You are not exactly choosing the cheapest window if you are looking for a color to the exterior and wood to the interior. Marvin Integrity is probably the best of the bet in that case.

400 would kind of be below the Marvin Ultima and wood Ultrex . The 400 Woodwright would be above the wood Ultrex and below Ultima. I'd consider both Andersens to be above the Marvun all Ultrex , but it is an another class of window. The Andersens do not feature aluminum or fiberglass in those lines, they are painted wood and Fibrex. Performance wise they are all very similar in U values and DP ratings, air infiltration numbers on the Andersens are very good, Marvins are known to be poor but I haven't seen any first hand ratings. Price wise should be in this order but may not be: Ultima, 400 Woodwright,Wood Ultrex, 400 , All Ultrex. I am not to familiar with Kolbe's line up.

I love this picture! Just jumping in to say windows are a super complicated part of the build that isn't usually given enough consideration early on. So you are super smart to get ahead of it. Both prices and leadtimes have increased substantially since we built the first time. We've worked on multiple projects in between but this past year prices have skyrocketed. This year our price per window (same quality as the first time) was 3-4x the price since 8 years ago, and the lead times are about 4-5 months (it was 6 weeks with out first build). So they need to get ordered, ideally, before you break ground. We've used a few different brands - midrange imo. We really like Jeld-Wen Siteline for value and function (Our first builder used them exclusively), Andersen (however you spell it I don't think anyone cares unless you sell the product. ;) 400 windows are okay, but not a good value in my opinion. Pella is overpriced and they won't even quote a specific leadtime in our area, it's terrible. We are going with Sierra Pacific for value, color choice, and most importantly, lead times. They are sitting at about 12-16 weeks and that is better than all the other brands I received quotes from. The pricing was 30% better also. I've had a few friends use Sierra Pacific, and they have been very happy with their hybrid product, and the customer service, and delivery time. They are not popular here on Houzz, just a heads up. But sometimes I wonder if these posters have even quoted a window project in recent days. Often architects will specify a window and not be involved in the bidding process at all. It's easy to have an opinion on a windows you aren't paying for. :) I think windows and doors are a great place to invest, but if you have alot in your plan, it can really get crazy expensive. If you can avoid "grilles between the glass" and do a sdl (simulated divided lite) or a tdl (true divided lite) the look is so much better imo. The window world has a lovely world of vocabulary that specialists like to throw around (and even architects struggle with sometimes). Maybe you know this already, but I did not at the beginning. Use pictures to communicate what you'd like and that helps a ton. Going with a fixed vs. functioning window doesn't change the price that much at all any more (maybe 5-10%?). But always worth asking! We usually do a mix of both depending on what you can reach. And of course bedroom windows usually need to function as egress windows, but hopefully your builder can guide you on the codes there. I agree with the other poster... awning windows are lovely and great in rainy climates! The double/single hung vs. casement choice is usually dependent on the style of home you want. Sorry for the long response... I obviously love talking about windows!

The Alpen has the best numbers for a passive house , especially if you are set up to take advantage of the solar gain. Marvin in local and a large company. Service calls and any warranty work would probably be easier with them . strange for an architect to spec any vinyl window ,especially a Pella. I’m not familiar with any but the the Pella and Marvin’s other lines. Marvin has a good name, Pella does not. Have you took the time to look at the products first hand? Are you comfortable with the product suppliers and there ability and reputation to stand behind there product? I would feel the most comfortable with Marvin due to there size and dealer network and would consider the Alpen because of there stellar numbers.