This post first ran in 2018.
If you have a beautiful garden, outdoor living space or a great view, one of the best upgrades you can make to your home is to add a retractable glass wall.
Adding a retractable glass wall can make the indoor/outdoor living so many of us in the Bay Area enjoy even easier. In cooler weather, the large glass panels allow unobstructed views of the outdoors, and in warmer weather, all you have to do is roll the wall away to create a barrier-free indoor/outdoor living space.
It’s an ideal set-up for homes in temperate climates, those with outdoor amenities like pools, and those who entertain a lot – groups can transition easily from indoor to outdoor spaces.
Not Your Grandmother’s Sliding Glass Doors
Retractable glass walls are just that – glass walls that move on a low-profile track to create an opening of almost any size. They operate on a similar principle to the sliding glass doors or French doors many of us are familiar with, but they add a lot more flexibility.
They can be set up in many different configurations, from a traditional French door look to panels that slide in multiple directions. You can even design a configuration that combines retractable walls and windows for a completely open look for your kitchen, for example.
Types of Retractable Glass Walls
Glass walls come in so many configurations and with so many options, I can’t list them all, but there are three basic types:
Folding
Folding walls have glass panels that fold away on accordion hinges. They can be configured to fold to either side of the opening or to both sides, depending on your needs and preferences.
Stacking
Stacking walls consist of multiple glass panels that retract and stack behind a single fixed panel.
Pocketing
Pocketing walls have multiple glass panels that slide into and stack in a pocket hidden within the wall, providing the largest and most seamless opening.
What to Consider When Selecting Retractable Glass Walls
They type of system you select and its configuration will depend on a number of factors, including:
Your home’s layout
If you want a pocketing wall, you’ll need to have enough wall space on either or both sides of the opening to accommodate all the glass panels.
Folding and stacking walls require less wall space, but the folded or stacked glass panels will need to sit at one or both sides of the opening, so you’ll need to consider the space they’ll occupy when open.
Traffic flow
Consider how people will move between the indoor and outdoor spaces. You may want to avoid putting large pieces of furniture near the opening to maximize both the visual impact and the ease of access provided by the wall. A retracting glass wall configured to allow panels to slide to either side can provide you with maximum flexibility and control.
Climate
All modern retractable glass walls are designed with energy-efficiency in mind, but If you live in a climate with colder winters, you’ll want to pay extra attention to the type of glass and threshold you select. Double- or triple-glazed glass and weather-resistant or raised thresholds can provide extra protection from the elements.
If you live in an area that experiences lots of wind (or even the occasional hurricane!) you’ll want to consider special impact-resistant glass.
Screen
Not everyone wants a screen, but they are a nice addition if you’re concerned about insects or debris getting into your home. If the glass wall receives lots of direct sunlight, a UV-resistant screen with a blind can help protect your furniture from fading and keep your room cooler. If you live in a high-wind area, a screen can add protection from dust and debris on those breezy days.
Daily Access Door
Consider if you want to add a daily access door to your configuration. A daily access door operates like a regular swinging door, giving you easy access between spaces when you don’t want to open the entire wall.
Ease of Use
Whatever kind of system you select, you’ll want to ensure the wall moves easily and quietly, so pay attention to the quality of the wheels and tracks a product uses. Some systems offer the ability to move the walls one-handed. If you need wheelchair access, you’ll want to select a threshold that has an ADA-compliant ramp sill.
Lots of Options
There are lots of companies that sell retractable glass wall systems, and many options to choose from. If you don’t know where to start, check out companies’ websites for ideas. Nanawall, Milgard and LaCantina are well-known brands. (LaCantina’s interactive videos give a helpful overview.)
As always, contact AplosGroup Architects (info@AplosGroup.com) to discuss your specific needs and to find a solution that works for your home on your budget.