Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/493534
A PR IL 2015 | 39 Doors T Though doors have long been intended to keep the elements out of our homes, these days, homeowners are looking to let a little nature in. Natural light, beau- tiful views and easy transitions from indoor to out- door spaces are desirable qualities for any home, and today's door designs help make it happen. "We have noticed that there has been an increase in popularity of blending indoor and outdoor living spaces," notes Jerome Madden, national corporate training and architectural support services manager for Marvin Windows and Doors of Canada. Madden also points to a growing demand for sleeker, more modern looks all around, noting an increased need for contemporary hardware designs. "Both residential and commercial projects have been demanding the larger openings and cleaner lines of modern design." Moving glass walls are the key to getting this look. "They make the integration of indoor living space and nature possible," notes Karen Davis, architectural specifications representative for Milgard Windows and Doors. "In the past, moving glass walls were only a custom option in high-end homes, but thanks to new, standard sizes, you can bring affordable luxury to nearly any home. Even in tract homes, moving glass walls can add a touch of elegance and enlarge the amount of perceived space." Milgard's Moving Glass Wall Systems embrace this trend with three different design options: multi- stacking glass walls, that stack atop one another, only taking up the space of one panel; the bi-fold option, which opens up wide thanks to bottom-loaded, hinge- connected panels; and pocket doors that slide into the wall to disappear from view completely – a great option when floor space is at a premium. At the 2015 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, Marvin Windows and Doors announced the Ultimate Multi-Slide Door, which is available in both stacked and pocket designs to allow for seamless tran- sitions between indoor and outdoor spaces in both residential and commercial applications. "Designs are becoming more simple and less ornate with an overall modern feel," says Neal Turner, gen- eral manager for Westeck Windows and Doors. For 2015, Westeck Windows and Doors is launching two new Lift and Slide doors – a design that lifts the door off the track with European hardware and allows it to slide easily into a new position – which are available in steel-reinforced vinyl or aluminum-clad options to complement the company's windows and swing doors. However, Turner is most excited about the new Elite+ premium customer exterior door line. "It boasts modern design, superior security and thermal per- formance," he explains, "And in addition, we are now offering biometric finger scanners for advanced and personalized security." Although Starline Windows' Lift and Slide door technology isn't brand new to the industry, it is a fresh concept, particularly for developers. This type of sys- tem isn't typically used on larger condo projects, but it does, however, have a unique place in the market and Starline sees it as the ideal product for an upcoming luxury condo in Western Canada. "We've got a high- rise residential developer that is looking very seriously at using our lift and slides for all of the balcony doors because of the high performance ratings and unique design," explains Mike Harrison, architectural rep- resentative for Starline. "Normally you wouldn't see them putting in that level of door product, but the client wants full-height sliding doors without transoms and this design element was crucial to their decision." It's a smart move for these developers: after all, the sliding door trend is particularly helpful for small spaces like condos. "A regular swing door takes up approximately three square feet, where a wall-slide type of door takes up zero space," notes Mark Stein of The Sliding Door Company. Dorma specification writer Cameron Gibson agrees: "As condos get smaller and smaller, you'll see more sliding doors for space- saving reasons." Customization has been a top door trend for years, but it continues to be as popular as ever, namely because of a door's essential role in a building's design. "Windows and doors are a critical architectural ele- ment as they are the only feature visible from both the inside and outside of the structure. Ultimately windows and doors pose a number of challenges for an architect," notes Turner. "Architects are looking for products that seamlessly fit into the distinct style of their project, whether that is a historical restoration requiring custom wood windows and doors or a mod- ern structure requiring floor to ceiling glass expanses and large patio sliders. Flexibility in design, and com- pliance to NAFS and Thermal standards are a must." And homeowners aren't too different than archi- tects, says Stein, when it comes to choosing a door. "Homeowners are looking for four things: differenti- ated design, quality, safety and value, and architects want the same. They want a look and feel that matches up with their vision." Something that will last and that's maintenance-free is especially important to young families. The Sliding Door Company's doors are very family-friendly, equipped with a soft-close speed reducer to ensure kids won't catch their fingers. When it comes to making a visual statement, "the front door of a custom house cannot be the same as the neighbours," says Turner. "Homeowners are looking to enhance the curb appeal of their home through the use of the door. Five years ago, consumers were still pur- chasing the standard six-foot-eight-inch-height front entry. Now consumers want a sense of grandeur and, this means the bigger, the better. In addition, homeown- ers are looking for these doors to come pre-finished or painted to complement the rest of their project." Smartly designed systems make indoor-outdoor living a breeze by STACEY MCLACHLAN Opening Doors Bi-Fold moving glass walls from Milgard Windows; Large openings and clean modern lines of Marvin Windows.