Summer-ize Your Eichler With Energy Efficient Window Treatment

Those big, floor-to-ceiling windows that we all love in our Eichlers can be a bit of a pain during the dog days of summer when the hot summer sun adds a bit of unwelcomed warmth to our homes.  Although Joseph Eichler built most of his homes in temperate zones, there are always a few hot days when we Eichler dwellers can hardly wait for those evening breezes to flow through the house and cool us down.  Realizing that summertime is just around the corner got me to thinking about window treatment ideas that can minimize solar heat gain while still keeping the open, indoor/outdoor feel and streamlined look that is the Eichler hallmark.

Shades are one of the simplest window treatments – and one of the most effective ways to keep the heat out (or in, depending on the season).  To be efficient, shades should be mounted as close to the window as possible.  Shades can be mounted indoors or out, which offers a nice variety of options and design possibilities.

I am particularly partial to mesh window screens, which I have on several of the windows in my Eichler.  They operate like shades, are simple and elegant, and do a great job of protecting the room from direct sunlight while still allowing light into the room.

Another treatment option that I’ve seen in several Eichlers is sliding panels.  Their clean, contemporary look lends itself beautifully to the sleek Eichler aesthetic.  Japanese Shoji screens or sliding curtain panels are sophisticated and can be easily adjusted on wall or ceiling tracks for maximum flexibility.

I also like to suggest protective film to my clients.  I have used it myself; and, once it is up, you forget that it is there.  In addition to helping to reduce UV-rays, protective film adds a layer of safety to the single-pane windows that are found in most Eichler homes.