French windows in a private house and apartment - types, features, installation options. Phenomenal studio apartment with a French window and plenty of storage space

Found in the standard one-room apartment additional features for arranging places to store clothes and utensils and filled it with details reminiscent of life outside the city.

The daughter of the future hostess acted as the customer in this project. When she realized that her mother’s age was already such that relatives and close people should always be nearby, she bought an apartment for her in the next entrance and tried to make it beautiful and comfortable.

Initially, it was decided to do in the apartment maximum amount wardrobes, showcases for books and dishes. Firstly, my mother moved from a private house and she had a lot of things, and secondly, older people have a hard time parting with what they have become accustomed to.

The layout of the room excludes zoning, therefore, as bed Decided to use a pull out sofa. So that mom and guests could invite, and lie down during the day, if rest is needed.

They wanted to move the doorway so that another showcase for dishes could fit behind the door, but this option could not be agreed upon, so the redevelopment was limited to combining the bathroom and toilet. And in the room, they only dismantled window sill blocks in order to install a large French window.

Paint was chosen for the walls in the hallway and in the kitchen, and cozy wallpaper for the room. Parador laminate was laid on the floor, in the loggia and in the bathroom - carpet tiles Spanish company Equipe. The decoration of the kitchen was an apron tiled with Mainzu tiles.

At the end of the room there is a built-in wardrobe with showcases for books. The structure stretched three meters in length, but it included not only all the personal belongings of the hostess, but also the complete collection of the Big Soviet encyclopedia. In the opposite part of the room, in the center of the wall, a showcase for dishes was provided. There was a chest of drawers with a TV next to it.

The list of storage places arranged in a small one-room apartment does not end there. The loggia was insulated around the perimeter, windows with double glazing, carried out a floor heating system, and built in two spacious utility closets at the ends.

In the hallway opposite the bathroom, a built-in wardrobe for outerwear. It occupies the entire space from floor to ceiling, so it does not clutter up the corridor. In the bathroom, the closet was placed at the end of the shower cabin: washing machine, on top there is room for shelves with household chemicals.

The kitchen was deployed along the window, so storage space and working surface more than enough here. Above the table were low showcases for tea sets.


Lighting is well thought out. The bathroom has overhead light and independent sconces above the mirror. In the kitchen - ceiling light and illumination of the work surface. In the room - central chandelier, sconces above the sofa for reading and small Spotlights near the cabinet and display case.

To let the apartment in as much sun as possible, the designer chose a classic honey shade for the floor and bright hues paint and wallpaper. Balcony painted in yellow, even on a cloudy day it will look sunny. Effect sunlight reinforce the mirrors located above the sofa opposite balcony door.

The interior style is a calm classic. Many classic details - ceiling cornice, cabinet doors with a light panel, painted in White color doors, mirrors. Curtains and sofa cushions made of fabric with a floral print - with them city ​​apartment looks like a country cottage.

If a beautiful landscape opens from the windows of your apartment, and you like to admire for a long time natural beauties, then installing panoramic French windows would be a logical solution. By introducing French windows to the balcony, you will turn it into a cozy place where you can comfortably drink a cup of coffee in the morning or relax after labor day in the evening enjoying the view. A French window instead of a balcony block, in addition to an excellent panoramic view, will provide high level natural light throughout the day and adjoining room which will help save money on electricity. In addition, French windows are modern and very stylish element architecture, which is an indicator of the prestige of the owners of the apartment. In this article, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of installing French windows on a balcony, and also show original ideas their design in the photo selection below.

French windows to the balcony - advantages and disadvantages

The term "French window" itself implies a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window structure with a minimum number of partitions. This type panoramic glazing does not lose its popularity over the years, as it is very attractive from an aesthetic point of view and has more advantages than disadvantages.

Today there are three types of French windows:

  • With sliding doors, called "portal"
    Such a window consists of one or more glass sheets that move along special rails.
  • With swing doors
    Often, swing doors are used for panoramic windows used as doors to access the balcony.
  • book door
    The French balcony window, made in this format, is suitable only for warm balcony or loggias, since such a design does not have good thermal insulation between the wings. A feature of this type of windows is a certain number of sashes that fold into an "accordion" and open a wide passage.




Type of a particular French window, its dimensions glass panels selected depending on the installation site, as well as the taste preferences of the owners. original variants for the execution of French windows on the balcony, see the photo below in the article.

What are the advantages of French windows:

  • Visual expansion of the space of the balcony and the room combined with it;
  • A significant increase in the natural illumination of the balcony and the room combined with it;
  • No need to finish the outside and inside of the balcony parapet

What are the disadvantages of French windows:

  • The high cost of panoramic window structures;
  • The complexity, and sometimes the impossibility of installing large windows in already built houses or apartments;
  • Increased heat loss during the cold season, as well as overheating during sunny days in summer, due to the high thermal conductivity of glass, it will require additional costs for heating and air conditioning;
  • Window big size difficult to wash

French window to the loggia: materials used for manufacturing

For the manufacture of modern panoramic windows, only quality materials, since the design of the window must withstand the considerable weight of the glass panels. The most popular materials for making window frame are wood, plastic and aluminum.

Metal-plastic windows

Metal-plastic windows are affordable and require a minimum of maintenance. The lack of French windows from metal-plastic profile is a short service life.

Wooden windows

French windows made of natural wood, the most expensive in price, but have undeniable advantages. Such windows have a noble appearance and much longer life than plastic windows. For the manufacture of frames, wood species such as larch, pine or oak are used.

aluminum windows

French windows made from aluminum profile, comparable in price to wooden windows, they are also characterized by the longest service life. window profile aluminum can be painted in a large number of colors, and also has different shape which you can choose according to your taste.

What should be the correct installation of the French window

In order for your brand new panoramic window to last a long time and not create problems, it must be installed correctly. It is best if the installation will be carried out by professional window installers who will give a guarantee for their work.

Installation of the French window is carried out in the following sequence:

  • Dismantling the standard balcony block and changing the geometry window opening under a new window;
  • Installation of a window frame in the opening with the installation of window sashes;
  • Alignment and fixing of the structure;
  • Joint filling mounting foam followed by waterproofing

Updated: August 18, 2017 by: Andrey Zinchenko

Which type of windows to choose depends on the nature of the room. These are important elements of the building, which should provide natural light to the room, proper ventilation. Porte-fenetre, the so-called French window, looks like an exit to a balcony. However, on his outside There is a narrow window sill.

French windows in the apartment have many advantages: they allow a large amount of light and air to enter the room during ventilation, open good view, look attractive, elegant.

What is a french window?

The name Porte-fenetre comes from a combination of two French words:

  • porte - doors,
  • fenetre - window.

The difference between a French window and a regular one is that the height of the window starts from the floor. For the first time, Porte-fenetre appeared during the construction of palaces of the 17th century, and were often used in the construction of historical buildings in Paris. Today they can be found in residential areas, often as a replacement for a balcony. They are designed to let in significantly more natural light into the room than window openings. standard height located approximately 90-100 cm from the floor. Skillfully integrated into the facade, they also help to add lightness and elegance to the building.

French windows, photo

Panoramic windows open partially or completely. The undoubted advantage of the solution is the excellent lighting of the room. Porte-fenetre is the preferred option for long, narrow room. When installed on a short wall, they provide an even distribution of light even at the back of the room.




If the dimensions of the structure are large enough, it is customary to call it a French balcony.

French balcony - architectural element, different from classic balcony the absence of a balcony slab.

The balcony takes the form of French windows, the design is reduced to a railing attached to the facade of the building. Such a balustrade does not block the view, creating an interior that is open to the outside world, providing security.

Balcony plays important role in creating the composition of the facade, will help improve the proportions of the house. Often it is used in buildings architecturally designed with reference to modernism, inspired by modern construction. Simple design blends perfectly with the minimalist style of the building.

French balcony in a private house, photo

Since the balcony has slender horizontal shapes, it is worth using it if the task is to visually increase the size of the house. Visually given element plays an important role in the appearance of the building. You should choose the right color of the material used for finishing the facade:

  • if the natural color of wood dominates, you need to choose frames in wood colors;
  • trendy gray concrete blocks combined with aluminum balustrades, frames.

Windows to the floor country house, a photo


Balustrades and railings

Porte-fenetre, in which the lower part (up to a height of 0.9 m) does not open, does not require an additional balustrade to ensure security. Provided that the lower glass is made of durable material, for example P3 laminated glass having the same strength as steel mesh. Before you make a window in the apartment that opens to its full height, it is worth remembering that you will definitely need a railing on the outside. The balustrade ensures the safety of people looking out, creates an interesting architectural element on the facade.

Balustrades play an important role in shaping the visual effect. Railings usually have a simple shape and are made of metal - of stainless steel, aluminum. It is possible to purchase windows with a lower part made of laminated safety glass, which, if broken, does not break into small fragments that can injure people under the balcony. The thickness of the glass must be greater than 8 mm.

railing functions

  • fall protection,
  • architectural element of the facade of the building,
  • used for drying clothes
  • in summer, you can install pots on them, grow ornamental plants- cascading geranium, petunia.

metal railings

Most often, railings are made from:

  • aluminum,
  • of stainless steel,
  • forged.

Steel is protected from corrosion by hot-dip galvanizing (so-called immersion), additionally painted in any color:

  • gloss,
  • matte,
  • structural,
  • teflon.

Stainless steel railings are popular. The frames of the structure are filled with vertical, horizontal rods or sheets, plates made of the following materials:

  • glass;
  • wood;
  • sheet metal;
  • steel mesh;
  • fiber cement elements.

The filling of the frame must be securely attached to it so that it cannot be squeezed out. For the manufacture of fencing structures, various profiles are used:

  • tubular;
  • square;
  • rectangular.

Glass instead of a balustrade

Porte-fenetre balconies enjoy unflagging popularity among architects and investors. You can find designs made of durable, laminated glass. In addition to the anti-drop function, the glass protrudes important element building aesthetics. As a result of its use, visibility inside the building is improved, the design becomes modern.

The function of a balustrade can be performed by self-supporting sheets from:

  • glass,
  • polycarbonate.

As a filler or the main element of the railing, safety glass of class P3, glued with a film, should be used. Fix it with special detachable systems for glass.



Balustrade fixings visible or hidden

Depending on the desired effect, the balustrade mount stands out more or less.


Regardless of what role the designer will assign to the balustrade in the composition of the facade, it must be securely fastened. Attach railings to bearing walls via:

  • mechanical fasteners,
  • chemical anchors.

In the case of a single-layer wall, fastening is not a problem; it is carried out at any stage of construction.

Fixing a railing in a double wall

If the house is being built with sandwich walls, the simplest solution is to fix steel fasteners on the wall, on which special long brackets (usually flat-shaped) are installed. The brackets pass through the insulation layer and are fixed in the wall.

Mounting in a three-layer wall

If the project involves fixing the railing on a three-layer wall, the brackets must be positioned so that the joints are placed in brick finish, stone. Connectors use different:

  • for weak materials - threaded connectors,
  • for durable - driven.

Fasteners and all connectors must be protected from corrosion - galvanized, painted.

  • Fastening must be carried out in such a way as to prevent moisture damage to the insulation (insulating apron) around the window opening.
  • The fastening must be placed so that after finishing the wall, the balustrade railing can be screwed to the protruding element.
  • If the balustrade is placed in jambs, the fixing means must be bent accordingly.
  • The number of fasteners should be limited - each fastener creates a thermal bridge.
  • It is desirable to fix fasteners on the wall before insulation.
  • If no reinforcement has been used, after laying the insulation, the balustrade can only be installed using special long anchors designed to fasten heavy elements to walls with insulation. This is a rather expensive method.

Plants for the balcony

Choice suitable plants for the Porte-fenetre balcony depends on its location, size. The railing can be close to the window or located at some distance. There are several options for placing flowers.

  • In some balconies there is a small niche where you can place large pots with flowers
  • If there is a small window sill, you can install pots with shrubs on it, small trees. Then the possibilities of creating interesting design more.
  • If the balcony railings practically adjoin the window, you can plant classic pots in the pots suspended on them. climbing plant, some flowers, plants growing in cascade. An interesting effect will turn out - the plants will literally run down.

The choice of specific plant species depends on the location of the balcony:

  • the balcony is on south side buildings can be decorated with plants that are resistant to intense solar radiation;
  • window on north side decorate shade-loving plants;
  • balconies located on the east or west side are universal, where conditions are suitable for most plant species.


Conclusion

Choosing a window is an important task that needs to be solved when creating a house, repairing an apartment. To choose them correctly, you should bring them into line with the room where they will be installed. Good idea- French window. Looking at it from the side, one gets the optical impression that the building looks taller, narrower. This type of window makes it possible to create a light inner space with natural light that is pleasing to the eye. It is often used as a replacement for a traditional balcony.

It is important to choose the right, fix the balustrade. Railings - necessary element, allowing you to safely use the Porte-fenetre window, reducing the risk of falling out of it. At the same time, when the doors are fully opened, it seems as if we are on a balcony. Porte-fenetre will become the right choice if the facade of the building is flat, has no structural, decorative elements.

Progress developed rapidly, windows from France also. If you look at what was before and what is now, you can see a significant difference. The current characteristics are already distinguished by large heat capacity, high hardening and so on. Thanks to them, now you can enjoy the warmth in the house and at the same time extraordinary beauty.

It is very easy to improve the appearance of your cozy nest, and at the same time its comfort will increase. In order to solve such a problem, it is necessary to replace doors or windows; windows, of course, will serve as the best way out. French windows are gaining popularity at the moment. Although you won’t find them in every home, they can become a real highlight of the whole home.

French windows, or as they are called differently, window-doors occupy large area(from wall to ceiling). This type windows will look amazing in a room where there is access to the garden, internal small house or just on the balcony. External nature will gracefully emphasize home comfort.

Therefore, French windows have become widely used in cottages and private houses, they are an indispensable element of decoration. Amazing landscapes open up to the eye, which stand out favorably. If the room has space, then the decision to put French windows on the balcony will be indispensable. You should also think about installing window-doors, such a solution will look much more successful.

French windows are not only a joint step with fashion, they are originally practicality, convenience and a chic look. To emphasize the grace of windows, you can use air curtains or Japanese panels, but if there is no desire, you can leave it as it is. Having put them, the room will be completely transformed, and will make you the owner of a modern cozy home.

French windows in the apartment, old houses and Khrushchev

French windows are beautiful and very fashionable, despite the long history of windows. But is it worth putting them in old houses? Of course, if conditions and means allow, why not. It is worth noting that even if there is a great desire, it is necessary to weigh all the pros and cons. For example, if a nondescript view opens from the window, then why spoil the atmosphere at home? On the bad view from the window all the attention of both guests and yours will be drawn.

Find out in advance whether they will build any skyscraper opposite, which will completely ruin the whole mood, and the view from the window will depress. After all, in this case, you will have to close the windows massive curtains, and the windows will simply become useless and will not fulfill their original function - to decorate, emphasize beauty.

But to use French windows as interior doors quite possible. This technique will visually expand the space of the rooms. The light will penetrate much more, and if you pick up the lamps soft colors, they will be wonderful to combine with doors-windows. For such windows, it is best to select light curtains without weighting elements.

You can also use French windows between the balcony and the room, but only if the wall is not load-bearing. So watch and think for yourself. It all depends on a personal decision, the decision of the whole family, on tastes and preferences.

In which houses is it better to put French windows?

French windows are best inserted into . In such cases, the beautiful scenery from the window will have a wonderful effect on the mood throughout the house. One has only to imagine "the sun is shining outside the window, water is boiling in the kettle, good book", such windows improve the view of the house. Windows can only be installed when parks or other pleasant landscape are visible outside the window.

If the house has a terrace or garden, do not hesitate to put French windows. Beauty guaranteed! No need to worry that they can break, because they are very durable.

The types of French windows are wide enough. To date, their choice of various colors and textures is huge. For example, ancient old times, such windows are in palaces, and to this day they delight the eye. They are distinguished by their massiveness, but, despite this, they look very beautiful.

Now you can meet a large assortment modern French windows. They can be both massive and light in appearance. You can choose for yourself what you need, absolutely for every taste. Moreover, if something does not suit you, you can order and clarify which elements should be added and which should be removed to fully comply with your desires.

Features of installation of French windows

French windows are also called panoramic windows - these are special, large window-doors that occupy the entire wall from floor to ceiling. Thanks to such designs, the room becomes lighter and visually expands. These windows look very beautiful and fashionable.

French windows are installed mainly in cottages and own houses, preferably in the room from which there is access to the garden or courtyard. When installing such windows, one should take into account one very important point: The area of ​​the glazed space should be no more than 10% of the total area of ​​the room.

French windows can also be installed in apartments if a beautiful landscape opens from the future window and no buildings will be erected in the near future. Usually windows are mounted at the exit to the cylinder. But there are some nuances here: a redevelopment is necessary, a wall can be glazed only if it is not a carrier. Otherwise, the consequences can be very unpleasant and deplorable.

Fittings for French windows are chosen carefully and with high quality, especially if the windows are not planned to be deaf. The sashes must withstand a sufficiently large load, so reliable special systems are used.

Panoramic windows are not cheap pleasure, but the costs are justified. Thanks to French designs, the room becomes unusually cozy and chic, open great views, lighting improves, a fabulous atmosphere is created.

Installation of French windows on a balcony or loggia

At the beginning of the installation, the balcony block should be dismantled, and then the geometry for the future opening should be changed. It is best to invite qualified specialists to install French windows. Only with their work, the windows will last long enough. The sashes will not loosen over time, sound insulation and thermal insulation will not be disturbed, which is very important.

When working, you need to do everything sequentially and not grab onto everything at once. For example: the fastening of the frame in the opening is done separately, as well as the fastening of the wings to it. The frame of the balcony door is inserted into the opening, aligned and only then fixed. Window systems are designed for heavy loads, so it is important to maintain a gap of 10 to 20 mm between the wall opening and the balcony door.

Strong dowels are used to fix the block. Since the fasteners will subsequently have to carry the entire structure, therefore, everything must be done firmly and conscientiously. Around the perimeter of the block, you need to use dowels for fastening more often than with. If the weight ratio on the fasteners is incorrect, frame distortions are possible. To prevent this from happening, adjust the height and tightness of the fit.

The last step will be filling the joints between the wall and the block with mounting foam. It is necessary to remove the remains before the foam solidifies, if removed after, then the thermal insulation will be violated. After filling, the joints must be sealed, suitable for this waterproofing tapes. Now the window is completely ready for operation.

Heating with installed French windows

The climate in Russia is naturally harsher than in France. Therefore, it is best to think about heating in the summer. At the present time, there are two main ways: underfloor heating, convector heating. Everyone is familiar with underfloor heating, but few are familiar with convector heating.

The principle of convector heating

His principle of heating is quite simple and familiar to everyone, even from school physics lessons. The lower layers of air heat up, become heavier and rise up (principle), thus, the rooms are evenly heated. In particular, with French windows, this happens like this: convectors are simply built into the floor, a heat exchanger has already been installed in its gutter, the top is closed with a decorated grille.

The convector itself has the shape of a rectangle, but if this shape does not suit everyone, everyone has the right to order it to their taste. The same is the case with the color of the lattice. You can select it from huge amount colors, can be matched to furniture upholstery, flooring or even curtains.

With strong noise from the heat exchanger, you can use a damping plate, it is pasted over the supporting surface. Often such plates come in a set, if such a plate was not available, they must be purchased.

Care is very simple, it does not even require monthly cleaning, it is enough just once a year to walk with a damp cloth and clean the gutter with a vacuum cleaner. With careful care of the owner, flawless operation will last for many years.

Questions with documents

Replacing old windows with modern ones, especially French ones, is a wonderful thing, but very troublesome. And these claps are connected not only with the installation of windows, but also with the documents that need to be issued for their installation. To begin with, you need to make the appropriate permission to install French windows in the apartment from the owner of the building.

If the building in which your apartment is located is not a typical building, or it is located in a landmark area of ​​the city, then you need permission from the architect or city architect. With these papers, you need to contact the design organization, which will give you a document confirming the possibility of redevelopment, make a window project, and conclude an agreement on technical supervision.

In addition to the above permissions, there must be technical passport for an apartment issued by the BTI, permission from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, permission from Rospotrebnadzor, a copy of the certificate of ownership (certified by a notary), a single housing document.

With all this package of documents, as well as with your application, you need to contact the interdepartmental municipal commission. After submitting the necessary papers, the commission will consider your application and issue (or refuse) a building permit.

Hide

french window - this is a type of window that is almost the entire wall. It gives the owner of the apartment a panoramic view, and therefore it is otherwise called panoramic .

If it is installed instead of the entrance to the balcony, then the balcony itself, as it were, does not exist. You can only put your foot on the ledge. Fortunately, railings are always installed on it.

It would seem, to whom did such a balcony surrender? It's impractical! Neither make a pantry, nor go out for a smoke. Or, imperceptibly for those who are behind, sign to Romeo, waiting below - if you are Juliet ... But this is so beautiful window! Direct window to Europe. And one more thing: French glazing of your home in our last years firmly in vogue. So it makes sense to learn more about it.

French glazing installation rules

Before ordering a window and choosing a contractor for this, ask yourself - what will happen to your house (especially high-rise buildings) if you dismantle part of its wall? After all, this is exactly what you have to do to install the panoramic window of your dreams there.

If French glazing is installed after the construction of the house, it must be coordinated

Know - openings for French windows are planned, as a rule, during the construction of the house. If you have them in your home, you are in luck. More often than not, this is not the case. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which wall will have to be “injured”? If the carrier, then it is forbidden, and goodbye, dreams! If not, then take care of the age of your home. If it has a wear rate of more than 80 percent - find out by calling your management company, it is better to abandon this idea.

Then you need to think about reconciliation. Highly important(residents of high-rise buildings, this especially applies to you!) obtain legal permission for this type of work. There is almost the same thing as with . So get ready to beat the thresholds or pay special offices for it (the latter, in general, will save your health).

And if all else fails, it makes sense to think about installing other types of windows.

French window design options

Why is there a growing demand for French windows? Someone will answer: "Because they have a magnificent view." Sure, but that's only one reason. Secondly, the design of such windows is so diverse that you can easily choose a French window that suits your home.

Let's dream. For example, your room is full of mahogany furniture. Order a panoramic window with a profile of the same material - it's real. The balcony must have forged railing? You are welcome! French glazing can give you such an opportunity - as they say, any whim for your money. Well, almost any.

Mandatory attribute for the safety of French windows - railings

The designer will help you choose the shape of the window, various additional and fashionable details. For example, a pattern on the railing that is installed outside the window. Or he will offer you to install a carved arch above the window, the pattern of which you choose yourself. By the way, arches are now especially fashionable.

There are also limitations which you need to know about so as not to get into a mess. The size is window construction usually - no more than 10% of the total wall area. The window can be of any shape, even a triangle, even a circle, even a cylinder or a square. But the width of the French balcony, as a rule, should be at least half the width of the room. Only in this way will your window look decent and wear proud name"French".

The doors that are installed on the balcony are also different. For example, a portal balcony has movable doors. Sometimes they are folded in the form of an accordion or a book. This allows you to open almost the entire opening and enjoy the "live" landscape. Of course, you can also install traditional inward-opening doors if this is more convenient for you.

Types of French windows

There are several ways to install French glazing. Depending on this, allocate different kinds"windows to Europe".

Traditional window facing directly onto the street

traditional window

mounts directly to the wall and goes outside. Installing such windows is the most difficult.

But if you prefer it, you can safely tell your friends and acquaintances that you have "a window, like in Europe."

French window to balcony

installed instead of a balcony door. It is easier to mount than in the previous case. However, the balcony outside the window will prevent you from enjoying the panoramic view of the street so unrestrainedly - the railing closes part of the view.

Balcony with French glazing

it is nothing more than a fully glazed balcony.

Advantages and disadvantages of the French balcony

Every phenomenon has its pros and cons. French windows are no exception. Be mindful of them when you install.

French windows lose a lot of heat, but let in a lot of light.

disadvantages

  1. French windows lose more heat. Even insulated PVC profile windows do not always save from drafts.
  2. You will spend much more time and nerves on installing panoramic windows than when installing traditional windows.
  3. And, of course, prices! The French balcony will not please you with cheapness. In Moscow, it costs from 30 to 50 thousand rubles, depending on the quality of the materials and the size of the window.

However, these prices are easy to explain. After all, whatever one may say, there are more advantages to French windows.

Advantages

  1. From within french balconies look more solid than ordinary windows or balconies.
  2. Such a balcony decorates the building from the outside.
  3. There is more light in the apartment, which means you pay less for electricity.
  4. French windows visually enlarge the room.
  5. The barriers between the apartment and the outside world are more invisible, but at the same time you are protected from street noise.
  6. Psychologists say that living in an apartment with French glazing is more pleasant. Immunity does not fall, optimism grows, self-esteem of the individual rises. So the French window is perhaps really a window to a better world?