy where we’ve landed. In our first meeting, we saw so many finishes and options and decided on Pella’s Architect Series in Modern Wood which really made our black window dreams come true…and stay true.
Here’s a sweet before from this angle:
And the after:
Okay, almost an after. The baseboard needs another coat, the plugs need to be installed — we need some life back in here — but we have gained so much of an amazing view!
We went with Pella’s Architect Series, because it provides:
- Sleek designs and expansive glass
- Unique contemporary styling
- EnduraClad® exterior finish that helps protect your window from the elements, ensuring our new windows will last a long time and look beautiful and rich, too
I know we have shared a lot of progress throughout this process on Instagram in real time, but behind the scenes, our visual team has been recording time lapses and install progress of this baby (this window really does feel like a child at this point) Â to share RIGHT NOW!
It’s been such an amazing experience watching it come to life and the best part is, we now can see our beautiful yard and the girls playing outside. It’s definitely not the last you’ll see of this view.
Looks phenomenal! Your visual team did a fantastic job with the video. I have been following along but this really brought it all together and illustrated the amount of work that went into installing this beautiful architectural window! Bravo!
Window might be the most amazing window I’ve ever seen. The quality of Pella windows comes through in your photos.
My only “but” is that the cost of even one Pella window for most people is prohibitive. I asked them to quote ONE window I wanted to enlarge in a client’s kitchen to bring in more light. I love that they can even do work on historical homes, but the cost was a shocker.
It’s so freak’n beautiful! I love it…and want one!
Do you think you’ll share a mood board of your living room plans soon? *crosses fingers hopefully*
Stunning!! I’ve always been a square girl when it comes to trim, windows, home interiors, etc. The 90’s just killed any love I would have had for arches…..until now. I mean, y’all have showed me that clean, sharp lines like your killer fireplaces + arches can really live happily ever after and not trigger me with the 90’s memories. the square beam, square checkered floor pattern, square french doors and fireplace mixed with the huge arched windows, door ways and bigger door…this is changing the game and the “rules” in the very best way. Can’t wait to keep watching your vision come to life…this is a delight to watch!