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9th Commandment: Bay Windows and Balcony Basics
by Tom Ryan, Architect
Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of any Age
Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of any Age
Naperville Preservation, Inc. (NPI) is pleased to present Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of Any Age, a series of ten talks over two years presented by longtime Naperville architect and NPI Board Member, Tom Ryan.
Inspired by the "bible" of residential design "Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid" by Marianne Cusato, Ben Pentreath, Richard Sammons and Leon Krier, these entertaining talks will aim to distill timeless residential design into memorable bite-size chunks for use in remodeling, additions and new construction for projects of any age, budget, size or style.
After each talk attendees will be given a collectible postcard summarizing the commandment and be invited to "Walk the Talk" during a mini field trip the following Saturday morning to experience the topic live and in-person.
WARNING: By attending a Talk and 'Walking the Talk' you will most likely know more about that particular topic than your friends, neighbors, builders and maybe your architect...don't get cocky. 😉
Topics will include an overview of the series and the timeless design concept, transforming dated houses, site planning, creating a welcoming house, choosing exterior materials, roof basics, perfect porch construction, doors & windows, balconies & bays and interior tips and tricks.
In 2026, the talks will have a street by street focus of our beloved Historic District. The series will conclude will conclude with one more talk. The remaining date is: Thursday, Oct 22.
The cost per talk will be free for members and $10 for non-members.
Be sure you are on our email list to receive the most timely announcements about the series.
* Please note, unforeseen circumstances may cause the dates to be altered. Location for the meetings is being negotiated.
Talk #9
Talk #9
9th Commandment: Bay Windows and Balcony Basics
9th Commandment: Bay Windows and Balcony Basics
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Naper Blvd Library Program Room
2035 S Naper Blvd
Naperville, IL 60565
Cost: $10 non-members, members free! NPI Members, use your NPI member promo code for FREE tickets!
Bay windows and balconies project outward past the walls of buildings enhancing the interior and exterior of almost any house. Bay windows allow more natural light to enter a home than traditional windows and provide views in three directions. Balconies take opening a window to the next level by allowing physical access to the outside while keeping a ‘roof over one’s head’ just a step or two away.
In most towns they are also one of the only projections from an exterior wall permitted to extend beyond an established building setback essentially extending one’s living space...let’s keep that between you and me. 😉
In our ninth Talk, we’ll explore various types of balconies and bay windows to see how they enhance the exterior of historic and newly-built house in and around Naperville
Walk the Talk #9
Walk the Talk #9
On the Saturday August 29th, we’ll Walk the Talk (short walking tour) to see firsthand how bay windows and balconies have been used over the years in Naperville’s beloved Historic District. No separate R.S.V.P. will be necessary, but the details will only be announced to those attending the August 25th event, or by special inquiry.
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Don't forget to renew your membership . If you are not a member, please consider joining.
Missed an earlier talk?
Missed an earlier talk?
Here are summations and videos from those talks:
Good as New — Second Lives for Dated Houses 2025.04.10
Use Scale, Balance and Proportion for an Approachable House 2025.08.13
Authenticity and Restraint When Choosing Exterior Materials 2025.10.09
Know What Roof Types to Use…and Not Overuse 2026.03.05
Understanding the Parts and Pieces of a Perfect Porch 2026.04.21
There’s More to Doors and Windows than Simply Being New 2026.06.25
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