Having sold and installed windows and doors for 25 years, I have some knowledge. You realize that swinging windows (awning, hopper and casement) are nearly 2wice the price of a slider. They do seal better in extreme forces. Think continuous gasket around your refrigerator door in compression as opposed to the weatherstripping on a sliding patio door. Swinging windows can be operated remotely, or if they are out of reach, by an extension, or both. Sliders not so.
For a shop, most times aesthetics aren't a major concern, but if you need to match existing architecture, then that's what you do. In a few cases I put Andersen in front and all vinyl along the sides and back. From the outside they are practically the same. Manufacturers have agreed on a common white color. Last I knew Andersen uses vinyl clad while the rest use an aluminum extrusion. There were some AL clad that were wrapped, but that wasn't ideal.
Composites ae great. If I lived in an extreme climate, especially freezing, they would be at the top of my list, They are also expensive. Getting down to basics, you'll do well with aluminum. Nothing to fade or rot. If were building a house in the desert, it would have AL windows with a thermal break (common these days).
I also like laminated glass, but that adds a lot to the cost. in certain instances, it's a good choice. Practically burglar proof. LG also provides it's own form of UV protection. In CA it's difficult to order a window w/o LowE coating. If energy and UV are a concern, add that in. Forget argon gas in dual pane. It doesn't stay in there forever and can't be reintroduced. CA forces that on us too, but for my money it does too little over what can be achieved by more basic options.
