When designing an accessible residence or addition, carefully select windows after considering a variety of practical and aesthetic factors.

Windows can provide a glimpse of a garden, for example, or screen a parking lot. Conversely, they can display residents like goldfish in a bowl—or offer visual privacy from nosey neighbors. In a wheelchair user's home, windows serve the same functions in a similar manner. Exceptions are the user's ability to operate them and, to a lesser extent, the user's access to outside views.

Different window types offer advantages and disadvantages with regard to view, ventilation, and operation. Common window types include (1) casements, awnings, and hoppers; (2) double-/single-hung; (3) sliding; and (4) fixed. Each window type can be made accessible to wheelchair users.



Casements, Awnings, and Hoppers

These operable types have hinged sashes. Side-hinged, out-swinging units are called casements. Top-hinged, out-swinging units are awnings. Bottom-hinged, in-swinging units are hoppers.

Modern awning and casement units operate with rotating cranks. Hoppers (commonly used as basement windows) don't have operators and are therefore fully open or closed. Most wheelchair users with good hand function can operate cranks. Awning windows (or skylights) can be motorized for remote operation with a wall switch.

When open, awnings and casements project beyond the home's exterior walls, so they may interfere with the use of a deck, patio, or steps located outside the windows. Similarly, if you plan to install an upper-floor window flower box, a double-hung window may be your best choice.

Casements and awnings can be cleaned from inside by fully opening the units and removing the screens. Wheelchair users, however, may not be able to reach high glass surfaces on the inside or outside.



Double-hung Units

These windows have an upper and lower sash that can be raised or lowered for ventilation. Wide double-hungs may require two-hand operation to open and close. This can be awkward for many wheelchair users who must twist the upper body in order to grip the rail simultaneously with both hands.

Double-hung sash locks are usually within the accessible reach range. It isn't practical to motorize double-hung windows.

Open double-hung units are flush with the perimeter wall, so they won't interfere with deck furnishings or other outside elements. Tilt-in double-hung units can be washed from inside. When sashes are removed, they should be accessible to most wheelchair users.



Sliding Windows

"Sliders" are like double-hung units turned sideways. Both sashes can slide. Slider lock mechanisms are typically single units that activate up to three locking points. Some manufacturers lower the handle mechanism for easier wheelchair access.

These units can't be easily motorized. Open sliders don't project beyond the perimeter wall, so they don't interfere with stairs or furnishings outside.

Fixed Units

Fixed windows are often used for additional interior light or for visual effect. These units are available from most manufacturers in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. You can order fixed custom units for specific installations.



Summary

For design continuity inside and out, windows should be part of a visual "system." Popular architectural styles use certain window types. Arts-and-crafts homes, for example, often use casements. Georgian residences have double-hung windows. Ultra-modern designs may include commercial-style plate glass.

The selected window system, however, should always be flexible enough to accommodate various functions in rooms located on different facades. Double-hungs and casements can often be successfully mixed, even on the same facade. Some homes use traditional double-hung windows with shutters on the front and more contemporary casements on the rear.

Window manufacturers offer a wide range of options. For a successful residential project, spend the necessary time to make the right window choices that meet your functional and aesthetic needs.

Tom Davies is Architecture director at the Paralyzed Veterans of America's headquarters in Washington, D.C. Carol Lopez is associate director of Architecture.

The authors wish to thank Nan Daconda and Andersen Corporation, Bayport, Minn., for technical assistance. Contact: TomD@pva.org / CarolL@pva.org / (800) 424-8200 / (202) 872-1300.