Michael McKinley was among seven New England architects selected to design a Marvin window for one of the largest building and design trade shows in the country. The design, an outswing french window, will be built to McKinley’s specifications and be on display at ArchitectureBoston Expo or ABX in Boston, November 15th-17th. Marvin is a major sponsor of the building industry trade show that attracts 400 exhibitors and 15,000 architects, engineers, builders and homeowners.

Here is a preview of the “McKinley Window” that will be built by Marvin’s craftsmen in Warroad, Minn.

• "McKinley Window" design for Marvin Windows.

“The gesture of opening the sashes to a sunny salt marsh, beach and ocean creates an intriguing and memorable image. The color of the sash reminds me of sea glass and I see the natural mahogany frame and trim weathering to driftwood,” explains McKinley.

Since most of McKinley’s architecture is on the coast and in historic settings, he distinguished this window by selecting a coastal inspired palette of finishes. The window sash, painted Benjamin Moore’s Hazy Blue, will be framed with an oiled finished sapele mahogany trim and casing. The window interior will have the same detailing so when the window is open, the hazy blue sash will embrace the exterior and the mahogany frame. For the sash lock, he chose antique zinc architectural hardware designed by Rocky Mountain Hardware especially for Marvin Windows.

• Photo: Rocky Mountain Hardware

Although you won’t find the “McKinley Window” in the Marvin Catalogue, it’s meant to inspire architects, builders and clients to think out of the box. Window and door detailing is critical to the success of any building.

If you are designing or renovating a home here are some things to consider when selecting your windows:

1. Windows don’t have to be white! Color adds interest and character so consider using a color even if it is a neutral shade.
2. If you’re siding your home with a natural wood such as cedar, you’ll want to select your window color by comparing it to samples of the weathered wood not just the new cedar siding. The weathered cedar tones can differ vastly from new cedar. The amount of weathering will depend on the wood’s exposure to sun and salt air.
3. Varying window types (double hung, awning, etc.) sash patterns, colors and even window materials can create a thoughtful, custom look. Nothing screams “spec house” more than banks of the same window! We often combine two window colors on the same house especially if we are using different siding materials such as natural cedar shingles and painted board and batten. We also specify wood windows if they are on a covered porch or entry because of their distinctive look and feel. We use durable, low maintenance clad windows everywhere else.