One of the main goals of modern interior design is to open up spaces, to find ways to optimize the use of natural light and to incorporate nature into everyday life. Large windows and sliding door systems help to achieve this.
In recent years, a lot of attention has been paid to the production of large doors for balconies and terraces: "Not only do they give you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views, outdoor space and nature, but they also help to create a bright, spacious and aesthetically pleasing interior," says Giedrius Mastavičius, Head of Architects and Technical Support at GEALAN BALTIC.
Innovations presented at international exhibition
The latest innovations in facade, window and door technologies, advances in this field were presented to the public at the FENSTERBAU FRONTALE exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, in the spring, 2024. This is a prestigious international specialized exhibition held every second year.
It is now possible to produce, so called “French” or “French Casement” type, balcony doors measuring 1.8 x 2.6 m. "These are extra-large doors, there are no divisions, no overhangs as we are used to seeing. In comparison, the width of a sliding colour door can be 5 metres or more and the height 2.6 metres," said Mr. Mastavičius.
Traditionally, sliding doors have been seen as a functional, but not always aesthetic, choice. Often there were problems with insulation, stability and tightness. However, modern manufacturers are now successfully introducing technologies that have virtually eliminated the previous problems of sliding doors. Much has been said about the advantages of large windows, but it should be noted that modern technology allows natural light to be 'employed' properly.
What are the most important things to consider when choosing a sliding door system?
The most important thing is to choose a sliding door system with advanced technical solutions: "Climate of central and north part of Europe requires high thermal and acoustic insulation. Stability, lightness and ease of use are important features," says representative of GEALAN.
So, here's a closer look at the aspects to consider when choosing large windows and structures:
BALCONY AND TERRACE DOORS: OPTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
Tilt and slide (PSK) doors
These inward opening (Tilt) and slide doors are easy to open and have large glass areas, with a total length of up to 4 m and a sash width limited to 1.5 m. The weight of the glass unit should always be taken into account when designing these doors. The choice of locks and how the product will function in the building also depend on this. "Very often, the most basic, simple locks are put into these doors, and they break very often," says the representative of GEALAN BALTIC, who identifies one of the most common mistakes.
Folding doors (FST) doors
The design of this, so called "armonica" type, door is quite convenient, with a maximum width of up to 4 metres and a height of up to 2.5 metres: "The product is divided into a number of elements - the sashes, which fold up and can be pushed to one side or the other. These doors are very convenient, and we can open up large spaces, but they need more space for open sashes. This needs to be taken into account when planning the interior and choosing furniture," says the expert on sliding systems.
Lift and slide (HST) doors
The boundary between indoors and outdoors is also eliminated by sliding the door to one side, opening up the room completely. The doors are extremely easy to open, provide excellent thermal insulation and the threshold is concealed in the floor - we can have a barrier-free entrance, the design is light and elegant, and the opening can be adapted to a variety of opening styles.
"It should be borne in mind that especially for large products, wind loads are a factor. The wind loads prevailing in the area will determine the optimum sliding door option. If the loads are low, the sashes can be divided by 3 metres. However, if, for example, the building is to be constructed in an offshore area, there may be leakage challenges.
GEALAN-SMOOVIO® sliding doors
This is the newest product in the sliding structure category. The sealed, easy-to-operate structures glide smoothly, save space, protect against wind, rain and noise, and feature a discreet design. The maximum frame length can be up to 4 m, the height up to 2.4 m and the sash weight up to 200 kg. "GEALAN-SMOOVIO® could also be used for sliding windows: "This was a bit of a gap: often in living, dining and kitchen areas, at the countertop, it was desired to simply open the window to the courtyard, so as to avoid having to be restricted to certain furniture layouts, and so as not to need additional space for the casement. The system is perfect for both new builds and renovations," says Mastavičius of the satisfied customer expectations.
How to avoid the key mistakes when choosing a patio door?
GEALAN’s representative says that the earlier you start working with manufacturers and designers of patio doors, sliding systems, etc., the faster and more efficiently you can find optimal solutions. GEALAN representatives advise architects, developers and even builders to consult which design would be the most suitable in each case, to discuss which products to choose, and to ask for technical documentation such as drawings, assemblies and specifications. All this information is essential to ensure accurate and high-quality production, installation and operation of the products, to avoid mistakes, and to guarantee that all phases of the project run smoothly. GEALAN offers everyone the possibility to use a planning program to model PVC windows, analyze solutions, check their compliance with technical requirements, etc.
GEALAN BALTIC
12/07/2024
With exciting and personal stories, the new GEANOVA #6 once again takes a look behind the scenes at GEALAN. The magazine comprises 56 pages in this issue and is available both as a print copy and can be read online.
GEALAN's Building Information Modeling data offering has once again convinced the jury: At the ARCHITECTS ́ DARLING Award® 2024, the GEALAN solution once again achieved a top ranking with 2nd place. With its award-winning BIM data, GEALAN is one of the pioneers in the planning method of the future in Germany's construction industry.
For around 30 years, GEALAN has been demonstrably committed to processes and products that are increasingly environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. With a newly created sustainability team, the initiatives are now to be bundled even better and introduced in a structured manner in all GEALAN business areas.
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