Live data from Hacker News

Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

99percentinvisible.org

11–20 of 23 posts

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#11
I like the design alot as well (EU resident, have had these windows for 15 years)

However, this statement from the article is misleading:

> the tilt configuration locks into place against potential intrusions... In other words: you can leave the window open when you are away without worrying too much about security or the weather.

It is trivially easy to open, from the outside, a window left in the tilted open position. All that you need to do is to pull the window closed and then move the handle from vertical to roughly horizontal (the 'full open' position).

How do you move a handle on the inside of the window when you are on the outside? It is simple, you use a short length of PVC pipe (which fits over the handle) and some string. The details I leave to your imagination.

take-home message: tilted open is nice, but not at all secure against a semi-motivated intruder.

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#12

This design is wonderful. I like it a lot. It is a very different and more limited experience when you also have a screen to keep the hordes of mosquitoes out.

These windows work wonderfully with screens. Every window in my EU home has a screen. Why would they not?

There are even fancy versions with screens that can be rolled up if needed.

Edit: Here's an example [1]

--

[1] https://www.neher.de/insektenschutz/rollo-fuer-fenster/

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#13

While window researching recently I read an interesting comment, likely on a Green Building Advisor article - in many cases the inswing TNT better fits the European use of roll down shutters, whereas American casement windows better suit their more common use of drapes. Not sure if there’s data to back it up but it’s an plausible cultural/architectural reason for slower adoption in the US.

Not sure about the drapes. After all, there are lots of them in Europe.

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#14

I like the design alot as well (EU resident, have had these windows for 15 years) However, this statement from the article is misleading: > the tilt configuration locks into place against potential intrusions... In other words: you can leave the window open when you are away without worrying too much about security or the weather. It is trivially easy to open, from the outside, a window left in the tilted open positi…

There are variants that come with a lock that fixes the handle into position though. Usually not high quality locks but good enough to prevent this attack.

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#16
I had the chance to put these on a house I built. I ended up not doing it and using a more standard type. I slightly regret not having them in a few of my window use cases BUT, at least the ones I saw, felt very flimsy and rattled/slammed a lot.

Another challenge for this type of window: it's challenging to hook up a portable AC unit in an aesthetically. This is a factor if you don't have central air and need to retrofit cooling.

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#17
post #13

While window researching recently I read an interesting comment, likely on a Green Building Advisor article - in many cases the inswing TNT better fits the European use of roll down shutters, whereas American casement windows better suit their more common use of drapes. Not sure if there’s data to back it up but it’s an plausible cultural/architectural reason for slower adoption in the US.

Not sure about the drapes. After all, there are lots of them in Europe.

They need to be slightly further away from the window so that it can open in the tilt position. In most European homes that's not an issue, as the walls are thick masonry, so the window is inset 20-30cm against the wall.

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#19
> Cost may play a part, as these heavily-engineered windows do come with a higher price tag than some of their less-sophisticated counterparts.

This should be read as "a higher price tag in the US". In mainland Europe these are the standard windows, and are made by many manufacturers all over the continent, they are not a luxury item.

I'm building a house and a 1.2m (62") X 0.6m (24") window with this mechanism, the best frame available (from this manufacturer) and triple glazing was €180. I doubt you could even find a casement window at a US home improvement store for that.

https://www.koemmerling.com/en/products/window-residential-d...

Re: Tilt and Turn: Three-in-One Window for Security, Breezes and Egress

#20
post #8

Hate these kind of windows. They can't be screened. I guess technically you could have the screen on the outside but that's not great except on ground floor.

Tilt turn windows are very popular in Alaska where there are a lot of mosquitoes. The windows can be screened and the screen can be removed from inside the building. The screen is attached by spring clips or metal pins to the frame of the window. When the window is opened fully inward the screen can be removed. See https://greatlandwindow.com/images/300/tiltturnCleaning.jpg

Awesome, never seen that product! It's still deficient to have the screen be in the weather though as the screen quickly becomes clogged and hard to clean. I've always been happier with "USA normal" casement windows or even double hung. I have sliders now, on the garage, and the screens are in the weather which isn't great.
Post reply on HN