Guide 02 · Arcadia Custom
Thermal steel and steel-look aluminum, explained.
How Arcadia Custom delivers true steel windows with modern thermal performance, and when the aluminum series is the smarter fit.
Arcadia Custom builds thermally broken steel and aluminum windows and doors with the narrow sightlines modern architecture calls for. True thermal steel is laser-cut from 10-gauge stainless plate; the T225 aluminum series delivers the steel look in a lighter, versatile frame. We carry both in St. Louis, and this guide explains how to choose.
True steel
What is a thermal steel window?
Historic steel windows were beautiful and freezing. Arcadia’s thermal steel solves that: window and door parts are laser-cut from 10-gauge stainless steel plates by computer-guided lasers, then assembled with a thermal break that stops the frame from conducting heat and cold straight through.
The result keeps everything people love about steel, slender lines, minimal profiles, glass right to the edge, while performing like a modern window. Stainless construction also means the frames are not fighting rust for the rest of their lives.
The aluminum path
What is the T225 series?
Thermally broken frame
Isobar construction with a narrow 2 1/4 inch frame depth, so the thermal performance is engineered in, not bolted on.
Modern Look or Steel Look
Two design languages from one series: clean contemporary frames, or profiles drawn to read as classic steel from the curb.
Every operation type
Windows plus swinging, sliding, pivot, and multi-fold doors, so a whole-home package can stay in one consistent design language.
Choosing
Steel or aluminum: how do you decide?
Go true thermal steel when the design demands the most authentic profiles, the largest structural spans, and the material story matters, on landmark builds and serious modern architecture.
Go T225 aluminum when you want the steel aesthetic across a bigger scope of openings with more flexibility in budget and configuration. Many of our St. Louis projects mix the two, steel where it is seen and celebrated, aluminum where it works hard quietly. We will help you draw that line for your project.
In the field
Arcadia on real projects.
Common questions
Good to know.
What is a thermally broken steel window?
A steel window whose frame includes an insulating break that stops heat and cold from conducting through the metal. Arcadia laser-cuts the parts from 10-gauge stainless steel plate, so you get classic steel sightlines with modern energy performance.
How do I choose between Arcadia’s steel and aluminum lines?
True thermal steel for the most authentic profiles and largest spans; the T225 aluminum series for the steel look with more configuration and budget flexibility. Many projects mix both, and we help you decide opening by opening.
Where can I see Arcadia windows in St. Louis?
In our showroom at 55 Lincoln St. in Webster Groves, alongside our other premium window lines, so you can compare sightlines, hardware, and finishes side by side.
Considering steel for your project?
Bring the plans or the inspiration photos. We will help you weigh true steel against steel-look, opening by opening.