Whether it’s Phoenix or Chicago, a sprawling backyard or an urban patio, outdoor living space has become as important to many buyers as the rest of their home. And nowhere is that more true than custom projects, where for years outdoor spaces have been receiving just as much attention as indoor rooms, with exterior kitchens outfitted with the latest high-end appliances, multi-level decks, and layouts that maximize views and make practical use of the space.
Just as important to that trend is a seamless connection from outdoors to in. Multi-panel patio doors that slide or accordion open not only provide access from one area to the next, accpaccthey ensure top-quality views of the surrounding landscape, even when it’s too cold to go outside. They also help show off that high-end outdoor kitchen by making it an integral and visible part of the house.
By providing both physical and visual connections, opening glass walls perfectly complement today’s open floor plans, extending the space and sightlines even further while bringing in ample daylight and fresh air.
As the market for multi-unit patio doors has expanded, so have the options. Widths of 32 feet or more accommodate larger homes and outdoor living areas, for example, and advanced operational systems are less cumbersome than before, allowing panels to glide and tuck away with ease. Wood and clad-wood units provide a broader range of choices in both color and look, and advanced material technology is permitting narrower frames, helping to further enhance views and retain a contemporary feel even when the doors are closed.
“Every custom home buyer wants their project to be truly unique,” notes Sean G. Smith, director of product marketing for JELD-WEN. “The diversity of materials, sizes, options, and price points now available for multi-panel patio doors helps custom builders not only offer this incredible design feature, but in a way perfectly suited for each individual home.”
What’s more, the broader availability ensures opening glass walls coordinate perfectly with the rest of the window and door package.
For those clients who want to remain on the cutting edge, automation is likely to be the next big thing. JELD-WEN, for example, recently introduced a 20-foot multi-panel system that opens with the push of a button. Other technologies, such as automatic tinting, are on the horizon.
Multi-panel doors and folding glass walls are unique in their application; to ensure a quality installation, custom builders should seek installers experienced with these types of units.
