Sliding Glass Door Systems Taking Off at AIA

Reaching the perfect balance between enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors and the preferred comforts of the indoors has long been the desire of both commercial builders and residential ones alike, and suppliers and manufacturers on-hand at this week’s American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention in Denver are striving to meet that need.

NanaWall officials think they have found the perfect solution with their most recent folding glass system, which has already proven to have considerable commercial and residential appeal. The NanaWall SL82 is the latest in the California-based company’s line of folding glass walls designed to give business owners and residential homeowners alike added flexibility in style options, while also providing durability and energy efficiency.

“It’s a slider and a French door all in one basically,” said Taha Nana, the company’s senior technical advisor and Estimator. “It’s really a cool, sleek sliding door system with kind of like a kind of I-phone look.”

The NanaWallSL82 is unique in that it appears to be like any other French door, but it can fold and slide back when required. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, company officials said the system is secure, energy-efficient and weather-resistant.

The SL82 system is just one of several varying sliding glass door products on display during Thursday’s opening day at convention, being held at the Denver Convention Center.

Some of the others include an aluminum and wood-clad thermally-broken glass door system by Panda Doors and Windows and Fleetwood’s aluminum-based sliding glass doors that stands 15-feet tall.

Panda officials were understandably proud and eager to showcase their latest creation, which aims to keep the outside air at bay in the door while adding virtually an unlimited view. The Las Vegas-based company’s new door can already be seen at several high-profile locations along the Vegas strip, including Steve Wynn’s Encore Resort and the trendy XS Nightclub. Charlotte-based race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. is another of the firm’s growing number of celebrity clients.

“We’re changing the way you see the world and bringing the outdoors in,” said Tad Shurtless, the company’s East Coast regional sales manager.

Fleetwood has long been known among the luxury residential circuit and its latest product is sure to please as well. Its tall walls of glass make for the kind of great views often sought in upscale communities like the Hamptons in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Texas, Dallas and Scottsdale, Ariz., said vice president of sales Mark McCoy.

“It’s the go-to door,” he added.

The AIA Convention continues through Saturday. Stay tuned to www.usglassmag.com for the latest from the show, and click here to view video from the event.