much more than a window: elements that connect architecture with people and nature

otiima: much more than a window

Present in homes, buildings, stores, restaurants and basically everywhere, windows have always been a fundamental element in the architectural object, but OTIIMA decided to take them to another level, breaking paradigms to set new standards within the window systems industry. Founded in the city of Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal, the company incorporates the best materials and technology to enhance architectural connections between people, spaces, and nature.

Squire House designed by Daniel Joseph Chenin | image courtesy of OTIIMA

a history of passion for craftsmanship, tradition and innovation

Three decades ago, OTIIMA introduced the world to the first minimalist window frames solution. The company’s founder, José Maria Ferreira, had the goal of merging cultural and industrial heritage with metallurgy, which led to the development of innovative, high-quality frame systems. Driven by his relentless pursuit of perfection and commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, OTIIMA’s minimalist framing solution gained widespread recognition and acclaim. ‘At its core, OTIIMA’s beginnings were a story of passion for craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, and a visionary founder who set out to revolutionize the architectural landscape,’ OTIIMA comments for designboom.

The company’s ability to create elegant and refined framing systems to reach extraordinary heights up to 8 meters set a new standard in the industry. OTIIMA became synonymous with innovation, quality, and sophistication, positioning itself as a worldwide reference for high-end custom window solutions. This commitment to excellence and the search for fresh solutions laid the foundation for OTIIMA’s evolution into a leading force in architectural design and construction.

OTIIMA is characterized by elegant systems and extraordinary heights. House in St. Niklaas by Element Architecten | OTIIMA

minimalism: creating timeless experiences

OTIIMA’s driving force lies in its commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, creativity, trust, ethics, and sustainability. The company focuses on creating sophisticated and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Projects such as ‘Desert Palisades’, a home designed by Brett Woods and Joseph Dangaran, highlight OTIIMA’s minimalist approach — manifested through expansive glass surfaces, reinforced profiles, pivoting doors, and sleek handles, fosters connections between people, spaces, and nature, creating timeless experiences.

OTIIMA is distinguished by its passion for pushing technological and engineering limits, resulting in original, unexpected, and rebellious products. Moreover, its production characterized by meticulous and delicate craftsmanship, which does not compromise on quality and utility, has made the brand a landmark with whom architects from all over the world seek to collaborate.

Desert Palisades’, designed by Brett Woods and Joseph Dangaran | image © Joe Fletcher

Desert Palisades’ highlights OTIIMA’s minimalist approach | © Joe Fletcher

a leading brand in innovation and creativity

OTIIMA has had key projects that have marked its development and demonstrated its commitment to innovation. One of them is the ‘Geres House’, with huge windows that seamlessly connect the interior spaces with dramatic landscapes. This house had an important appearance in the Netflix show ‘The World’s Most Extraordinary Houses’, where architect Piers Taylor and actress Caroline Quentin travel the world in search of the most exotic homes. Another important project for the company, which thanks to its unconventional design has won important awards, was the ‘Maybourne Riviera’, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. This is presented as an architectural marvel that redefines spaces with its crisscrossing white lines and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Casa Gerês, designed by Carvalho Araújo | images © Hugo Carvalho Araújo

huge windows seamlessly connect the interior spaces with dramatic landscapes | © Hugo Carvalho Araújo

innovative solutions for unconventional challenges

OTIIMA’s trajectory was marked by the challenge of seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, often in unconventional environments, such as ¾ sight lines, remote-controlled systems and secure tempered glass for security locking systems. The company overcame all challenges by employing innovative solutions. OTIIMA’s team of designers and engineers rejected preconceived ideas, leaving room for creativity and innovation. This desire to break with the status quo ensured that each project became an opportunity to test limits and respond creatively to unique contexts.

Ultimately, the unconventional thinking of the OTIIMA team led the brand to develop innovative solutions, setting new standards and positioning itself as a leader in the industry. In this way, the company manages to offer much much more than a window.

OTIIMA Plus System in Pa.te.os. House in Melides, designed by Aires Mateus | image by © Francisco Nogueira

Pa.te.os. House in Melides, designed by Aires Mateus | image by © Francisco Nogueira

OTIIMA’s trajectory was marked by the challenge of seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces | © Francisco Nogueira

written by: grecia gutiérrez | designboom