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Model 8800 garage door from Wayne Dalton. J U N E 2 0 2 3 | 39 Doors & Hardware P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y C R E AT I V E D O O R S ERV I C E S The door industry continues to evolve and shape building design F or the ever-evolving door and hard- ware industries, opportunity is knocking once again. After a few tough years struggling through supply chain issues and rapidly changing energy codes, 2023 offers producers a chance to push the lim- its of entry design in exciting new directions. Driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and environmental con- cerns, the latest products on the market are at once high-performance and high-impact. From smart doors to sustainable materials, from residential front doors to specialty commercial garage doors, we're taking a closer look at the exciting innovations that are transforming the door industry – and what they mean for the future of architecture and design. GORGEOUS GL ASS Whether for front doors, back patios, or even com- mercial garage-style doors, you can't beat a glass door in 2023. "Full glass to give optimal views is the trend," says Jon Gustad, sales director for HydAway Hydraulic Walls, which offers walls and doors for all architec- tural applications, with sizes available up to 36'x12'. Don Welsh, general manager for Tormax, agrees. "We are seeing an increase in demand for all-glass automatic doors in executive style homes," pointing to garage and pool or workout area separations, or to block off wine coolers or hosting areas. One example of a company delivering on-trend glass door designs is Duxton Windows and Doors. Duxton offers FiberWall swinging doors and sliding doors that allow beautiful views and access to natu- ral light. While the glass panes are transparent, the frames that hold them are a chance for designers and architects to get creative, thanks to a wide selection of colour finishes and styles. Even sage green and mid- night blue are options for these premium door designs. Of course, customers are also looking for proven performance in addition to aesthetics. And when it comes to glass doors, triple-pane windows, and windows that are Passive House Institute-certified are increasingly desirable. The demand comes from the performance requirements from both code-based policy, such as the BC Energy Step Code, as well as voluntary performance standards, like Passive House. Innotech Windows + Doors, a Canadian manufacturer based in Langley, B.C., launched the Defender 88PH+ System to meet the demand for high-performance fenestration. The Defender 88PH+ System is a Passive House Institute cool temperate certified system that includes both windows and swing doors. In addition to thermal performance, air tightness, water resistance, and acoustical performance are other criteria that are increasingly specified by building professionals. While black is still the most popular colour for garage doors, with wood tones a close second, Lana Winterfield, Creative Door Services' regional manager for marketing and communications notes that glass really is growing in popularity. "Glass doors evoke a sleek, stylish, and ultra-modern look," she says. IN THE GAR AGE This glass garage door trend is in line with an increasing demand for modern, stylish options in this particular door category. "People want flush panel designs with cleaner lines and verti- cally stacked windows for a modern look," explains Winterfield. "Smoked or satin etched privacy glass coatings for the windows is also popular." Commercial clients are also seeking high-perfor- mance, low-maintenance solutions, of course – with a particular interest in springless opener designs. Opportunity Knocks by STACEY MCLACHLAN

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