Here is another blog post by build that may give you some more information about your window choices. http://blog.buildllc.com/2015/05/a-modern-guide-to-windows/ We used gerkin (aluminium) windows and they were significantly less than fleetwood, with the added benefit of being delivered on time (we combined them with some sliding doors/windows from fleetwood which came a few weeks late). I think the main advantage of fleetwood windows is that for the really large spans and door window combo units, they have the mullions figured out to be pretty minimal. Gerkin doesnt do doors, and their mullions are bulkier. This blog post should give you an idea - http://mattrisinger.com/gerkin-aluminum-windows-vs-storefront-for-a-modern-new-home/. You may need triple glazing (especially on operable windows) to meet code with aluminium windows, but if done judicially you can minimize how much you notice them. This blog post, also by build, may help. http://blog.buildllc.com/2013/11/meeting-the-energy-code/. We also have one corner window. Fleetwood can do these, but the mullion at the corner is pretty big. We got an aluminium clad wood window from Marvin. It may be a little different in appearance, but no one is going to notice unless you point it out to them. I would also check out Almuniiom clad wood windows from Marvin, though they are pricey. It may be that you use a combo of Marvin integrity (fiberglass) windows for most places, and combine them with al clad wood windows from the full marvin line. They can build pretty much anything. Plus they do have a fiberglass/wood option as well. They were too expensive for us, but from everything i have heard Marvin is one of the best window manufacturers out there. Finally, we also looked at Inline windows. They make fiberglass windows, but can apply a wood veneer on the inside to give you that warm look. This will probably be cheaper than the full marvins. Hope this helps.

I still say bronze. It is done a lot in the high end homes in Atlanta, usually paired with a lighter stone/brick exterior. It is lovely. Here is a picture of a light brick french house with the bronze windows . . . not a great picture but you get the idea. Beautiful with copper gutters. Here is a link that might be useful: Yong Pak Renovation (Beecham Residence Atlanta)

WOW-thanks for the recommendations. I've tried to email you but it doesn't allow me to? When searching for companies they didn't come up so I'll have to check into them. The local shops carry Milgard, Jeld-wen and Plygem. We like the milgards warranty as we plan on having this place til we die (in our mid 30's) and in research we found it's great for 1st owners (although there does seem to be quite a few complaints..due to the volume or?). Plygem we have a solid quote on aluminum clad vinyl but in research I've found their customer service/warranty is a major downfall. From local Milgard reps (which is a huge bonus) we have a few quotes Milgard Ultra Fiberglass $23k. We have a few ridiculously priced windows with a couple minor mods and some negotiating I'm sure we can get down to the $17k range Milgard Aluminum thermal break $15k Milgard Montecito $14.5k SHGC on the Aluminums is .33, Ufactor .37 VLT .58 compared to the fiberglass and vinyl which are virtually the same at .23, .29, .52 We're leaning towards the aluminums as this was our original thought and the price is right (finally found a decent quote). It is a vacation home, no building code, no inspections. Will be used 90% in summer, 10% for winter skiing and primarily wood heat. These performance numbers seem ok? Any input from others is greatly appreciated to. Thanks WOW.

Black is no less a “neutral” than white. Interior windows with muntins are quite stunning, so much so, that often you need no window treatments.