AVIew: Your Home at its Best

May
11


Structural reinforcements, additions, and window replacements move ahead at the Southern Living Magazine Idea House. And in keeping with the painstaking attention to detail, the openings for all the windows are being raised or moved to the perfect spot, and each one replaced with a beautiful new Marvin window, built especially to match the historic character and warmth of this 19th century farmhouse situated in charming Senoia, Georgia.
The project architects, Historical Concepts, worked with Marvin because they were able to match the lines and proportions original to the house. The simulated divided lites and details can be customized from a myriad of possibilities, to perfectly suite any style or concept a homeowner, architect or dreamer can invent.
Once the windows are installed by the Marvin authorized installers, the homeowners will be able to enjoy their beauty from indoors as well as from the wraparound porch. And because the exteriors were made with Marvin’s famously long lasting, fade-resistant aluminum cladding, they’ll never need repainting or sealing to handle whatever the Georgia climate dishes out. That means extra lemonade and hammock time for the homeowner – just what life in Senoia, Georgia should be about.
The Southern Living Magazine 2012 Idea House will be open to the public June –October 2012. Click here to plan your visit.

Share
May
04

How many old houses are worthy of moving? In picturesque Senoia, Georgia, historic architecture runs deep, so nothing is too good when it comes to renovating the town’s homes. This year, Southern Living Magazine’s 2012 Idea House gives top treatment to a Senoia farmhouse, complete with relocation and Marvin Windows and Doors.
One of the first steps in the Idea House project involved moving the structure to a better location – one that allowed for a backyard, framed the home in an urban setting, and set the stage for the stunning wraparound porch addition that raises this old house above its original 19th century glory.
Enter Davis Housemovers, Inc., the family-owned business that moved a mountain to relocate this home. Because the structure sat low to the ground, Davis and his two sons resorted to digging under the home to facilitate the move. Along the way they came across a dead cat and a seven-foot long copperhead snake, but undeterred, the trio placed the house on its new site like a baby in a down feather bed. Watch the time lapse video.
While the house was making its move, AVI and Marvin Windows and Doors got busy planning, designing, and building the custom wood Marvin windows and doors that will maintain the home’s historic charm while concealing the leading-edge innovation and energy efficiency that makes Marvin good enough for a painstaking renovation such as this. Stay tuned for the next installment where the Idea House gets its windows.
The Southern Living Magazine 2012 Idea House will be open to the public June –October 2012. Click here to plan your visit.

Share
Apr
27
Marvin Windows in the 2012 Idea House

2012 Southern Living Idea House

Atlantans have a front row seat to enjoy Southern Living Magazine’s 2012 Idea House. Breaking from tradition, this year’s project is a renovation of a charming farmhouse in Senoia, GA that’s getting pampered and polished into a southern dream home. Complete with wraparound porch surrounded by Marvin windows and accessible through a Marvin French door, this renovation is so extensive it even required moving the house to a more suitable location on the property.
As a proud sponsor, Marvin is releasing 5 videos following the project, beginning with the vision, capturing the house move, describing the architecture and details. There is also a time lapsed video to follow the project’s progress. Stay tuned for upcoming issues of this AVIew blog, where we’ll update you on insider news.
AVI’s team of Marvin experts have been interviewed about the meticulous historic detailing and care that went into designing the windows and doors. We’ll be posting videos, photos and stories. 
If you’re a homeowner looking to replace your windows, add an extension or have remodeling plans, following a project like the Idea House can give you window ideas, connect you with the professionals to get the work done, and inspire you with ideas you never thought were possible.

Share
Apr
16

Marvin Replacement WindowsSpring is the greenest time of year, a perfect time to think about energy efficient, green products. Here are 4 points to look for in energy efficient windows and patio doors: 

  1. What materials are used in the window frames? Eco-friendly window manufacturers will be able to show you how much recycled material is used and whether the materials themselves are earth-friendly and/or responsibly harvested.  At the end of their life cycle, can the windows and doors be recycled or must they be land filled?
  2. Are the windows made to last? Some of the least expensive windows (often vinyl priced under $100/unit) are built to only a few years. The quality of engineering and design varies between window brands. Look for windows engineered for quality.
    Besides the hassle, you’ll endure having to replace windows and doors more than once, a second window replacement project will generate a great deal more waste than installing long lasting products the first time.
  3. How energy efficient are your new windows? Since windows account for 10-25% of your home’s total energy consumption, it’s worth being careful which ones you choose.*New windows can be up to 45% more energy efficient*. Windows that are 20 years or older can make 5.3 tons more greenhouse gases per year than new windows*. Look for windows that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® guidelines† to be sure you’re getting true energy efficiency.
  4. How much waste and recycling resulted from the process of making your windows? Every year, manufacturers produce tons of solid waste and emissions and use up natural resources. Can your manufacturer tell you if they recycle production wastes, and reuse or reduce the resources need in their operations? Some common green practices are burning waste in high-efficiency furnaces to heat their plants, recycling of solvents, and incorporating scrap back into products through recycling. Windows made in America stand a better chance of being Earth friendly.
 *   According to the Window and Door Manufacturers’ Association (WDMA)
†   ENERGY STAR is a set of standards defined by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 
Share
Apr
06

Infinity from Marvin Replacement WindowsWe may think of windows in terms of sunshine, fresh air and energy efficiency, but windows are an important mechanical part of our homes and play a vital role in our safety. Here are some points to keep in mind when shopping for windows.

Windows as Emergency Exits
In the event of an emergency or fire, windows can be our best or only escape route. Did you know that your local building codes are designed to ensure an escape route should your doors be blocked by fire? Egress is a term applied to windows that open wide enough to allow escape during fire. When you build a new home or plan a major renovation, these codes must be met on the plans. Window specialists, such as the consultants at AVI can advise builder and architects on how to best meet there requirements without compromising the design.

Locks for Maintaining Security
Windows with good locks can keep out intruders better. When it comes to security, not all windows are alike. Some windows and patio doors have only one place where the lock engages the frame. Marvin windows and doors feature multipoint locking, ensuring windows and doors are secure. In addition, these advanced locking systems enhance energy efficiency.

Keeping Loved Ones Safe
It’s also important to safeguard against falls. Where children have access to windows, and often where dictated by building codes, you can get windows and doors with sash limiters. These accessories can be applied to windows to limit the opening size, keeping your children safe and sound. Not all window brands offer these features, so ask a reputable retailer such as a Marvin Design Gallery for details.

Learn more about window safety at the National Safety Council website.

Share
Tagged |