Brief description

A window is an opening in a wall or roof that allows light and, if not fixed, air to pass through, while maintaining isolation from the outside.

Use / Function

• Natural Lighting: Allows sunlight into the interior of buildings.
• Ventilation: If openable, allows air exchange.
• Insulation: Protects from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures (especially with glazing).
• Visibility: Allows viewing the outside without leaving.

Operating principle

It relies on using a transparent or translucent material that physically blocks passage (wind, objects) but permits the passage of visible electromagnetic radiation (light).

How to create it

• Frame: Build a rigid frame (wood or stone) that fits into the wall opening.
• Sash (Optional): A movable structure within the frame if opening is desired.
• Glazing: Fix the transparent material (glass, oiled paper) to the frame or sash using putty or beads.
• Technical Level: Intermediate. Requires precise carpentry and access to transparent materials.

Materials needed

• Essential: Material for the frame (wood), transparent material (glass).
• Tools: Saw, hammer, chisel.
• Substitutes: Oiled paper, thin cloth, scraped animal skin (parchment), mica sheets, flattened horn.

Variants and improvements

• Simple Hole: Only air and light, no protection (primitive).
• Paper/Cloth Window: Wind protection but poor thermal insulation (common in traditional Asia).
• Single Glazing: Good light passage and wind protection.
• Double Glazing: Two layers of glass with air in between for superior thermal insulation (modern).

Limits and risks

• Heat Loss: It is the weakest point of a building’s thermal insulation.
• Fragility: Glass is easily broken, posing a security risk and injury hazard.
• Greenhouse Effect: Can excessively heat the interior if receiving direct sunlight.