Illuminating the straw bale house
T
he three little pigs had it right; houses can be constructed out of just about
anything. But what makes any house a work of
art, both indoors and out, is access to the world outside. Polar Ray-O-Max, a company that
serves western Canada, recently installed the windows and doors on a straw bale house – that’s right – a house made out of straw bales. These houses are rated three times more fire resistant than regu- lar wood frame homes and save up to 75% in energy costs. They are also very quiet, with wide window sills that allow for a cottage feeling inside – plus, what a con- versation piece! “The ease of installation is a big sell-
ing point,” explains Chris Howell of Polar Ray-O-Max Windows, speaking of why his product is often chosen. It was cer- tainly a good feature for the straw bales house. The company also sends profes- sional installers to do the work, so any problem can be immediately addressed. For regular homes, the installation can
be done without the need to re-stucco, keeping renovation costs down. Almost any colour is available and the company will custom design doors to your require- ments. “At this point, it’s a matter of whatever the customer can dream up,” says Howell.
Windows go high tech garden. S Silhouette window shadings have two
sheer fabric facings with fabric vanes sus- pended between them. When the vanes are open, the view outside is preserved and natural light is gently filtered. Closed, the fabric vanes allow privacy while main- taining a soft, elegant style inside. These windows can be fitted to arches
and angles and to tilt-only operation. They can be motorized for hard-to-reach windows and controlled by the touch of a button on a remote control or a wall switch. Available in two, three or four-inch
vane sizes that tilt for precision light con- trol and protection against UV rays. For darker rooms, there is a Silhouette prod- uct called Bon Soir. “Silhouette window shadings offer the
perfect window covering solution,” says Sue Rainville, Director of Marketing for Hunter Douglas Canada. “Purchasing top quality, innovative window fashions has never been more affordable, not to men- tion the fact that these shades are backed by an exclusive Lifetime Guarantee.” For more information, visit
www.hunt-
erdouglas.ca. 8 • Spring 2012
unlight is an important decorating ele- ment that should allow you to see your
Subtle changes in what the industry calls the “fenestration” of your home, can make a big difference in its overall character. Try to keep the overall effect in harmony with the style of your house.
Garden doors provide access to the garden. Windows and doors
The better to see and be in your garden By Mary Wilson and Trevor Graumann
there are other factors to consider when choosing these elements for your home. Chances are if you are installing new win-
Y
dows and doors on an existing home you’ll be tempted to just replace what’s there. But wait a minute. Why not take this opportu- nity to reflect your own taste and style, while
our front door can be humble or im- posing; windows, like your eyes, can project your home’s personality. But
also thinking about saving money on home heating bills through energy efficient instal- lations? There are so many exciting options in today’s marketplace.
Design considerations Subtle changes in what the industry calls
the “fenestration” of your home can make a big difference in its overall character. Take the front door for example. You can make a real statement here. An imposing moulded
www.localgardener.net
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