A ribbon window (also known as a band window or fenêtre en longueur) is a horizontal continuous window that extends across the full width or a large part of the facade. It is a defining element of modernist architecture.
Origin and style
The ribbon window became popular at the beginning of the twentieth century, particularly through the work of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. He identified the ribbon window as one of his five points of new architecture. The construction was made possible by the use of reinforced concrete frame structures, which freed the facade from its load-bearing function and allowed it to be filled with glass.
Construction
In a ribbon window, multiple window sections are placed side by side in a continuous frame. The load-bearing structure of the building is supported by columns or walls elsewhere in the structure, allowing the facade to be designed as a free surface. The windows can be fixed, hinged or tilt-and-turn, depending on ventilation requirements.
Typical construction features include:
- A continuous sill or continuous lintel across the full width of the facade.
- Steel or aluminium frame profiles that emphasise the horizontal line.
- Minimal mullions between individual windows to reinforce the band effect.
Advantages and considerations
A ribbon window provides even light distribution across the full width of the room behind it, resulting in pleasant and uniform daylight. At the same time, a large glass surface requires careful attention to sun shading, insulation and the structural strength of the facade construction.
When renovating or restoring modernist buildings with ribbon windows, it is important to respect the original profiling and proportions, as these are essential to the architectural character of the building.
Related terms
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.