[Greenbuilding] Designy metal frame windows with good U-value?

[Bruce Bartley]

I would definitely encourage using backer rod and caulking over foam for 
window and door jamb fillers.  We like 1/4" of shim space all around, 
and we find the foam to be a mess in contact with finish jamb material.  
Isn't a flexible uninterrupted air seal what we really want for long 
term performance?
For your windows, I think you are looking for thermally broken aluminum 
frames.  The designy part would come with custom powder coatings, I guess.

-- 
Bruce Bartley, president
Rise&Run Construction Co.
Concrete Visions
31149 Eben Ray Lane
Burns, OR 97720

Office 541-573-2309
Cell   541-589-0128
fax    541-573-2309

bruce at riserun.com
OR CCB 62079