In the process of renovating a split level 1950's brick home in Nj and replacing all of the windows. Aesthetically, I prefer an anodized bronze or black window frame "look" that can be achieved by using an aluminum window and is what I am most familiar with being from the west coast but concerned about how practical aluminum windows are given the cold temps in the northeast. I have considered aluminum clad wood windows by pella, jeld wen, ply gem in those colors but would like the window to have the same look on the interior (I guess I could paint the interior black-but still not the same). I came across a website for Windorsky bronze and steel windows--is anyone familiar with them and have any insight? Please note that I also have sliding patio doors that I am replacing as well. Does anyone know generally what type of windows are used in high-rise condominiums in the northeast and I see a fair amount of the "look" I'm trying to achieve in townhomes (I guess what might described as a loft-look). Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Uneeda and Ultra, I also loved the look of the white casing in the photo above. It's something to think about as it would also reduce the exposed width of the perimeter frame on the interior. To me, this would give the impression of having a thin steel frame, rather than aluminum. However, most contemporary homes I've seen in real life, and in photos, only have window sills, rather than the entire casing. Since you are both in the field as professionals, no doubt you have plenty experience with both. Would you please elaborate a little further of your impressions of the bronze aluminum window frames without the white window framing? I think it depends on the architecture of the home, that very contemporary architecture would have no window casing. My primary interest is in the fixed glass picture windows in the family room where the aluminum frame width is not too bad. The interior décor is a concern as my cabinets are all cream with glazing. The only white is baseboards and window sills. Down playing the white seems best for my situation. It's a good question for the interior designer. I'll definitely send her an email to get her feedback. I'm still struggling with what to use for window coverings to address fading from direct morning sun.

I'm kind of browned off on Pella owing to their absolute disaster of customer support and the fact that they won't stand by their licensed local distributors that they insist you deal with on the higher end stuff. I've had little problem with Anderson.

The design stuff sounds great. If you are looking for truly passive solar glazing, I am not sure the brand you have referenced is your best choice. There are some great products out there from some manufacturers with just that sort of design in mind. Again, you need to start with what product look that you want. There are a ton in vinyl (not sure that fits you look here...but they can be painted) and there are also going to be a bunch in thermally broken aluminum. While thermally broken aluminum is not typically thought of as a great product for cold climates, some of the thermals they get out of these triple glazed products is stunning. You are going to want a triple glazed product merely for the insulation, but with the appropriate Low-e on the South facing surfaces. There are more than a handful of fiberglass manufactures as well that make products with special attention to air tightness and glazing schedules. If you are building this thing with passive solar in mind, I am guessing that you are looking to really build a tight shell. I would start with what you really want the interiors to look like and then narrow the search.