A stunning lakefront condo gets a smart, energy-efficient window upgrade with Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella® and PowerView® Automation.

Reimagining a Madison Condo for Modern Living

When our client purchased a 30-year-old top-floor condo overlooking Lake Mendota, they saw potential—and sunlight. A lot of it. With soaring west-facing windows and beautiful natural views came intense glare and heat in the summer and cold seeping in during Wisconsin winters. Like many empty-nesters moving closer to family in the Madison area, the goal was to modernize the space without compromising the natural light and view.

What We Did: A Tailored Solution for Unique Windows

Our team was called in to address both the aesthetic and functional demands of this unique space—and we delivered a custom solution that checked all the boxes.

We installed Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella® 1¼” Daisy White Room Darkening Shades, powered by PowerView® Automation, throughout the home, including:

  • Great Room & Dining Area: These spaces featured massive and unusually shaped windows with no lower mounting surfaces. We designed a custom floating header, crafted in-house from 16-gauge metal, that spans 120″—strong enough to support the lower Duette® shades while remaining virtually invisible.
  • Bedrooms: Standard rectangular windows were fitted with Duette® Architella® shades for uniform energy savings and room-darkening comfort.
  • PowerView® Automation: Every shade is motorized and fully automated. The owners can control their shades remotely or schedule them to adjust throughout the day—even while away.

Why Duette® Architella® Was the Right Choice

  • Superior Insulation: The honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design is the most energy-efficient window treatment on the market.
  • Room Darkening & Glare Control: Essential for managing sunlight from large west-facing windows.
  • Smart Home Integration: PowerView® works with smart assistants, enabling remote access and scheduled operation.
  • Clean, Modern Look: The Daisy White fabric added a fresh, contemporary finish to the space while allowing filtered light when needed.

The Result: Smart Shades That Work With the Wisconsin Weather

The transformation speaks for itself. The condo is now brighter when it should be, cozier when it needs to be, and always energy efficient. From summer sun protection to winter warmth retention, the Duette Architella® shades help stabilize interior temperatures year-round, adding both comfort and long-term value to the property.

By solving a structural challenge with our custom-fabricated headers and integrating sleek motorized shades, we not only preserved the sweeping lake views but elevated the condo’s livability and aesthetic. Whether the owners are relaxing at home or away visiting family, they’re in control of their home’s light, temperature, and privacy—with just a tap.

Project Gallery: Smart Style with a View

From the floating headers to the expansive, angled shades, this installation is a great inspiration for homeowners and builders looking to enhance tall or specialty-shaped windows without compromising view or performance. These photos showcase what’s possible when design, engineering, and innovation work together.

Book a Consultation with Middleton’s Window Experts

The right window treatments do more than look beautiful—they protect your space, improve energy efficiency, and make life more convenient. At Incredible Windows, we specialize in tailoring innovative window solutions for homeowners in Middleton, Madison, and nearby Wisconsin communities.

Whether you’re downsizing, remodeling, or building a new home, we’ll help you discover the ideal combination of form, function, and comfort. Schedule your consultation today, and let’s turn your vision into windows you’ll love—year-round.