WINDSOR: HOSPITALITY

HOTEL AND RESORT DESIGN THAT GOES BEYOND AESTHETICS, WITH THE SELECTION OF MATERIALS AND DESIGNS THAT ENHANCE THE RELAXATION EXPERIENCE, ALONG WITH THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION FEATURE FROM WINDSOR

TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO COURTESY OF WINDSOR

(For Thai, press here)

A well-designed hotel or resort is not defined by aesthetics alone; it is an orchestration of atmosphere and experience—one that enables guests to detach from the familiar and immerse themselves in a state of relaxation. This sense of escape can be shaped by the quality of light filtering through windows, the interplay of shadows cast by trees, and the shifting panorama dictated by a resort’s unique geographical setting.

For architects and designers, fostering a meaningful dialogue between built space and its surroundings can be achieved through diverse approaches. Among the most intuitive yet impactful strategies is the careful calibration of views, an engagement with one of the primary human senses. Openings, whether framing a landscape or diffusing daylight into an interior, do more than connect indoors with outdoors; they animate and bring life to the architecture itself. The shifting qualities of natural light introduce a temporal dimension to space, allowing it to evolve throughout the day. However, with expanses of glazing comes the inevitable challenge of heat gain—one of the most critical challenges that designers have to overcome.

There are different ways to invite natural light into a building while mitigating the accompanying heat. This may involve utilizing  high-performance glazing and thermally efficient framing systems, orienting openings to optimize daylight without excessive heat exposure, and integrating shading devices—ranging from operable louvers to fixed architectural façades. Addressing these challenges at the material level, WINDSOR’s Ultimate Protection window and door systems offer advanced solutions that enhance thermal insulation while also providing effective barriers against dust, noise, and water infiltration.

The Ultimate Protection system is built around four core performance attributes, starting with Heat Protection. Engineered with an advanced vinyl formulation, it integrates UV stabilizers to deflect ultraviolet radiation and heat stabilizers to enhance thermal resilience. Complementing this is a premium laminate film from Germany, which not only delivers a distinctive tactile quality but also reflects heat up to four times more effectively than conventional films. This significantly reduces thermal transfer into the building, outperforming standard aluminum frames. When integrated into a well-conceived façade—whether through expansive glazing or large-format windows—the system ensures interiors remain cool and comfortable, minimizing reliance on air conditioning and improving overall energy efficiency.

Beyond thermal performance, Ultimate Protection encompasses three aspects essential for a superior indoor environment. Noise Protection mitigates external disturbances while enhancing both privacy and acoustic comfort; Leak Protection safeguards against water and air infiltration, and Pollution Protection acts as an effective barrier against environmental pollutants, including fine PM2.5 particles. Together, these attributes ensure that hotel and resort spaces maintain a consistently high standard of air quality and comfort at all times.

To accommodate design visions that call for expansive openings, WINDSOR introduces the SIGNATURE and SIGNATURE PRO series—engineered for scale and seamless integration. The SIGNATURE PRO, launched in 2024, offers an impressive maximum width of 5.6 meters in a multitrack 3-rail, 6-panel configuration, with heights reaching up to 3 meters. Both SIGNATURE and SIGNATURE PRO are available in a selection of solid tones and natural wood finishes, providing versatility across a range of architectural styles. Additionally, the RIGHT XTEND series builds upon the original RIGHT model, offering increased height—an ideal solution for designers who favor a modern aesthetic with refined proportions.

Expanding the dimensions of door and window panels unlocks greater possibilities in spatial design, allowing architects and designers to create hospitality environments with a distinctive sense of openness, fluidity, and accessibility. This approach enhances the overall spatial experience, whether for a tropical retreat, a sleek modernist resort, or any other aesthetic direction.

This concludes our exploration of WINDSOR’s role in architectural design, but the conversation around advanced window and door systems is far from over. Stay tuned for upcoming articles, where we delve deeper into the specialized materials and innovative production techniques that set WINDSOR apart. Follow the art4d page for updates, or revisit previous articles in this series for insights on how window and door framing solutions enhance various architectural typologies.

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