Kitchen Magic: How to Renovate with Folding Window Doors

NanaWall folding window doors

For a busy family of four, what originally started as minor home improvement and leak fixes led to a full-scale renovation on all three levels of their East Vancouver home. Winner of the NanaAwards 2023 for Best Remodel, this 1912 traditionally built home now features design-forward elements for optimal functionality and indoor/outdoor living. Contemporary elements like folding window doors and automated systems seamlessly blend with the home’s historic charm, creating an inviting space perfect for entertaining and everyday living. The impressive remodel, completed in 2022, has not only improved indoor living spaces but has also enhanced the homeowner’s lifestyle by embracing the outdoors. 

Remodeled home with folding window doors

A Floor-to-Ceiling Renovation: From Tall Ceilings to Folding Window Doors

The homeowners envisioned a functional home with spacious living areas, bright interiors, and indoor/outdoor spaces for entertaining and outdoor recreation. The first phase of the project involved a house lift that increased the ceiling height in the basement, transforming the space into a more usable floor plan to house a spacious family room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry room. This structural change laid the foundation for further enhancements while extending the longevity and structural support of the property. New plumbing, upgraded electrical systems, and the addition of a heat pump further enhance the home’s efficiency and comfort.

renovated home with NanaWall window door combination

Maintaining the Home’s Original Character

The contractor approached enhancements with meticulous care for the home's exterior so as not to taint its original conventional design. New James Hardie shingles replaced the old exterior siding, maintaining the property’s original red stucco look, while ledgestone cladding elevated the home’s visual appeal. Inside, living spaces were outfitted with engineered hardwood, white brick accent walls, and elegant white cabinetry to create bright, welcoming interiors throughout. According to the project contractor, TQ Construction, the homeowners preferred a minimalist “Scandi” style with Edwardian influences, reflected in the oil-rubbed-bronze finishes throughout the house. This blend of modern and classic aesthetics honors the home’s heritage while reaping the benefits of contemporary comforts.

Kitchen remodel with NanaWall folding window door system

Tearing Down Walls and Embracing Indoor/Outdoor Living

Perhaps the most impressive transformation took place in the kitchen. What was once a closed-off space now opens out to the backyard, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas. The integration of an 18-foot wide NanaWall window-door combination of folding window doors allows the kitchen to extend into the outdoor deck, enhancing the flow and functionality of the space. “Now the expanded main floor of the home opens out to the backyard, resulting in one cohesive space, integrating indoor and outdoor,” says the project contractor. “The combination of a folding glass window above a serving counter further enhances the indoor/outdoor experience, making it perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.”

Folding Window Door System

Improving the Home’s Energy-Efficiency

A key element of the renovation involved embracing energy-efficient design solutions to reduce its environmental impact and increase savings from reduced electric bills. Existing windows were replaced with energy-efficient fenestration, and when it came to selecting the opening glass wall systems for the kitchen, NanaWall Systems offered the ideal product. The SL60 folding window doors feature double and triple glazed glass options that maintain desired temperatures indoors while keeping extreme heat and cold outside. In addition, specialized seals provide superior humidity and water control from entering the home during inclement weather, creating comfortable indoor/outdoor living spaces year-round. As a NanaWall system, SL60 has been tested for air, water, structural, and forced entry with excellent results.

Kitchen magic with NanaWall window door combination

Window-Door Combination of Folding Window Doors

The kitchen space, which also doubles as the dining room, was transformed into the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space with a functional pairing of window-sized and floor-to-ceiling folding window doors. This window-door configuration by NanaWall Systems optimizes counter space and facilitates seamless transitions between the kitchen and outdoor living spaces. The counter immediately transforms into an indoor/outdoor bar for al fresco eating or passing drinks when entertaining. In addition, these thin-framed opening glass wall systems maximize natural light and fresh air ventilation for bright, welcoming interiors. “The back wall now doubles as a serving counter for the back deck with a folding glass window above,” says the project contractor. “The family is thrilled with the results—it is the family’s favorite place to hang out.”

Folding window door for open concept remodel

A Perfect Blend of Traditional and Modern Aesthetics

NanaWall opening glass wall systems are customizable to the functional and aesthetic needs of every home. Window-door combinations are offered in aluminum, wood, and clad frames and can be installed in folding or stacking configurations. For this project, the system was customized with outswing panels to maximize counter space and with dark anodized bronze frames to match the home’s existing fenestration. A low profile saddle sill was paired with the floor-to-ceiling system to facilitate transitions between the indoor and outdoor living spaces while the window system leverages a raised sill for optimal weather performance. The result is a dynamic, functional kitchen that conveniently transforms with windows and full-height folding window doors that operate independently or in conjunction, depending on the needs of the homeowners.

Remodeling with NanaWall folding window door glass wall

Final Thoughts

The comprehensive renovation of this 1912 East Vancouver home beautifully blends traditional charm with modern functionality. The transformation, which includes raising the house, updating structural elements, and integrating contemporary design features like a NanaWall window-door combination, has significantly enhanced the home's aesthetic appeal and livability. The addition of this design-forward solution in the kitchen has created a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience, perfect for entertaining and family gatherings. According to the contractor, the opening glass wall systems “increased outdoor livability ten-fold with the covered deck addition off of the kitchen, which was previously a cramped, inefficient space.” This renovation not only showcases the potential of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship but also highlights how modern elements can harmonize with historical architecture to create a timeless, functional space.

Discover more impressive home remodel projects with Window Door Combo and other 2023 NanaAward winners in our extensive project gallery!