Choosing Sliders - Pt. 2
With features like different height frame thresholds, pocket solutions, and custom frame sizes, one has a limitless array of options that can be explored when choosing a slider/lift and slide door. In order to make the right decision, you need to consider surrounding geography, interior space, and the scale of your home when choosing design features. We will be examining common customizable design features and how they pertain to each of these factors.
How is your living space scaled?
Always consider the project’s scale and opening size for the sliding element.
Let’s talk about choosing the right system. The CP 130, 155 and Hi-Finity are all capable of achieving minimal site lines, expansive views and unique custom options. They’re able to do this to a certain extent in terms of the size of each panel. Here is what you will be working with in terms of dimensions with these 3 systems:
CP 130: 2.7 m (106”) Height, 2.6 (102”) width per vent
CP 155: 3 m (118”) Height, 2.7 (106”) width per vent
Hi-Finity: 3.5 m (138”) Height, 3.5 m (138”) width per vent.
The first thing one ought to consider is, how big is the opening for the sliding system?
For the sake of argument, let’s take an example home with a lot size of 27 (8.2 m) x 116 feet (35 m) in Toronto. factoring in a required setback of 1.8m on the sides (according to Toronto zoning bylaws), we are left with a house width of 6.4 m. Given this width, 2 to 3 panels of any of the sliding systems above would be a suitable design option. If you want to maximize the rough opening, extending the glass to the very edges of the sides of the house:
3 panels of the CP 130 or CP 155
2 Panels of the Hi-Finity
CP 130 with 3 panels. The CP 130’s meeting section ranges from 2.7 - 3.8”.
Hi-Finity with 2 panels. Notice the thinner meeting section (1.3”) - Hi-Finity’s meeting section can be adjusted by 5 mm.
Next, consider the interior design of the home. Are you trying to achieve something austere and minimal? You may want to opt for the Hi-Finity, as 2 panels will minimize the number of meeting sections. Something more contemporary or transitional? You may want to opt for the CP 130 or 155, as slightly thicker and more meeting sections may accommodate, not disrupt the design.
Ultimately, you must remember to consider that any system is capable of achieving expansive widths. With a range of 2.7-3.5 m in width and up to 8 panels per track, the CP 130, 155 and Hi-Finity all can achieve limitless possibilities with opening widths. The main thing to consider is the number of panels you’ll require with each system. If you want to supplement a minimal modern design, you may want to choose a system that will give you less panels for your opening. For more traditional or transitional builds, you may be fine with a few more obstructions in the glass view. In fact, it may be well more suited for your interior space.
Design examples
Home interiors, surrounding geography and sliding door design
One thing designers and architects love to talk about is blending in with the surrounding environment. Today, many people equate thinner = better, lower threshold = better. Let’s explore some situations where that may not be the case. There is no matter of a better designed frame on its own - it comes down to the space, materials used, and surrounding geography. Let’s take a look at a few examples of janela’s sliding systems fabricated to different track specifications and why.
To the right, we see a CP 155 with a standard track and standard meeting sections installed on a New Zealand lake house. The robust frame and elevated track suit the rugged countryside landscape. Furthermore, take a look at the materials used surrounding the living room - a jagged stacked stone wall. The rawness of materials used on the interior perfectly adheres to the rough New Zealand landscape - both speak to the use of a revealed track and robust meeting section in the sliding door.
Above we see a Hi-Finity system with a flush threshold opening up a kitchen to a backyard. Take note of the flush textured concrete above the cabinetry and on the floor, and simplicity of the wood and metal materials used. A room that speaks to simplicity and austerity is compounded by a sliding system with clean, unobstructed lines and minimal disruption of the flow of the exterior and interior.
Stay tuned for Part 3 where we will be talking a bit more about exciting design features like wall pockets and corner systems.
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