Marvin in my mind is the far and away best commercially available wood window on the market today. However there are niche manufacturers, local shops and imported windows that are just as good if not slightly better. Where are you planning to build?

Marvin in my mind is the far and away best commercially available wood window on the market today. However there are niche manufacturers, local shops and imported windows that are just as good if not slightly better. Where are you planning to build?

Not a recommendation or an endorsement, but you might find this website interesting - if money is no object.

Here is a link that might be useful: obwilliams

This post was edited by oberon on Sat, Sep 14, 13 at 21:46

We are in Northern California (SF Bay Area). Any local sources would be appreciated, or non local, but top quality. I had come across Dynamic Windows' website, and their traditional double hung (with historical sash support) looks interesting. Any thoughts about them?

From my perspective (and I have never sold only know of people whom I respect who have) they are a very good quality high end product.

Marvin will manufacture a weight and pulley double hung. It is part of their Signature division. Here is the link:
http://www.marvinsignature.com?page=Chain_Pulley_DoubleHung

Thanks for all the great info, folks. These are good sources to have in my pocket when I go to talk with the architect and builder.

Kolbe has a traditional double hung called Old World classic if you want to go with that traditional route by a national manufacturer. They also have the sterling double hung which looks more traditional but also more modern features.

Some times in your case a local manufacturer might be more suited for that traditional and custom build. I don't want to endorse any in the bay area because I haven't done business with any but they are out there if you look.

I am pretty certain that the newer synthetic ropes work and last quite long.

Most people that I hear of opting for the chains are looking for that aesthetic.

I have seen (heard) the chain-versions in factory/R&D setting and neither of the two (different manufacturers) that I saw made much of any noise at all.