Being able to see through windows is as important to occupants of a home as the admission of daylight and air. Sometimes the house is placed on a lot to command a picturesque landscape scene; sometimes the home owner finds it necessary to create a pleasant view to hide a less desirable one e.g. a planted area to hide an alley. Large glass areas extend indoor space outward, making outdoor living areas an integral part of the home.

Problems in window placement may arise when a house is set on the lot to command a natural view on the east or west, since it is difficult to shade the occupants' eyes from the sun early or late in the day. Devices to keep the sun's rays away from the windows may obstruct the view. View windows on the north can be protected from the sun's rays by a roof overhang, and those on the south are not bothered by the sun.

The glare of the sun on an east-west orientation for a view located within the boundaries of a lot is not difficult to control. Fences and tall shrubbery actually define the view instead of obstructing it.

Generally the proportions of the window can be scaled to the view - a horizontal window for a panoramic view such as a mountain range; a vertical window for a confined view such as a terrace.

Consider the following tips when placing windows.

• To minimise obstructions in the line of sight, use fixed glass except in those areas where ventilation must be provided. Screens are not needed on fixed glass and therefore eliminate another interference from a standpoint of view. Windows having slight divisions are acceptable. A horizontal division more than 100mm thick is not desirable when the division falls in the line of sight. Vertical divisions are not as objectionable as horizontal ones.
• Determine the height for the bottom of the window on the basis of room use and furniture arrangement.

Large glass areas can be used to extend indoor space outward. Outdoor living areas thus become an integral part of the house.

Horizontal window division members are undesirable when they interfere with view. Dimensions in the four sketches show the eye level range for persons standing, sitting and sitting at a table. Avoid horizontal window divisions within these eye levels. Dimensions are based on a study of

1. persons from 152cm to 193cm tall
2. usual window head heights; and
3. usual window sill heights as determined by furniture or airconditioning units.