When interior designer Alexandra Hutchison set out to design and build her own home, she knew it had to be more than beautiful—it had to feel alive. Known for her warm, modern aesthetic and grounded sensibility, Alexandra wanted a space that would restore, energize, and connect her living space to the natural rhythms of the outdoors. This is where her deep commitment to biophilic design led her to her choice of windows and doors. JELD-WEN windows and doors will not just provide views of nature—JELD-WEN^® products will allow nature to become part of the experience of living in the home. 

“JELD-WEN is widely recognized for quality and approachability, and when I started digging into what’s most current on the market across several brands, I found the new products that JELD-WEN is offering are incomparable.” Alexandra shares. “I’ve always been impressed with the brand and product which I came to know well when I was working with HGTV on home reno shows.”

The Heart of Biophilic Design: Light, Air, and Connection

Biophilic design is more than a trend, it’s a philosophy that promotes well-being through design that honors our innate connection to nature. For Alexandra, this meant maximizing natural light, improving air flow, and creating visual and physical continuity between interior and exterior spaces.

Alexandra’s design practice is grounded in the belief that sustainability is the new luxury in the 21st century. Biophilic design—an approach that integrates natural elements into the built environment—embodies both values.

“Biophilic design taps into our innate connection to nature. It can be as subtle as the sound of birds outside a window or the feeling of a gentle breeze passing through a space—sensory experience that evoke calm, vitality, and comfort,” shares Alexandra. 

• Expansive glass and narrow sightlines
• Natural material finishes that complement a variety of palette options
• Customizability for floor-to-ceiling applications and seamless transitions
• Sustainability and energy efficiency, which align with eco-conscious builds

Living Walls of Glass: Inviting the Outdoors In

In the open concept living room and kitchen, Alexandra installed JELD-WEN^® JWC8500 series windows. With clean profiles and large panes of glass, these windows will flood the space with soft, diffused light throughout the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting and syncing indoor activity with natural circadian rhythms.

“One concept within biophilic design that I continually return to is prospect and refuge. It’s a powerful framework for understanding why certain spaces feel pleasurable—and by extension, luxurious. Prospect offers expansive views and a sense of openness, instilling optimism and connection to the environment. Refuge, by contrast, offers enclosure and comfort—a sense of safety while still enjoying the view,” as she further elaborates. 

“The 8500 series immediately caught my eye for its aesthetic appeal. The unmatched energy efficiency and sustainable features are a priority for me.”

To further blur the boundary between indoors and out, Alexandra incorporated JELD-WEN^® sliding patio doors, which open entirely to a spacious backyard.
When the doors are open, the expansive glass will make it feel like living in the landscape.

Ventilation as Wellness

In the bedrooms, Alexandra focused on operable JELD-WEN® JWC8500 series windows to support cross-ventilation and passive cooling. This allows fresh air to circulate freely, reducing reliance on HVAC systems and creating a more restful, breathable environment. 

Why JELD-WEN?

For Alexandra, JELD-WEN offered a rare combination of high-performance engineering and biophilic design potential. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, design flexibility, and timeless aesthetics made it a natural fit.

“The JELD-WEN 8500 Series captures the kind of sustainable luxury I value—something I haven’t seen from other manufacturers. They offer all the practical benefits of vinyl—durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance—wrapped in a refined, high-end look. People often assume they are wood when passing by. The custom paint finish adds another layer of sophistication, and the slim profile maximizes both natural light and views.”

Final Thoughts: More Than a Home

Alexandra’s new home construction project will not be just a space to live in—it will serve as a daily conversation with nature. Through thoughtful design and the right architectural elements, she is building more than a home: she is building a sanctuary.

JELD-WEN windows and doors were instrumental in realizing that vision—offering the clarity, connection, and calm that only nature can provide.