Zijramen

Zijramen are windows located on the side elevations of a building. The term is Dutch and literally means side windows (zij = side, ramen = windows). In architectural usage, zijramen refer to fenestration placed along the vertical sides of a structure, in contrast with front or back windows. They contribute daylight, views, and ventilation to interior rooms and can vary widely in size, proportion, and operation.

Design and operation: They may be fixed or operable; common configurations include casement, tilt-and-turn, sliding sash, or fixed units. The arrangement—whether a single pane, a row of windows, or a continuous band—affects façade rhythm, interior lighting, and heat gain. In traditional housing, zijramen were often modest in size and placed to balance privacy with natural light; in contemporary designs, large or floor-to-ceiling side windows are used for framed views and daylighting.

Materials and energy: Frames may be timber, aluminum, uPVC, or composite; glazing ranges from single to triple glazing with low-emissivity coatings to improve energy performance. Shading devices, such as exterior jalousies or interior blinds, are commonly employed to control glare.

Code and context: In many jurisdictions, egress requirements apply to windows that serve as emergency exits, influencing minimum dimensions for operable zijramen in bedrooms. Side windows also influence acoustic insulation and privacy, particularly in dense urban areas.

See also fenestration, window, architecture.