On which side should I stack my folding glass doors? To the left or to the right? To that, we say—why not both? With the latest innovation unique to Generation 4 systems, FourFold and SixFold panel sets can stack to the left, right, or center of the opening, delivering a truly flexible threshold depending on the day's needs. Compared to conventional configurations that stack only to the right or left of the opening, these innovative panel sets allow for quick spatial customizations at any given time, and they are ideal for both residential and commercial spaces. In addition, FourFold and SixFold panel sets allow for wider openings of unlimited widths by sectioning folding glass doors into smaller panel stacks that are easier to maneuver. Let’s explore how.
The Benefit of Flexible Openings with Folding Glass Doors
Design-forward folding glass doors present a flexible design solution with a plethora of practical benefits and appealing aesthetics. These systems increase property value for homeowners by optimizing square footage and achieving the highly coveted indoor-outdoor experience. With wider openings, interiors are flushed with abundant daylight and fresh air ventilation for a refreshing indoor-outdoor experience. In commercial settings, stacking flexibility allows for dynamic storefronts, future-ready classrooms, and ROI-optimizing amenities with panels that stack to the left or right, allowing for foot traffic control and enhancing curb appeal to passersby. Plus, FourFold and SixFold panel sets allow unlimited opening widths, achieving the ultimate design solution for any space.
Left or Right Panel Stacking: Which is Right for Me?
Choosing between left or right panel stacking for movable glass doors depends on the unique demands of your space and how you plan to use it. Some key considerations are furniture placement, foot traffic, accessibility, design aesthetics, and other space limitations. Wider systems with multiple panels can also be customized to stack to the left and right, dividing the panels into two more manageable discreet stacks. For even greater space management, FourFold and SixFold panel sets allow panels to stack to the left, right, and center of the opening without being restricted to just left or right stacking.
Folding Glass Doors: Features and Specifications for Optimal Functionality
Anti-Tilt Feature
Each floor supported FourFold and SixFold panel set, unique to NanaWall Generation 4 Folding Glass Walls, is outfitted with a proprietary engineered anti-tilt feature in the head track. This feature ensures that the floating panels stack neatly and securely in an open position. Panels may stack to the right side, to the left side, or anywhere within the opening. The anti-tilt feature also contributes to the smooth operation of the panels and additional structural durability.
Swing Doors
For optimal functionality, folding glass door systems can be specified with convenient swing doors attached to the jamb on the left and/or right side of the opening. These swing doors allow for quick and easy egress when the system is closed or during inclement weather. In commercial settings, swing doors can be specified with kickplates and panic hardware for compliance requirements.
Inward/Outward Stacking
Folding glass doors offer inward or outward stacking options to suit your space’s needs. Outward stacking maximizes interior space, especially in relatively small areas, while inward stacking maximizes small exterior spaces like patios or balconies. Certain high-rise applications might also require inward configurations for compliance. This flexible stacking customization minimizes obstructions and the need to move furniture around to accommodate panels.
Technical Resources and Configurator
NanaWall Systems offers a convenient 3D interactive configurator tool that creates customized visualizations of your system with helpful animations to facilitate the design process. The configurator makes it easy to input your proposed system dimensions and see it in action. Additional configuration details you can visualize are material choice, powder coating color, and hardware.
Design Inspiration from Real-life Applications
21st Century Learning with Folding Glass Doors
Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences in San Diego transformed its campus with a future-ready learning environment for students. The new 26,000-square-foot STEM building features flexible classrooms, collaborative corridors, and dynamic furniture that caters to the demands of 21st Century learning. Multiple NW Acoustical 645 systems, with convenient SixFold panel sets, were specified to merge classrooms with hallways, maximizing space for various activities throughout the day. The systems neatly stack to the left, right, or center of the opening depending on the needs of the day, allowing for optimal flexibility with swing doors hinged to each jamb for optimal traffic flow into and out of the classrooms.
Unlimited Widths—The Largest Interior Folding Glass Door in the World
Standing at an impressive 102-foot-wide, the dynamic opening at the University of San Francisco’s Sobrato Center highlights the possibilities of innovative FourFold panel sets. Achieving the specified sound control of unit STC 40, the NW Acoustical 645 not only offers the required acoustical buffering in the multi-use space but also a fully customizable opening. The panels can be opened in the middle, at one end, both ends, or entirely disappear into the alcoves. This allows the commercial space to have the necessary control over space management which is beneficial to an environment that will be used beyond game day to host various events throughout the year.
Flexible Conference Rooms in the Workplace
At this law office, a wood framed NanaWall folding glass wall delivers a transformative design solution that allows for interchangeable floorplans and maximum transparency without disrupting privacy and aesthetics. The NW Acoustical 545 segments a bright and airy open concept workspace, allowing a spacious conference room to close off for private meetings or open to merge with the common work areas. The system achieves a unit STC 41 for interior applications and can be paired with an ADA-compliant flush sill to create seamless, unobstructed transitions between two spaces. Better yet, the system was specified with a SixFold panel set that creates a truly adaptable opening with panels that stack to the left or right, allowing for a swing door to be specified on each end of the opening which is not possible without this unique Generation 4 feature.
A Four-Season Retreat at Detroit Lakes
This lakeside vacation home offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and indoor-outdoor living. Seeking a space to enjoy the changing seasons comfortably, the homeowners built a four-season room over the existing concrete patio with stellar views of Detroit Lake. Three folding glass doors open the space to the outdoors and provide shelter during inclement weather. The primary system delivers an impressive 22-foot-wide opening with a SixFold panel set that allows the system to stack to the left, right, or center of the opening. This configuration allows the panel stack to park next to the hinged swing door at the jamb to keep the view unobstructed. “I love the flexibility of the panel stacks for optimizing the view,” says the homeowner. “I can open and move the systems with such minimal effort.”
Multifunctional Pool House for Endless Family Fun
This charming pool house sits behind a Colonial-style New York residence bordering a thick, green woodland. The homeowners wanted to make the space easily accessible to the outdoor amenities without interrupting views as well as an indoor-outdoor space that could be used regardless of weather. Key to the design was three movable glass doors, including one with a convenient SixFold panel set, that opened the pool house on three sides for the ultimate poolside retreat. “We love the idea of the panel sets,” says the homeowner. “We stack ours against the swing door to not have two sides obstructed.”
One with Nature in the Montana Wilderness
This architectural wonder sits quietly on a sloped terrain overlooking the breathtaking Montana wilderness. The home features a modest layout to not disrupt the natural environment with two folding glass doors that open the primary living spaces to the outdoors. Each system was specified with a FourFold panel set for optimal flexibility, allowing the homeowner to stack the panels to the left, right, or center of the opening. Specified swing doors at the jambs allow for easy transitions when the systems are closed or during inclement weather. This way, the space is continuously connected to the outdoors with stunning, uninterrupted views of the mountains.
Final Thoughts
Design-forward movable glass doors, with their left-right stacking flexibility and unlimited width capability, redefine how spaces interact with their surroundings. Whether enhancing residential interiors with the indoor-outdoor experience or creating dynamic commercial spaces that attract passersby, these systems offer optimal versatility. With customizable panel configurations, homeowners and businesses are given full control of their space management to adapt openings to their unique needs. Unique to Generation 4 Folding Glass Walls, FourFold and SixFold panel sets further enable seamless transitions and enhanced functionality while featuring enhanced aesthetics and performance. The result is bright and open spaces that are functional and aesthetically beautiful.
Explore how NanaWall movable glass doors redefine residential and commercial spaces with flexible openings in our design inspiration gallery!