Steel windows have been, and still are, the preferred choice of architects. Especially when their function is not to close a hole in a wall but a significant contribution to the character and overall appearance of a façade. The minimalist esthetics of hot rolled steel sections and their ability to shape windows is unique. Their slender lines appear to lose weight and give lightness to the frames, emphasizing the transparency of a façade. This elegance is difficult to match in the bulky profiles of alternative materials.Unfortunately, due to the lack of a thermal insulation, these “historical” windows made from hot rolled steel sections have become an endangered species and with it the architectural window design and culture of a century. Future regulations on thermal insulation ask for a new generation of hot rolled steel sections, which not only replace and preserve the character of national heritage buildings, but give architects the possibility to use windows with distinguishing visual qualities that bring back the beauty in contemporary architecture.
Steel Window Profiles
Hot Rolled
Steel Window Profiles
Thermal Barrier
For the last thirty years the design of windows was rather driven by regulations to increase thermal performance, than by their original scope which is the contribution to enhance the beauty of buildings. This technological run for better insulation of window frames forced manufacturers to introduce thermal brakes in metal systems or to look for alternative materials like PVC which have better insulation characteristics by nature. The consequences of these regulations were dramatically increasing sidelines and overall depth of window frames, jeopardizing the architectural essence and visual quality of windows.
In 2010 Montanstahl has started to manufacture as well thermally broken steel window sections with the scope to replicate the slender elegance of solid steel windows. Next to custom systems, which we develop in close co-operation with specialized steel window manufacturer, we do offer as well standard systems. Thermally broken steel window sections are available as solid steel sections with mechanically crimped FRP webs or cold formed steel sections with casted polyurethane webs.
SWF
Steel Window Fittings
SWF is a specialized supplier of hardware and fittings for metal windows and doors. Working closely with Metal Window Manufacturers SWF has designed a range of fittings that are elegant, functional and innovative.
SWF fittings are suitable for traditional and heritage windows, as well as modern technically advanced systems, such as those with thermal breaks and triple glazing.
