Seattle-based architectural firm Olson Kundig has recently crafted a number of unique off-grid, low-tech smart homes with transforming facades. Although seemingly unsophisticated, their façades utilize intricate systems of hinges, pulleys and bearings, devised by Phil Turner, the firm’s in-house “gizmologist.” These hand-operated elements bring tactile experience back to architecture, challenging people to rethink their relationship […]
Once upon a time, there was an architect. He dreamed and he drew. First, he designed a small addition for a house down the street (actually his Mum’s but that’s largely irrelevant). Then he designed a cabin on a lake. Life was good. He was asked to design a house for the Mayor, then the […]
California’s Title 24 Codes and Beyond The changes to California’s Title 24 codes which came into effect on January 1st 2018 have had a noticeable impact on architecture, particularly on modern homes with large expanses of glass. At 60% glass in the envelope, you almost need to be a Chess Grand Master to plot the […]
A key feature of our Steel, Bronze or Alumin-Arte series of thermally broken metal windows and doors is that components are cut, welded, ground smooth, and then painted. This results in a different product than a mechanically-fastened system. Here’s a quick look at why we do welded metal windows, how we do it, and the […]
Mahogany. A classic, desirable wood. It’s also commonly imitated. A quote for mahogany windows that seems too good to be true may actually be so. Here’s how to know what exactly you are getting when requesting a quote for mahogany. We’re very familiar with comparing “apples to apples” when talking to architects or contractors about […]
This article has been updated and republished November 14, 2025 as Super Wood: Redefining Luxury Fenestration Through Accoya® and Architectural Innovation Click here to download the PDF version of this article. There’s clearly a resurgence in wood buildings happening right now. With CLT beam construction being one of Architectural Digest’s Top 5 Architectural Trends for […]
The following article features two project collaborations by Architect Tom Kundig and Designer Rodman Primack, one in Hawaii and the other on Long Island. Dynamic was pleased to have the opportunity to supply the thermally-broken steel windows and doors for the beautiful Long Island project. It’s always rewarding when you get to work with both […]
The “Metal Movement” and “Thermally Broken.”. Why you want your metal windows to be BROKEN. Thermally broken metal windows provide several benefits over non-thermally broken systems. We are often asked about specific performance benefits. The basic performance premise is: Improved overall thermal performance over traditional non-thermally broken systems. Improved NFRC U-Values over non-thermally broken systems. […]
Recently we were talking with a Contractor in Southern California and he told us about a home he’s in the final stages of building. He had used an aluminum window system which had a large proportion of the openings with non thermally broken metal windows and doors. The purchase price was reasonable, so the order […]
“The windows are coming! I need a helicopter!” Right now, we’re in the process of delivering a good-sized order of oversized, custom-built Bronze-clad Black Walnut windows and doors to a luxury home on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The secluded waterfront lots in Tahoe are difficult to get into, with regulations protecting the shoreline, a notoriously […]
Guest House Amplifies Beauty