Storm windows, shutters, or? – for insulation. – GreenBuildingAdvisor

I’m designing a 12′ x 16′ workshop/studio that has a mono-slop roof. The ceiling on the tall end is 12′ high, running down to 8′ on the short end. That tall end has 46 sq ft of windows out of the 192 sq ft of wall. See attached image.

I’m in climate zone 6, so the floor will be R-39, walls R-35, and roof R-60.

While the amount of windows is designed to give me options, during most days I’ll need only about 8 sq ft of window light at a time, with the remaining amount of windows blacked out entirely. Then, at night, I’ll need no window light at all.

The question is, what’s the best way to block the windows, from an insulation standpoint? I can easily control the light via shutters or fabric, but it occurs to me that there might be a better way that would also give me some insulating value.