Designers created a sliding glass door that can turn around corners

This article discusses the increasing use and benefits of open corner sliding glass doors in residential architecture, focusing on how they transform interior spaces by blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The article highlights the Malibu Crest project by Studio Bracket as a prime example, where these specialized doors were instrumental in expanding panoramic views while retaining the structural integrity of a 1949 International Style home. It delves into the technical aspects of these systems, noting that manufacturers like Western Window Systems use tempered glass and innovative extrusion designs to create seamless connections at 90-degree angles. This technology allows for uninterrupted glass walls, effectively turning a corner into a dynamic portal to the outside environment. The aesthetic advantages of open corner systems are emphasized, explaining how they visually flatten external views into three-dimensional landscape paintings, thereby bringing natural light and scenery into a home. When these sliding doors are opened, they completely dissolve the barrier between interior and exterior, creating a continuous, expansive space that is particularly beneficial for homes with outdoor amenities such as dining areas or pools. An example from Scottsdale, Arizona, designed by Jessica Hutchison-Rough, illustrates how an open corner sliding glass door can merge an indoor kitchen and dining area with an outdoor dining space, making the entire area feel significantly larger and more open. The article also addresses the structural considerations necessary for integrating large expanses of open corner sliding glass doors. Architects must plan early for robust headers that can support the considerable weight and span of these systems. Manufacturers can design multi-slide glass doors up to 60-70 feet wide and up to 17 feet tall, depending on the series. Some designs incorporate detached structural supports, like interior columns, to maintain the illusion of an unobstructed opening, as seen in a house designed by Jonathan Segal FAIA. This approach, combined with consistent flooring materials, further obliterates the traditional division between indoor and outdoor spaces. Ultimately, open corner sliding glass doors are presented as an extraordinary architectural solution for those seeking to maximize natural light, enhance scenic views, and foster a deeper connection between a home's interior and its surrounding environment. By eliminating opaque walls at corners, these systems contribute to a sense of unlimited space, making even a home with the same square footage feel much grander and more integrated with nature. #OpenCornerDoors #SlidingGlassDoors #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeDesign #NaturalLight #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #GlassTechnology #WesternWindowSystems

The Sky-Frame Pocket solution offers a sophisticated recessed sliding door system designed to create seamless transitions and completely open up living spaces. This innovative feature allows glass door elements to disappear entirely into wall pockets, effectively merging indoor and outdoor environments without any visible glass leaves or frames obstructing the view. This system is suitable for both residential and commercial applications, providing a versatile solution for various architectural designs. Key characteristics include recessed elements, hidden mechanics, and a seamless transition between spaces. The design ensures that rooms can be fully opened, offering an unobstructed aesthetic. Sky-Frame emphasizes user-friendliness, ensuring that the complex technology behind these hidden sliding doors is simple to operate. The company and its distribution partners provide comprehensive professional advice and support from initial concept through to project completion, facilitating the integration of tailored spatial concepts. The system is adaptable to different architectural visions, accommodating ceiling-height window fronts, organic curves, and sloping glass units. Technical options for the Sky-Frame Pocket system include various glazing configurations to suit different performance requirements. Sky-Frame 1 offers single glazing, Sky-Frame 2 features double-glazed insulating glass, and Sky-Frame 3 provides triple-glazed insulating glass for enhanced thermal and acoustic performance. These options allow for customization based on climate and specific project needs. Several optional features can be integrated with the Pocket solution to further enhance functionality and convenience. Sky-Frame Drive enables electrically powered opening and closing, adding a layer of automation. For pest control, the FLY option includes an integrated insect screen. Security is addressed with Sky-Frame GUARD, offering increased anti-burglary protection. Sky-Frame INLINE provides flush-fitted glass panels for an even sleeker appearance, while the GUN version offers a bulletproof option for specialized security requirements. Furthermore, customization is available through the COLOR option, allowing for aesthetic integration with diverse interior and exterior palettes. All Sky-Frame products, including the Pocket solution, adhere to stringent quality and performance standards, holding certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, Qualicoat Seaside, NFRC, and UL Certificate of Compliance. Documentation, including working files, living brochures, and image brochures, is available in multiple languages (English, US, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian) to support architects and clients globally. BIM files and CAD drawings are also accessible for design and planning purposes. This product is applicable for exterior/outdoor, interior, and partition uses, specifically as a sliding window type. Sky-Frame's commitment to frameless window concepts transforms views into integral design features, enhancing the overall living and working experience by maximizing natural light and connectivity to the surrounding environment. #SlidingDoors #RecessedDoors #FramelessWindows #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SeamlessTransitions #HomeAutomation #SustainableDesign

Raydoor, a New York City-based sliding door manufacturer, is set to unveil an interactive art installation at Dwell on Design New York, scheduled from October 9-11 at 82Mercer in SoHo. This unique collaboration features local street artist George "SEN-One" Morillo, who will layer graffiti onto Raydoor's architectural door systems, blending urban art with modern design. The initiative highlights Raydoor's commitment to creating movable art pieces and functional interior divisions that are both aesthetically pleasing and inspiring. Founder Luke Siegel, a native New Yorker, developed a lifelong passion for art and design from an early age, experimenting with Legos and found objects. After studying business and design at NYU’s Gallatin School, he co-founded a design collective that undertook creative projects for major brands. His venture into furniture making and installations for private clients led to a pivotal moment when a privacy screen, constructed from plywood panels and a frosted shower curtain inspired by artist Robert Irwin, resulted in a commission for a more sophisticated sliding door. This led to the creation of Raydoor, named after the ray of light cast along its edge, and the company's official launch in 2000. Siegel emphasizes that Raydoor's design philosophy centers on the belief that modern design can be warm and that interior divisions should not only define space but also inspire its inhabitants. Raydoor achieved significant milestones, including being awarded its first patent for its Interior Space Dividing System in 2009 and experiencing record sales in 2013. The company has grown from a studio apartment operation to an office and showroom on 29th and Sixth Avenue, complemented by a new manufacturing facility in Deer Park, Long Island. Fifteen years after its inception, Raydoor introduced a hallmark product: the single-sized, easy-to-install BarnDoor. This product draws inspiration from classic American barn doors and features a single cross-brace construction that doubles as a handle. Available in vibrant urban colors like construction orange, NYPD blue, and Taxicab yellow, the BarnDoor embodies Raydoor's core principle of combining modern design with warmth and inspiration. At Dwell on Design New York, Luke Siegel and Lana Abraham-Murawski, a Raydoor employee with an artistic background, will actively participate in the live graffiti installation alongside George "SEN-One" Morillo. Raydoor's sliding door and wall systems are known for their versatility, offering numerous options in color, lattice design patterns, and finishes, enabling clients to create distinctive architectural statements within their homes. The patented TwinFrameTM construction allows for various door configurations, including sliding, bypassing, stacking, folding, pivoting, fixed, and pocket doors, all without the need for a floor track. Made in New York, Raydoor products are hand-finished, lightweight, durable, and user-friendly, with many options available for QuickShip. The company's presence at Dwell on Design New York provides an opportunity for attendees to experience their innovative products firsthand and engage with their design philosophy. #Raydoor #SlidingDoorSystems #DwellOnDesign #ArtInstallation #InteriorDesign #ModernDesign #LukeSiegel #ArchitecturalDoors #HomeDecor

This article explores the architectural application and benefits of incorporating interior courtyards with sliding doors in residential designs. Interior courtyards, a common feature in traditional architecture, particularly in warmer climates, serve multiple functions. They create introverted, safe, and sometimes sacred spaces, acting as gathering areas while providing natural light and ventilation to the internal spaces of a home. The integration of sliding glass doors is crucial for establishing a seamless and functional relationship between these indoor and outdoor environments. The article presents five distinct projects that exemplify the effective use of sliding glass doors to achieve this integration. The first project, an O-shaped house called 'An Oasis in the Desert' by The Ranch Mine in Phoenix, Arizona, demonstrates how a courtyard can create a microclimate in an extreme desert environment. Spanning 4,090 square feet, the house utilizes Western Window Systems' Series 600 Multi-Slide Doors and Series 600 Window Walls to connect the interior with the central courtyard, which also functions as a safe space for pets. The design emphasizes natural ventilation and employs low-E, argon-filled glass to mitigate high temperatures and reduce energy consumption. The second example features a small prefabricated waterfront residence in Long Island, designed by Resolution: 4 Architecture. This project highlights economic and ecological solutions, with the house constructed from two prefabricated sections on a steel frame and clad in corrugated aluminum. Despite a modest exterior, the home is centered around a spacious patio and deck. Series 600 Sliding Glass Doors facilitate a smooth transition from indoor to outdoor areas, demonstrating that generous openings can make a small house feel more expansive. The third project, 'The Courtyard House' by HK Associates in Tucson, Arizona, addresses the unique requirement of housing over a dozen rescued cats. The architects designed a 3,500-square-foot house with a free-flowing floor plan and multiple courtyards. These courtyards not only provide abundant natural light and ventilation but also serve as comfortable habitats for the cats. The main U-shaped courtyard and four smaller courtyards create an intricate series of integrated indoor-outdoor spaces. Large openings in the living, kitchen, and dining areas use four-panel Western Window Systems Series 600 Multi-Slide Doors, while bedrooms and offices feature Series 600 Sliding Doors flanked by fixed floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring visual continuity at a lower cost. The fourth project, a house designed by Tai Ikegami in Palo Alto, California, prioritizes the surrounding landscape. The design uses a restrained material palette of exposed concrete and wood, complemented by extensive natural light. The residence is divided into three pavilions, each with its own outdoor areas and unique natural views, strategically designed to avoid disturbing the roots of nearby large trees. This results in a composition of strong horizontal lines and glass extensions that constitute almost 50% of the home's surfaces. Large sliding doors and picture windows create individual outdoor vignettes that can be experienced from within the house, with delicate profiles from Western Window Systems frames maximizing unobstructed views of the courtyards. Finally, a luxury house in Las Vegas by Blue Heron showcases extensive transparency to blend interior and exterior spaces. The material choices connect the structure with its desert surroundings. An L-shaped floor plan positions primary living areas facing northwest for city views, while bedrooms are located at the rear to minimize afternoon solar heat gain. Western Window Systems pocketing Series 600 Multi-Slide Doors retract into wall pockets, transforming the main living areas into open-air pavilions and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. This complex design navigates the technical challenges posed by mountain winds and the desire for seamless integration. #SlidingDoors #InteriorCourtyards #ResidentialArchitecture #GlassDoors #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernHomes #SustainableDesign #WesternWindowSystems

This blog post focuses on made-to-measure sliding wardrobe doors, designed to provide a fitted wardrobe aesthetic at a more accessible price point. These customizable doors are adaptable to various room configurations, offering a stylish and efficient storage solution. The product range includes diverse styles such as Heritage, Linear, Minimalist, and Shaker, providing options to complement different interior designs. Materials available for these doors include steel, as well as combinations of steel with glass or MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard), or steel with glass or mirror. The article showcases 14 different products within this category, highlighting various designs and their corresponding prices. The post emphasizes the benefits of customizability, ensuring a seamless fit and a polished finish in any bedroom. It encourages customers to explore the range to find options that effortlessly match their existing decor. The convenience of sliding doors is also a key feature, promoting efficient use of space, particularly in bedrooms where traditional hinged doors might be less practical. The article also points out a specific collection for loft conversions or bedrooms with sloped or low ceilings, offering specialized loft wardrobe sliding doors. Key practical information is provided in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. It explains the process of accurately measuring for fitted wardrobe sliding doors, advising users to take multiple measurements for width (top, middle, bottom) and height (three points along the width) and to use the smallest measurement in each case to ensure a precise fit. The article clarifies that the overlap amount for sliding wardrobe doors is variable and depends on the specific wardrobe design and individual aesthetic preferences. Furthermore, it confirms that handles can be added to sliding wardrobe doors, recommending sleek, recessed handles for a modern look or decorative handles for a more personalized touch, while stressing the importance of ensuring that handles do not impede the smooth operation of the sliding mechanism. The article also lists similar products such as multi-rail tubes and deluxe rail brackets, and related categories like 'shaker wardrobe door' and 'spacepro sliding wardrobe door', to guide customers further. #SlidingWardrobeDoors #MadeToMeasure #BedroomStorage #HomeImprovement #WardrobeDesign #SpaceSaving #CustomFurniture #InteriorDesign #DIYHome

The L7 sliding door system, designed by architect Piero Lissoni for Italian brand Lualdi, elevates glass with elegant hues and patterns, making it suitable for both residential and office settings. This system features fixed or sliding glass door panels integrated into a light, minimal aluminum frame, emphasizing clear and essential lines. It combines a classic aesthetic with contemporary materials and technologies, offering a sophisticated solution for interior spaces. The design of the L7 system aims to provide a seamless transition between areas while maintaining an open and airy feel, crucial for modern living and working environments. The L7 system offers a diverse selection of glass finishes to cater to various design preferences. These options include back-painted glass in subtle colors such as Chalk White or Lime Gray, providing a refined and understated look. Additionally, the system is available with patterned glass, featuring subtle marks or graphic mesh designs, which adds a layer of visual interest and texture. These various glass treatments allow for customization, enabling designers and homeowners to match the doors with existing decor or to create a focal point within a room. The integration of different patterns and colors ensures versatility, making the L7 system adaptable to a wide range of interior styles, from minimalist to more elaborate. The aluminum frames that house the glass panels are also customizable, coming in a variety of metal finishes. These frames are designed to be lightweight, with a six-millimeter profile, contributing to the system's minimal aesthetic. The availability of matching flat handles further enhances the cohesive and streamlined appearance of the doors. This attention to detail in both the glass and frame finishes allows for a harmonized design, ensuring that every component of the L7 system contributes to its overall elegance and functionality. The slim profile of the frames is a key element in maintaining the system's light and unobtrusive presence. Flexibility in configuration is another significant advantage of the L7 system. It can be ordered in numerous configurations, including single, double, triple, or quadruple panels. This modularity allows for great adaptability to different spatial requirements and design visions. Whether for a small room requiring a single sliding door or a large open-plan office needing multiple interconnected panels, the L7 system provides a scalable solution. This adaptability makes it a practical choice for architects and interior designers working on projects with diverse needs and constraints. The ability to customize the number of panels enables optimal space utilization and aesthetic integration. Lualdi highlights the system's clear and essential lines as its defining characteristic, aiming for a design that is both timeless and innovative. The combination of classic principles with modern materials and construction techniques results in a product that is not only visually appealing but also durable and functional. The L7 Scorrevole system represents a fusion of artistry and engineering, reflecting Lissoni's design philosophy and Lualdi's commitment to quality. The choice of glass and aluminum as primary materials ensures both transparency and structural integrity, contributing to the system's modern appeal. In summary, the L7 sliding door system by Piero Lissoni for Lualdi is a versatile and elegant solution for interior spaces. Its key features include customizable glass finishes, minimal aluminum frames, a range of metal finishes, and flexible panel configurations. Designed for both residential and office environments, it offers a sophisticated blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary technology, providing a refined and adaptable element for modern interiors. #PieroLissoni #Lualdi #SlidingDoors #GlassDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #HomeDecor #OfficeDesign #ProductDesign

Achieving privacy within a home while maintaining an open, light-filled aesthetic is a common design challenge. Joanna Gaines, known for her work on "Fixer Upper," addressed this during the renovation of The Lakehouse by incorporating custom sliding cherry wood doors with reeded glass panels. This choice allowed for privacy without obstructing natural light, resulting in a serene and bright interior. Reeded glass, also known as fluted glass, offers a blend of functionality and visual appeal, having experienced a resurgence in popularity since its initial prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. Architects and builders are increasingly rediscovering its practical and aesthetic benefits. The primary advantage of reeded glass lies in its ability to filter natural light while simultaneously distorting the view, thereby providing privacy. This characteristic makes it an ideal material for spaces like a library, allowing the room to feel connected to the rest of the house and brightened by sunlight without sacrificing seclusion. The linear grooves of the reeded glass interact with light, scattering it to add depth and dimension to the surface. This textural quality also makes it versatile, complementing various materials such as natural wood or industrial steel. Furthermore, reeded glass tends to show fingerprints less readily than smooth, transparent glass, making it a practical choice for areas with frequent use. Cleaning the flat side of the glass is straightforward, requiring only a mild glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. However, reeded glass does present some disadvantages. Cleaning the textured side can be more challenging and time-consuming due to its uneven surface. Additionally, the irregular surface can make it less durable compared to plain glass panels of the same thickness. From a cost perspective, reeded glass typically incurs a higher expense than standard clear glass. Despite these drawbacks, Gaines's application of reeded glass highlights its effectiveness in creating seamless transitions between rooms while offering an elegant solution for privacy and light management, demonstrating a timeless design choice that balances both form and function. #JoannaGaines #HomeDesign #PrivacySolutions #ReededGlass #SlidingDoors #InteriorDesign #DesignHacks

The popularity of sliding barn doors, once a space-saving solution in many homes, is waning in 2024 according to design experts. While barn doors offered a rustic aesthetic and addressed certain spatial constraints, they often fell short in providing adequate privacy and were not always the most efficient option for maximizing space. As a result, homeowners and designers are now seeking out more contemporary and functional alternatives. Interior design professionals based in Northern California have identified several innovative door styles that offer superior aesthetics, functionality, and privacy compared to traditional barn doors. Among these alternatives, frameless pocket doors are highlighted as a prime option. These doors slide seamlessly into the wall when opened, creating an uninterrupted flow between rooms and significantly maximizing square footage. The frameless design, coupled with sleek hardware, offers a modern appeal. For those looking to incorporate natural light, frosted glass panels can be integrated into frameless pocket doors, providing both functionality and an element of transparency without compromising privacy. Another recommended alternative is nano doors, which are typically designed as retractable glass walls. These systems are particularly effective at inviting more natural light into a home and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces. A notable manufacturer in this area is NanaWall, known for its versatile and aesthetically pleasing glass wall solutions. Designers have utilized nano doors in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to achieve an elevated indoor-outdoor experience while also conserving space, aligning with modern architectural trends that prioritize open and fluid environments. Pivoting doors also present a sophisticated alternative to barn doors. These doors operate on a central pivot point, allowing for a smooth and elegant rotational movement when opening and closing. Their versatile design accommodates various materials, including wood and glass, making them highly customizable to suit a wide range of design aesthetics. This adaptability ensures that pivoting doors can integrate seamlessly into diverse interior styles, from traditional to contemporary, offering a distinctive architectural feature. Collectively, these alternatives—frameless pocket doors, nano doors, and pivoting doors—address the limitations of barn doors by providing enhanced privacy, improved space utilization, and a more refined aesthetic. They cater to evolving design preferences that favor clean lines, natural light, and sophisticated functionality, positioning them as the next generation of interior door solutions. #InteriorDesignTrends #DoorAlternatives #HomeDesign #SpaceSavingSolutions #FramelessPocketDoors #NanoDoors #PivotingDoors #ModernAesthetics #ArchitecturalDesign

Don Rees, initially a timber framer and later a homebuilder, discovered a niche in crafting custom wood doors, particularly for clients' garages. His innovative spirit led to the development of a successful swing-out garage door concept in 2004, followed by a perfected sliding barn door idea by 2009. These barn doors, despite their name, are predominantly used for interior and exterior home applications, with less than one percent actually serving their traditional purpose. Rees emphasizes that his company, Seattle-based Real Carriage Door Co., has redefined the functionality of a door, finding their designs fitting seamlessly into both ultramodern and traditional home aesthetics, attributing their appeal to an 'honest' and 'real' industrial look. The article highlights the significant evolution of sliding doors, moving beyond their simple, long-standing concept. Over the past decade, hardware improvements have been substantial, complemented by unique aesthetic innovations from designers. Daniel Matus, a principal designer at Las Vegas-based Desired Space LLC, notes an increase in the interior use of sliding doors. They are frequently employed to divide master suites and bathrooms, often featuring frosted glass to maintain an airy feel while allowing light to pass through, offering a modern alternative to conventional doors. Other interior applications include separating powder rooms from bathrooms and pantries from kitchens. Rees also envisions his sliding doors as partitions in various settings, such as retirement homes. The materials used for interior sliding doors have diversified, with examples like bamboo reeds and reclaimed wood embedded in resin or weathered glass, with Matus often collaborating with 3-Form for his interior glass door designs. From a construction perspective, Todd Richardson, construction director at Woodside Homes, views the sliding door as a prime example of the company's 'better by design' philosophy. Historically, Woodside homes offered French doors as standard for backyard access, with an upgraded sliding glass door option. However, following the recession, Woodside Homes standardized the sliding glass door. What was once a 6 to 8-foot wide standard slider has expanded to larger 12 to 15-foot sliding glass doors, which double as expansive windows at the back of the home. In communities like At the Park in Cadence, these doors open onto 'loggias'—outdoor covered spaces integrated into the home's structure—with some models even featuring a second sliding door on the side. Richardson stresses that these larger glass doors enhance the indoor-outdoor living experience and are now significantly more energy-efficient, with major brands like Avanti or Milgard offering glass that reflects over 60 percent of ultraviolet rays. In custom homes, Matus observes a growing trend towards NanaWall concepts, which are sliding glass wall systems that use strategic metal beams and unique track systems to allow entire glass panels to fold or slide to one side, though retrofitting these systems requires professional consultation from structural engineers, architects, and designers. The technological advancements in sliding doors have also addressed historical issues. Older sliding door systems typically featured guided floor tracks with wheels, which could be cumbersome and prone to expansion and contraction with temperature changes, leading to difficulty in operation. Modern designs have largely shifted to rollers guided along tracks installed at the top of the door frame, eliminating the need for a problematic floor channel and offering greater durability and smoother operation. These improved sliding door kits have also become more affordable, as evidenced by Rees's business, which sells approximately 16,000 sliding barn door kits annually, with prices starting at $600. The rise of superior sliding door technology has diminished the popularity of pocket doors, which were once favored for small spaces but often required significant wall framing and were notorious for derailing. Matus generally advises against pocket doors due to their reliability issues and prefers to showcase visually appealing doors on external tracks, allowing for creative finishes and hardware choices. Rees concurs, highlighting that sliding door hardware is timeless in its simplicity and that an attractive door can make a significant statement, unlike pocket doors which are designed to be hidden away. #SlidingDoors #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovements #ArchitecturalTrends #ConstructionInnovation #EnergyEfficiency #CustomDoors

The increasing emphasis on flexibility in contemporary interior design is a response to evolving architectural needs and the reduction of interior spaces. This shift transforms interiors from static entities into dynamic, versatile environments. Ricardo Bofill's assertion that "architecture is the art of structuring space" underscores the importance of fostering adaptable spaces. While strategies like multipurpose design and flexible furniture contribute to this versatility, the crucial aspect of acoustics is often overlooked, particularly in environments such as offices, conference rooms, schools, and auditoriums. Therefore, enhancing acoustic performance is essential for creating functional multipurpose interiors. Skyfold's operable walls offer a solution by combining soundproofing capabilities with aesthetic design. Beyond their acoustic benefits, these movable, folding, and retractable walls provide customized solutions for space reconfiguration. Their ease of use allows for rapid division or expansion of interiors. Furthermore, these systems offer a variety of surface options, including whiteboard, glass, and other finishes, which can be combined to optimize both aesthetics and functionality. This adaptability enables the systems to transition seamlessly between solid and transparent configurations, ensuring maximum flexibility to meet diverse project requirements. Solid folding operable walls are effective for dividing spaces, enhancing privacy, and improving acoustics. The Skyfold Classic solution, for instance, offers extensive customization options and can reach heights of up to 36 feet (11 meters), making it suitable for a wide range of projects. This series features a quiet, fully automatic folding system that retracts into the ceiling, freeing up floor space and eliminating the need for floor and wall tracks. This design is particularly advantageous for spaces with stepped or sloped floors, where partitions can be configured to meet at 90-degree angles. The Zenith series combines the features of the Classic system by integrating vertical folding elements with a straight-down descent mechanism. This design is ideal for areas where wall obstructions or furniture might impede a purely vertically folding wall. Most Zenith models can reach a maximum height of 12 feet (3.6 meters), with the Zenith 48 model extending up to 48 feet (14.6 meters), all while maintaining efficient soundproofing. The Zenith Premium configuration further includes closure panels that conceal the wall's pocket, ensuring a flush and discreet ceiling appearance, thus integrating the vertical folding system as a seamless accessory. For visual and spatial connection, vertically folding and retractable wall systems incorporating glass panels act as significant design elements. The Prisma system exemplifies this by offering flexibility through a lightweight structure and clean lines. Its straight-line telescopic descent allows it to retract seamlessly into the ceiling, optimizing floor space without visible floor and wall rails or hinges. This makes it suitable for corporate and educational settings requiring a sober design while enhancing comfort. The system accommodates wide openings and covers heights up to 12 feet (3.6 meters). Similarly, Mirage's vertically folding operable wall system features clean lines, a lightweight structure, a variety of glass and Plexiglas panels, and highly efficient acoustical seals. This system also retracts into the ceiling, maximizing floor space. It includes an automatic turnkey operation mechanism and security features. These movable wall solutions represent advanced design elements that merge functionality and flexibility in interiors, offering a straightforward method for transforming spaces. Architects, designers, and other professionals continue to explore the advantages of operable walls, with new web tools available to provide information on innovations from leading manufacturers in both vertical and horizontal operable wall systems, helping professionals find relevant products and brands. #MovableWalls #RetractablePartitions #FoldingWalls #InteriorDesignFlexibility #AcousticSolutions #SpaceTransformation #ArchitecturalInnovation #MultipurposeInteriors #GlassPartitions

Joanna Gaines, known for her interior design expertise, proposes an innovative solution for achieving privacy without the use of traditional curtains or blinds: reeded glass sliding doors. This design choice offers both functionality and a sophisticated aesthetic, catering to various interior styles, from modern farmhouse to contemporary. The reeded glass, characterized by its vertical fluted texture, provides a semi-transparent barrier that obscures direct views while still allowing natural light to filter through, creating a soft, diffused ambiance in any room. This approach addresses common design dilemmas, such as maintaining an open feel in a space while needing privacy, or introducing a unique architectural element that enhances the overall decor. Traditional window treatments like curtains and blinds often come with drawbacks. They can block out natural light, make a room feel smaller, and accumulate dust, requiring regular maintenance. Reeded glass, however, offers a low-maintenance alternative that keeps spaces bright and airy. Its translucent quality ensures that a room does not feel entirely cut off from its surroundings, making it ideal for areas where a complete visual block is unnecessary but a degree of seclusion is desired. This type of glass is also durable and easy to clean, adding to its practical benefits. Integrating reeded glass sliding doors can serve multiple purposes within a home. They can be used to separate living areas, such as a dining room from a kitchen or a home office from a lounge, without creating a heavy, solid division. In bedrooms or bathrooms, they can provide the necessary privacy while still allowing light to enter, contributing to a spa-like or serene atmosphere. The linear pattern of the reeded glass also adds a subtle textural interest to a room, which can complement various design themes and material palettes. Furthermore, the use of reeded glass aligns with current trends in interior design that favor natural light, open-plan living, and thoughtful material selection. It offers a balance between exposure and enclosure, providing a sense of openness while defining different zones within a space. This solution is particularly appealing for homeowners seeking to maximize natural light and visual flow while incorporating elements that elevate the design and functionality of their living environment. The versatility of reeded glass allows it to be incorporated into different types of doors, including pocket doors or barn doors, further expanding its application possibilities in home design. Joanna Gaines' recommendation highlights a practical yet elegant design choice that moves beyond conventional methods for privacy. Reeded glass sliding doors not only provide an effective visual screen but also contribute to the aesthetic value and brightness of a home, offering a contemporary and refined alternative to traditional window coverings. This method demonstrates how material innovation can lead to both beautiful and functional interior solutions. #JoannaGaines #ReededGlass #SlidingDoors #PrivacySolutions #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #NaturalLight #ModernFarmhouse #ContemporaryDesign

This article introduces the "Corner Window - Double Sliding Corner" product by Orama Minimal Frames, highlighting its design and functional attributes. The product is categorized under windows within the finishes section of architectural products. A key feature of this corner window system is its ability to create frameless transparency, extending from floor to ceiling, facilitated by a fully concealed track system. The system is designed to offer minimal visual impact, ensuring an unobstructed view and a seamless aesthetic integration into modern architectural designs. It boasts several characteristics aimed at enhancing user experience and structural integrity, including a minimal labyrinth design, hand-made components, and invisible drainage. The adjustable base and smooth sliding mechanism contribute to its ease of use and long-term performance. Furthermore, the window system is thermally and sound broken, providing improved insulation and noise reduction, alongside enhanced safety features and quick assembly for efficient installation. The technical specifications detail the product's versatility and robustness. Individual window leaves can reach a maximum height of 6.5 meters and a maximum width of 3 meters. The system accommodates glass thicknesses ranging from 30mm to 54mm, and each leaf can support a maximum weight of up to 1000 kg. This capacity allows for the creation of expansive glass surfaces, catering to diverse design requirements. Orama Minimal Frames develops these minimal aluminum frames for both windows and doors, emphasizing high standards in thermal insulation, sound isolation, and safety, all of which are certified. The sliding systems are adaptable, offering a wide array of possibilities to fulfill various architectural visions. These systems, whether part of the ONE or Z° sliding window series, can be configured to include double sliding corner windows, offering flexibility in design. Additional features available for these window systems include a motorization option that automates the sliding operation for large and heavy window panes, capable of handling weights up to 800 kg. An insect screen, known as NET, provides practical functionality, allowing open windows without insect intrusion. This net comes in different configurations, including 0mm concealed, 17mm exterior, and 40mm exterior options, with a maximum height of 3 meters. Another optional feature, POST, allows for identical profiles between fixed panes, maintaining a consistent facade rhythm. The product can be specified with OMICRON double glazing for leaf weights up to 500kg or ΩMEGA triple glazing systems for those up to 1000kg. The window type is described as sliding, and it primarily uses insulating glass. Its key properties include acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, security, and certification. This comprehensive approach to design and functionality positions the "Corner Window - Double Sliding Corner" as a sophisticated solution for contemporary architectural projects seeking expansive views, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetics. #CornerWindow #DoubleSlidingCorner #OramaMinimalFrames #FramelessTransparency #MinimalVisualImpact #ThermalInsulation #SoundIsolation #ArchitecturalDesign #WindowSystems

Sky-Frame Plain introduces an innovative frameless sliding door system that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. A defining characteristic of this product is its concealed transition, where the sliding window glides along a narrow, flush-fitted gap in the floor. This design allows the flooring material of the interior to extend uninterrupted into the gap between the tracks, creating a visually continuous surface that blurs the lines between internal and external environments. This seamless integration is particularly noticeable when the doors are open, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and free-flowing design. The system utilizes triple-glazed elements, branded as Sky-Frame 3 with the Option Plain, ensuring optimal insulation properties. This makes the product suitable for installation in various climates, including colder regions, without compromising thermal performance. The advanced design not only focuses on aesthetics and functionality but also incorporates practical considerations for maintenance. Its innovative system layout is engineered to facilitate easy cleaning and upkeep, even after installation, contributing to the longevity and pristine appearance of the frameless doors. Sky-Frame Plain doors are versatile, suitable for both residential and commercial buildings, and can be incorporated into new construction projects or remodels. They are characterized by their hidden tracks, which contribute to the minimalist aesthetic, and feature slender profiles that maintain structural integrity while maximizing glass surface area. The system is highly configurable, allowing for customization to fit diverse architectural requirements and design preferences. Specifically designed for warmer climates, these doors enhance natural light penetration and offer unobstructed views, promoting an open and airy living or working environment. Key features of the Sky-Frame Plain system include its application in glass facades and frameless windows, expanding its utility beyond just sliding doors. The product’s design philosophy centers on achieving a flush transition, which means the tracks are not only hidden but also level with the adjacent floor, eliminating trip hazards and reinforcing the illusion of a single, continuous surface. The filigree profiles refer to the slender and delicate appearance of the frame components, which minimize visual obstruction and emphasize the expanse of glass. Technical details, cost, and availability can be obtained directly from the manufacturer, Sky-Frame. The product is categorized under sliding window types within architectural finishes, doors, and partitions. Supporting documentation, including working manuals in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Russian) and living guides, are available for download, providing comprehensive information for professionals and clients alike. #FramelessSlidingDoors #SkyFramePlain #ArchitecturalDesign #SeamlessTransitions #TripleGlazing #ModernArchitecture #InteriorExteriorIntegration #GlassFacades #FlushFit #MinimalistDesign

Oknoplast introduces its comprehensive range of sliding aluminum doors, designed to merge natural light with advanced functionality, thereby redefining the interaction between indoor and outdoor living spaces. These innovative doors are presented as a modern alternative to traditional hinged doors, which often restrict space and light. The article highlights how these sliding doors enhance both architectural aesthetics and interior design by filtering natural light and offering expansive views, connecting homes with their surroundings, whether it's a city balcony, a seaside terrace, or a garden. The primary material for these doors is aluminum, chosen for its light yet robust properties, making the doors easy to operate despite their considerable size and strength. Oknoplast offers three distinct solutions: Aluslide Lux, Aluslide Pro, and MS Slide, each tailored to meet specific contemporary living requirements and optimize spatial utilization. Each solution prioritizes energy efficiency, acoustic insulation, and security. The Aluslide Lux system stands out for its design versatility and asymmetrical sashes, featuring a thinner secondary sash that maximizes natural light entry and ensures visual continuity between indoor and outdoor environments. This model also boasts impressive thermal and acoustic insulation, with a Uw value starting from 1.4 W/m²K, and offers optional RC2 class safety hardware for enhanced anti-intrusion protection. Additional features for the Aluslide Lux include triple glazing and micro-ventilation, which further improve insulation and air circulation. For those seeking effortless operation, the Aluslide Pro range provides large frames that open smoothly with minimal effort, even for sashes measuring up to 2.8 meters and weighing almost 300 kg. This is achieved through a unique lifting and sliding mechanism that ensures quiet movement and includes a soft-close brake to prevent abrupt closures. The Aluslide Pro is available in configurations of two, three, or four sashes and features a lowered threshold, either 1.9 cm or flush with the floor, to facilitate seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. This design choice, coupled with double glazing using extra-light glass, reinforces the sense of continuity. Lastly, the MS Slide model focuses on minimalism with a central node measuring only 3.5 cm in width, specifically designed to allow maximum natural light into the home. Its linear sliding system is ideal for enclosing verandas and porches without adding bulk, maintaining transparency and a visual connection to the outdoors. The MS Slide is offered in two, three, or four sash versions, functioning effectively as both a window and a glass door. The insulation capabilities of all Oknoplast aluminum fixtures are further guaranteed by thermoplastic elastomer gaskets, which maintain their elasticity and insulation performance across a wide temperature range of -50° to +120°C. #GlassArchitecture #SlidingDoors #AluminumDoors #Oknoplast #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #EnergyEfficiency #AcousticInsulation #HomeSecurity

This lookbook explores homes where pivot doors serve as significant architectural features, either creating dramatic entrances or seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments. Pivot doors distinguish themselves from traditional side-hinged doors by utilizing hinges fixed to the top and bottom, allowing them to swing around a single vertical axis. This design places the pivot point inset from the side, resulting in an asymmetric opening that makes the door appear to peel away from the wall in opposing directions. The aesthetic of pivot doors is often minimal and sleek, as their external frames can be hidden behind wall finishes. Their unique pivoting mechanism also supports larger and heavier constructions than conventional doors, enabling grander architectural statements. The lookbook showcases various applications of pivot doors across different residential projects. For instance, Cork House in the UK, designed by Nimtim Architects, features a pink-framed pivot door that provides a striking contrast against a cork-clad rear extension. This large glazed door, alongside an adjacent window, offers residents expansive views of the patio and garden, enhancing the ground floor living spaces' connection to the outdoors. In Indonesia, Tamara Wibowo's self-designed House of Inside and Outside employs rows of pivoting glass doors to facilitate natural airflow through its living areas. These doors open onto both a garden and a pool area from the open-plan kitchen and dining room, blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Herne Hill House in the UK, an extension by TYPE, integrates a glazed pivot door framed in Douglas fir wood, aligning with the timber-clad facade. Situated in the open-plan kitchen and dining room, the door is positioned next to a built-in bench under a large window, offering residents extensive garden views. In upstate New York, JacobsChang's Half-Tree House, a blackened timber cabin, features three glazed, floor-to-ceiling pivot doors that frame the surrounding forest, creating an immersive natural experience. This project was notably constructed on a modest budget by its owners with community assistance. Atelier du Pont, in collaboration with Aru Arquitectura, converted dilapidated stone farm buildings in Menorca into Estancia San José, a summer house. They incorporated arched glass pivot doors in the barn, designed to match an existing doorway's shape, thereby flooding the living space with natural light while preserving the original character of the structure. The Roofless House in California by Craig Steely Architecture showcases a main entrance marked by a glazed pivoting door within a curvilinear timber-clad wall. This doorway leads into a corridor that borders a spacious courtyard with sliding glass doors, emphasizing an open and fluid architectural plan. Unknown Works' CLT House in east London features a distinctive bright yellow entrance and a bespoke timber pivot door, left exposed to complement the cross-laminated timber structure of the rear extension. This design choice highlights the material honesty and modern aesthetic of the home. CasiTa in Phoenix, Arizona, designed by The Ranch Mine, boasts an exceptionally large 3.7-meter-wide floor-to-ceiling pivot door. This impressive door connects an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area with a covered patio, establishing a strong indoor-outdoor link. CasiTa functions as a guesthouse in the backyard of another project, Foo House. Casa Tres Árboles in Mexico, revitalized by Direccion, integrates a pivoting wooden door at its entrance, located below street level via a sunken courtyard. This design decision aims to create a dramatic sense of arrival, leading to a double-height entrance hall and playing with contrasts of light and shadow throughout the home. Finally, Cast House in London by EBBA Architects features a glass pivot door that connects the concrete extension's conservatory to an outdoor terrace, which are both floored with brickwork. The design utilizes a utilitarian material palette and wood-paneled windows, ensuring a cohesive and textured aesthetic. These examples collectively demonstrate the versatility and visual impact of pivot doors in contemporary home design. #PivotDoors #HomeInteriors #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ContemporaryHomes #ResidentialArchitecture #GlazedDoors #ModernDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures

This article highlights five modern homes that showcase impressive and distinctive door designs, curated from the Dwell community. The featured homes, submitted by members through Dwell's 'Add a Home' feature, exemplify various approaches to integrating functional and aesthetic doorway solutions within contemporary living spaces. Each project offers unique insights into how doors contribute to the overall design, flow, and character of a residence. The first home, Quarry Bay Residence in Hong Kong Island, designed by Lim + Lu, features an entryway with a full-height oak slat shoe closet that includes a brass-finished cutout. The interior designers aimed to create sweeping views between rooms and maintained the building's original chipped concrete beams, juxtaposing them with new white walls and a warm palette of oak and brass accents. Materials like woven wicker and volcanic slate contribute to an island getaway aesthetic, reflecting the nature-loving owners' appreciation for relics. Next, the Renton Hill Residence in Renton, Washington, by Citizen Design Collaborative, presents a dining room that opens to an expansive outdoor area through a massive metal door. The architects focused on blending original traditional details with modern indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate the homeowners' evolving needs and social lifestyle, intending for the home to age gracefully and be passed down through generations. The third project, Chocolate Loft in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, by PLANT Architect Inc., demonstrates a flexible living solution. Here, a wall with a gentle dogleg trajectory and a series of sliding doors allows the 900-square-foot loft to transition between a two-bedroom and a one-bedroom configuration. The doors are designed with a combination of glazing at the street edge and wood veneer closer to the entry, providing both privacy and light control for the mathematics professors who use it as a pied-à-terre. Virginia House in Santiago, Chile, by 2712 / Asociados, features exterior walls on the first floor painted in a dark, neutral color that sharply contrasts with the bright, illuminated interiors and a striking sunny yellow front door. This house is located in a social housing neighborhood from the early 1960s, originally constructed with prefabricated concrete panels. The project showcases an intervention that updates one of the few remaining original constructions in an area experiencing significant economic growth and continuous home improvements. Finally, MG House in Hod HaSharon, Israel, renovated by Maya Sheinberger, emphasizes indoor/outdoor connection. Sheinberger redesigned the first floor and outdoor areas, incorporating new windows and a large front door to maximize this connection. The renovation transformed the house from a dark, old-fashioned country-style residence by changing the first-floor layout and adding a second-floor attic bedroom. The interior color scheme utilizes calm tones, combining wood with shades of blue and gray to create a serene atmosphere. #ModernDoorways #HomeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #SlidingDoors #ExteriorDesign #InnovativeDoors

Porthole windows, once commonly associated with ships, are experiencing a resurgence in contemporary residential architecture and interior design. This architectural feature, characterized by its circular shape, introduces a whimsical and distinctive element into modern homes, moving beyond traditional rectangular windows to create unique visual interest and functional benefits. Architects are increasingly incorporating porthole windows into both exterior and interior walls. On exterior facades, they offer a playful alternative to standard windows, particularly in areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Internally, these circular openings establish soft connections between rooms, facilitating the flow of natural light and adding a touch of charm. Unlike their rectilinear counterparts, porthole windows provide a more engaging way to link different spaces within a home, transforming mundane walls into captivating design features. One innovative application involves integrating porthole windows into bespoke furniture, such as bookshelves. In a Wimbledon home office, a porthole window was designed to appear as if it were floating amidst books, providing a visual contrast to the straight lines of the shelving. Positioned at eye level for a seated individual, it offers a refreshing view of the outdoors, serving as a welcome break from digital screens. The design includes a wide, playfully colored trim, allowing books to frame the view while a deep recess maintains privacy in a high-traffic area. Porthole windows also effectively connect divided spaces. In a Manhattan apartment, a small porthole links a narrow kitchen with a hybrid office/kid's room, inviting playful interaction between occupants. To enhance this dynamic, designers added shutters on the bedroom side, creating a layered and interactive element that prevents the design from feeling one-dimensional. The subtle softening of drywall framing around the window further refines its appearance, rewarding closer inspection with understated detail. Theatricality is another dimension porthole windows can bring to a home. Drawing inspiration from commercial spaces like restaurants, porthole doors, such as one in a Buenos Aires home, create visual intrigue and connection between the living room and kitchen. The quality of the finish is crucial for windows at eye level, as is the understanding that what happens on one side will be visible from the other. This design choice evokes experiential memories, particularly those associated with food and service areas, stimulating senses of smell and nostalgia. For interior applications, porthole windows can be pane-less, maximizing light flow. A Madrid apartment features an open porthole-style opening that channels tinted light from an adjacent glass-brick window, creating a cinematic effect. The edges of this opening are softened, and the use of a solid surface material like KRION allows for the creation of a sculptural, seamless shape that mimics natural stone. This design aims to 'capture' evening light, recreating a sunset effect indoors. Furthermore, portholes serve to soften architectural elements. In a Melbourne home, a porthole window provides a practical view of the entrance from the kitchen while aesthetically punctuating the facade with a gentle, circular form. This design choice prevents the exterior from appearing austere and is often paired with other rounded elements, like extractor hoods and globe lights, to soften the sharp lines of the interior scheme. Corridors and stairwells are ideal locations for these windows, offering brief glimpses beyond the immediate interior. Porthole windows can also incorporate privacy screens. In a London apartment, a large internal porthole window, crafted from stained glass, rotates on a vertical axis. This allows occupants to control the visual connection between the kitchen and living room, offering a degree of privacy when closed while still maintaining a sense of what is happening in the adjacent space. This blend of functionality and aesthetic control is paramount for both architects and homeowners. Oversized porthole windows can create a focal point and a sense of calm. In a bathroom designed by Studio Doherty, a large porthole facing a serene garden became the central design element. The surrounding angular forms and monochromatic color scheme amplify its impact. Achieving such a custom design requires skilled fabricators and builders to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functionality, with details like powder-coated shrouds hiding messy junctions. A sense of connection and human touch is also embodied by porthole windows. In a Prague home renovation, a large porthole facilitates light flow from a spiral staircase to the kitchen, connecting interior spaces. This design choice aligns with a growing trend towards architecture that evokes emotion and plays on feelings, while also harmonizing with the original style of the house. Finally, the strategic placement of porthole windows can mimic celestial bodies. In a house near Lake Lugano, a fixed porthole window placed high up frames mountain views and casts light across the interior like the sun and moon. This poetic integration of nature and architecture highlights the unique ability of the circular shape to capture and direct light, making it a striking feature in multi-level living areas. #PortholeWindows #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernHomes #CircularShapes #NaturalLight #HomeRenovation #SpacePlanning #CustomDesign