Weather Performing Operable Glass Walls Offer Year-Round Recreation

Perched atop the ski enthusiast destination of Snowmass Village, Guggenhill residence is a sight on its own. With an envelope of operable glass walls and windows, the contemporary mountain home glows like a lantern amidst the snowy landscape of Colorado. Situated not too far from the estate lies the historic Guggenhill ski run for immediate recreation during winter months. Paired with its proximity to outdoor activities and natural landscapes, the home’s extensive fenestration eloquently blend location with contemporary design that blurs the barriers of indoor/outdoor living.

Operable Glass Walls: Designing with Location in Mind

KA Design Works envisioned a 5,000 square foot resort-like home with a design that takes full advantage of the location’s cyclical landscapes. The result yielded a luxurious getaway abode with a glass, wood, and stone façade giving way to enviable views of aspen filled canopies and the resort village down below. Hot summers and cold winters demanded design solutions that could withstand seasonal weather extremes while providing comfort and protection inside. Part of the solution entailed the installation of multiple NanaWall operable glass walls configured within the home’s façade.

Living Areas Open to Expansive Views

The kitchen, dining and living areas, alongside the master suite and office, are located on the entry level and relish in the expansive views beyond. Floor to ceiling glass features comprised of fixed glass, doors, and NanaWall operable glass walls, inundate this main floor with natural light, and if weather allows it, open the space to clean, fresh mountain air. Both the master suite and great room open to spacious decks with the assist of NanaWall SL70 systems—the great room featuring a double sided fireplace for the prospect of indoor/outdoor lounging or dining.

Contemporary Design Meets Ski Resort

The lower level takes on inspiration from the ski resort below the mountain with a generous family and game room with a bar flowing into the ski room and locker area. Paralleling the open concept design of the floor above, large scale windows and glass doors open to extensive patios and yard area. An additional NanaWall SL70 operable glass wall contributes to the indoor/outdoor theme of the home and further embraces the outdoors. The operable opening transitions into to a concrete yard area outfitted with outdoor furniture, a spa, fire pit, and accessibility to the snowy slopes.

Year-Round Solution Provides Comfort and Views

The 10-foot-tall aluminum framed NanaWall SL70 systems perfectly blend in with the clerestory windows and other doors surrounding the home. The German engineered product is designed to provide comfort in cold climates and excels in wind driven rain allowing for architectural design with no deep overhangs required for large operable glass openings. During the winter months, and as the operable bi-fold doors are kept closed, an insulated thermal barrier provides reinforced protection from exterior elements and delivers comfort right up next to the walls. In the summer, the operable glass walls provide a wide and unobstructed opening onto the expansive deck for outdoor recreation. When closed, the thermal barriers keep excessive heat from penetrating into the house. The thermally broken low profile saddle sill configured with these systems provide further resistance against wind driven rain and snow while providing a smooth indoor/outdoor transition.

Walls of Glass Offer Weather Performance

As a heavy-duty performance product, the NanaWall SL70 features a heavy-duty roller design on stainless steel rails to ensure smooth single-handed operation. The floor supported configuration eliminates the need for a bulky header embracing clean, minimal design while reinforced features add structural strength to the system and the ability to perform in larger sizes. For Guggenhill residence, an NFRC certified product was crucial in ensuring comfort and protection from inclement weather. As a NanaWall system, the SL70 has been independently tested for air and water penetration, structural deflection and forced entry.

Final Thoughts

Year-round recreation is only one opening glass door away at Guggenhill residence. With historic ski runs a mere feet away and Snowmass Village just a short drive down the hill, the home’s architectural innovations offer the ultimate year round getaway. Rich contemporary design found in its floor to ceiling glass components paired with sleek frames effortlessly invite the natural elements in offering residents a continuous connection to the everchanging landscapes on the other side. Weather preforming NanaWall operable glass walls ensure protection from the elements and seamless transitions for the best indoor/outdoor living experience that the Colorado mountains can offer.

Learn more about the heavy duty performance of NanaWall operable glass walls in cold weather climates here.