Tucked within a forested slope in the Cascade Mountains of Greenwater, Washington, Snowflake Lodge is a custom prefabricated modular vacation home designed for year-round mountain living. With floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek bifold glass doors, the retreat seamlessly connects to its alpine environment, offering endless views of the northern slopes of Mount Rainier.
Built in a remote 8,700-square-foot lot with over 100 inches of annual snowfall, the residence balances expansive views with the performance required for an alpine climate. From cozy lounge spaces to post-ski amenities, this multifaceted new-build is designed to support daily life in the mountains.
Glass Doors for Cold Weather: Building a Home in the Snow with Bifold Glass Doors
A Dream Family Retreat Designed from Scratch
Snowflake Lodge was designed as a “ski-in and ski-out” retreat overlooking the adjacent resort. Architect Scott LaBenz, AIA, LEED AP, of Grouparchitect envisioned a home that could fully embrace its mountain setting while providing flexible shelter throughout the year.
“This home is built in the remote beauty of the Cascade Mountains with views in all directions and where boundaries truly unbound,” says architect Scott LaBenz AIA LEED AP from Grouparchitect. “The vision for the space was to create an all-season covered deck that includes soft seating and a hot tub, using NanaWall to maximize views and a connection to the outdoors.”
A Year-Round Getaway for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Because of limited site access and steep terrain, set at an elevation of about 1,700 feet, the two-story residence was constructed from twelve small modules set over a site-built garage and lower level. The modular approach allowed the home to be assembled efficiently despite the challenges of the location.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing and a vaulted roofline that tips upward toward the view give the home a strong visual connection to the landscape. From the main living spaces, the lodge captures sweeping mountain panoramas and 180-degree views of the ski slopes beyond. The home’s layout supports indoor-outdoor living even in a climate where snow and cold weather dominate much of the year.
Cozy Interiors Immersed in the Outdoors, Year-Round
Warm wood finishes and clean modern detailing create a comfortable interior that remains visually connected to the mountains outside. Large expanses of glass and glass doors for cold weather bring daylight into the home and frame the surrounding forest.
The lower level is a site-built garage that doubles as a mud room during peak snow season. Above, the middle floor hosts the bedrooms and bathrooms. Meanwhile, the uppermost level presents the primary living spaces, the kitchen, dining room, and lounge space, in a spacious open floor plan with uninterrupted views of the mountains. Tying it all together, a corner Juliet balcony, where the covered hot tub lives, opens seamlessly to the outdoor environment via two bifold glass doors.
“The NanaWall system was the ideal choice for maximizing the mountain views year-round,” says LaBenz. “All while opening the upper-floor living space to fresh air, natural light, and uninterrupted views.”
Glass Walls for Cold Weather: The Bi-folding Solution
Two NanaWall SL70 bifold glass doors were installed along the open-air room to create a flexible transition between indoors and out. Each system spans ten feet wide and rises to almost eight feet tall. Configured to fold inward, essential for wind-prone mid-rise applications, with a swing panel for controlled ventilation, the opening allows the third-level to feel fully integrated with the outdoors. In addition, a higher weather performance sill was selected to better withstand wind, snow, and seasonal exposure.
“We wanted an indoor-outdoor patio that could survive cold winters in the mountains,” says the homeowner. “Our NanaWall systems are the perfect solution in a challenging environment.”
Insulated Design for Comfort Through Every Season
In an environment defined by heavy snow loads and low temperatures, the project required solutions that could deliver high thermal performance without limiting openness or natural light, including glass doors for cold weather. To support comfort and efficiency through harsh winters, the NanaWall bifold glass doors were specified with triple glazing and Low-E tempered glass. This, in tandem with a built-in thermal barrier, delivers two insulated operable openings for optimal peace of mind.
“NanaWall systems were perfect to let us shut the deck to keep the snow out and create the feeling of an outdoor deck when they were opened,” says the homeowner. “They open in seconds and keep the space cozy when shut. We love the flexibility and beauty they create in that space.”
Durable, Weather-Performing Bifold Glass Doors
The aluminum framed NanaWall SL70, designed for heavy-duty performance, was the ideal choice to achieve the home’s weather performance goals. The floor supported system offers a reinforced solution designed to handle high wind loads and extreme weather. Plus, it has been independently tested for air, water, structural, sound control, and forced entry with excellent results.
Snowflake Lodge demonstrates how high-performance folding glass doors for cold weather can support indoor-outdoor living even in extreme climates. Designed for recreation, comfort, and connection to place, the home offers a flexible retreat that responds to the seasons of the Cascade Mountains.
Final Thoughts
With NanaWall bifold glass doors, Snowflake Lodge, a NanaAwards 2025 Honorable Mention, remains closely connected to its mountain setting from winter to fall. The folding system allows the open-air room to function as a flexible extension of the home, open to fresh air and views in warmer months, and enclosed as a sheltered outdoor space when winter weather moves in. The result is a modular retreat connected to the landscape while offering comfort, adaptability, and a strong sense of place in every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do NanaWall bifold glass doors perform in cold and snowy climates?
NanaWall bifold glass doors are engineered for extreme weather, featuring high-performance sills, triple glazing, Low-E tempered glass, and thermal barriers. They maintain comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor-outdoor functionality even in Washington’s heavy snow and subzero temperatures.
Are bifold glass doors suitable for prefab or modular homes?
Yes. Snowflake Lodge demonstrates that NanaWall bifold glass doors integrate seamlessly into modular construction. Their floor supported design allows easy installation without heavy structural reinforcement, preserving both aesthetics and performance.
Can bifold glass doors support year-round indoor-outdoor living?
Absolutely. NanaWall bifold glass doors allow flexible indoor-outdoor transitions. Open in summer to expand living space and enjoy mountain views, and closed in winter to provide a cozy, insulated environment without sacrificing daylight or transparency.
How energy efficient are bifold glass doors in alpine environments?
NanaWall bifold doors feature triple glazing, Low-E coatings, and integrated thermal barriers. This combination provides superior insulation, reduces heat loss, and keeps interiors comfortable, even in harsh mountain climates.
Can bifold glass doors withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall?
Yes. Systems like the SL70 or Generation 4 folding doors are designed for high wind loads and extreme weather. They are independently tested for air, water, structural performance, operation, and sound control, making them ideal for mountain homes and challenging alpine conditions.
Explore how other mountain homes are elevated with NanaWall bifold glass doors in our inspiring project gallery!
