A full height shiplap fireplace surround framing a black trimmed direct vent firebox. The rear wall dissolves into a black framed multi panel sliding glass system with transom windows above.

In this modern Yellowstone retreat, the landscape is the artwork, framed by ultra slim #NanaWall opening glass doors that can dissolve instantly to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. The bifold glass doors open a 21-foot span to the Absaroka mountain range, turning the great room into a front-row seat to the valley, year-round. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors glide into a compact stack, maximizing for usable square footage, and space planning. In colder climates, thermally broken systems keep interiors cozy, without sacrificing the view. A convenient swing door handles quick ins-and-outs so the system doesn't need to open for everyday use. This helps keep spaces accessible and cozy year-round! Builder: Basecamp Construction with Images and Story shared via @WanderYellowstone. Tap our link in story or bio to read the blog! "Floor-to-ceiling doors give you stunning vistas… in summer you can open the NanaWall completely to let the fresh Montana air inside. Open in summer for the breeze, closed in winter with crystal-clear views." —Wander

Designed and realized by WL3 Designs, The Albero Respite is a paradigm of contemporary minimalist architecture, where serene simplicity meets functional elegance. Named after the Italian word for 'tree', the home pays homage to the solitary olive tree gracing its courtyard, symbolizing peace and resilience. This single-story structure emerges from the landscape with clean lines and expansive glass facades that dissolve the barriers between indoor space and the natural world outside. White, the dominant hue, serves not just as a design choice but as a canvas for the play of light and shadow, changing with the sun’s whims. WL3 Designs has meticulously crafted each element of The Albero Respite to embody the principles of sustainable design while providing a haven of tranquility. The home's orientation and glazing are engineered to optimize natural light and promote passive heating and cooling, reducing the need for artificial climate control. It stands as a testament to the possibility of living in harmony with nature without forgoing modern luxury and comfort. Designing for the desert requires in-depth understanding of the extreme temperatures that range here. From freezing temperatures in the winter to blistering hot ones in the summer, the region contains every extreme, and the homes that are built in it must also. Rains and wind, endless sunshine, these are all elements that we considered when designing for this region. In addition to using modern strategies, we referred to ancient design concepts embraced by native people for generations, combining the two to create modern homes in this timeless, desert environment.

Nestled in the heart of Boulder, this 1950s ranch home was thoughtfully transformed to embrace modern living while honoring the charm and character of the neighborhood. The client wished for their home to become a place of gathering and community. This design embraces the open-concept floor plan by dissolving boundaries and encouraging organic interactions between the spaces within the home and with the surrounding landscape. At the heart of this transformation stands a strategically positioned wood-burning stove, which can be enjoyed from the dining or living areas, perfect for cozy winter nights. The kitchen dining space emerges as the vibrant epicenter of this family-friendly home with a fluid transition to the patio and garden. Vaulted ceilings accentuated with skylights illuminate the space with natural light, creating an airy, expansive feel; while the French oak flooring introduces a touch of grounding warmth and nature. The bedroom wing, intentionally secluded, offers an intimate sanctuary. En-suite bathrooms feature hints of luxury, including a steam shower and a soaking tub, elevating the space for an indulgent spa experience. Beyond the aesthetics, the fire-wise design includes non-combustible exterior materials, defensible space, and closed soffits. This fully electric home also prioritizes sustainability with features such as electric vehicle and solar power readiness, water-conserving landscaping, and an aging-in-place layout. Collaboration was key in transforming this house into the “forever home“ the couple envisioned and can now enjoy for many years to come - Photography by Dane Cronin

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

Recently, we embarked on a design project to redesign the entry landscaping with the timeless beauty of a Japanese garden, emphasizing Tsukiyama earth mounding. This technique, which involves sculpting gentle, rolling hills to reflect natural landscapes, brought a new dimension of tranquility and depth to the space. By integrating a minimalist planting aesthetic and organic, dissolving lines, we achieved a seamless fusion of serenity with modern sophistication. The transformed entryway now greets visitors with unfolding views that perfectly complements the home’s treehouse views into Nichols Arboretum.

Architect: DCHGlobal Inc. AIA Housing Award Recipient. Relic Rock is designed with a simple, flexible, sustainable prototype building system that is adaptable to a broad range of different climates and terrains. This prototype architectural solution sits lightly on the land, with cantilevered floors that minimize site disruption. A distinctive connection to nature is achieved by dissolving the division of interior and exterior space. Bill Timmerman

The space opens wide with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out: beyond lies a terraced backyard with native succulents, olive trees, and a fire pit (a must-have for Californian evenings). Large format terracotta tiles in warm, earthy neutrals anchor the floor, echoing the state’s Spanish colonial roots, while exposed oak beams on the ceiling add rustic texture.

Beach Grove Social transforms a dated 3-bed, 2.5-bath into a modern, moody home made for entertaining. Vaulted cedar ceilings and triangular clerestories bathe white oak and graphite finishes in soft light, while a linear hearth anchors the open living–dining core. The reimagined kitchen hides the daily clutter with a concealed appliance garage and a grain-matched door to the laundry, keeping surfaces calm. Full-width sliders dissolve the boundary to a terrace designed for gatherings. Three new bathrooms—each tailored to its user—pair refined materials with serene lighting to deliver sophisticated, restorative spaces.

Nestled in the lush landscape, a modern reinterpretation of a once-fallen barn now features a charming guest cottage with stylish details and contemporary amenities. Situated along a narrow lot in Germantown, New York, the cottage completes a cluster of existing buildings, forming an intimate courtyard on one side. Steel effect folding patio doors fully open the living areas to the expansive fields and the Catskill Mountains beyond. The homeowners, a young family with parents living abroad, envisioned a cozy yet modern ADU for extended stays. Designed by Lauren Cawse, AIA, architect and partner at The Art of Building, the year-round retreat draws inspiration from traditional local barns while embracing a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Captivating Guest Cottage Design Enhances the Senses with Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors The modern ADU design started with the site itself. Positioned between residential and commercial neighbors, the elongated property required a careful balance of privacy and openness. Architect Lauren Cawse approached the layout by redefining the existing house and garage as the east and west sides of an outdoor room, with the new cottage forming its southern boundary. This arrangement created a clear courtyard near the main residence while directing the 800-square-foot guest house toward the open meadow and the distant Catskill Mountains. “The unique character of the site and its history inspired the architectural direction,” says Cawse. “The intent was to create a secondary structure in the compound in clear contrast to the modern farmhouse style of the house and garage.” A Barn-Inspired Exterior Adds Visual Flair The exterior envelope evokes a traditional barn with a simple gable shape, weathered wood siding, cedar shingles, and a foundation veneer made of local fieldstone. A large sliding barn door adds a complementary feature to the courtyard-facing side, creating a dynamic opening that maintains uninterrupted views through the cottage to the meadow beyond. Steel effect folding patio doors surrounding the structure add a modern touch of transparency, and simulated divided lites allow the contemporary glass wall systems to harmonize with the traditional elements of the modern ADU design. “The goal was to fully open the living areas to the outdoors, framing views to the meadows and mountains,” says Cawse. “The positioning of the NanaWall systems frames the views and, when open, dissolves the boundary between inside and out.” Interior Design That Mirrors Nature’s Tranquility Inside, the design program features a simple layout with one bedroom, a full bath, a kitchenette, and a living area with a wood-burning stove. The interior, a collaboration between The Art of Building and the homeowners, is defined by an understated palette and tactile materials that reflect the natural setting. Color is introduced through the framed glass views on all sides of the structure. Reclaimed timber collar ties span the ceiling overhead, while stone surfaces and naturally patinated metal accents add quiet texture throughout. Custom hand-painted Delft tiles along the kitchen backsplash add personal detail, and terra cotta flooring in the bathroom brings warmth and old-world charm. Soaring ceilings and abundant daylight create a peaceful play of light and shadow, shifting subtly with the seasons and emphasizing the cottage’s connection to the natural landscape outside. Sleek Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors Elevate the Modern ADU Design Aesthetic Three customized steel effect folding patio doors define the living space, each aligned to respond to a different edge of the site. The largest, spanning nearly 20 feet wide and just under eight feet tall, opens directly onto the stone patio, allowing the main gathering area to extend fully into the landscape. Along the side of the living room, a smaller 10-foot-wide system introduces more light and ventilation, nearly creating an open corner condition if not for the structural post that supports the façade and roofline. At the rear, a fourth ten-foot-wide system features a French door swing panel configuration that opens toward the courtyard, strengthening the design connection to the main residence. All steel effect folding patio doors were specified with a low-maintenance, water-rated Performance Sill to safeguard against inclement weather while providing a seamless, barrier-free transition to the outdoor patio. Unique Customizations for Visual Appeal and a Steel Effect Each folding patio door system is configured to open outward, maximizing usable floor space in the compact interior and allowing furniture placement to remain uninterrupted. By stacking outward, the steel effect folding patio doors, specified in a SE Classic Bronze powder coat, ensure every inch of the cottage is optimized. Simulated divided lites create a consistent rhythm across windows and doors, maintaining alignment with the traditional barn-inspired exterior. In the bedroom, a three-panel, 10-foot-wide system mirrors these customizations, matching the steel effect divided-lite pattern and outward-opening configuration, extending the indoor-outdoor connection while preserving visual continuity throughout the ADU. “The divided lites were crucial to the architectural vision, and while budget prohibited a steel and glass system, NanaWall Systems’ thin frames provide the open and airy feeling we hoped to attain,” says Cawse. “Simulated divided lites transition the thoroughly modern element of the glass walls to remain in harmony with the otherwise traditional palette.” Matching Windows and Doors: Create a Cohesive Design Program Alongside the larger openings in the living areas and bedroom, a smaller 3-foot-tall NanaWall tilt turn window was added to the bathroom. This window-sized NanaWall system perfectly matches the divided lite panels and sleek frames of the steel effect folding patio doors, creating a cohesive modern ADU design throughout. The compact opening provides ventilation and natural light, enhancing the spa-like atmosphere along with natural stone flooring. The matching glass lines and sleek profiles of the NanaWall Generation 4 comprehensive product line further unify visual consistency, allowing each system to fit into the architectural style seamlessly. “This project had three bifold glass walls, a pair of double French doors with sidelites, and a single tilt turn window,” says architect Lauren Cawse. “Being able to work with a single manufacturer provided aesthetic cohesiveness and simplified coordination.” Sustainability Where It Matters Most New York weather can vary from hot 85-degree summers to cold 26-degree winters. Creating an efficient living space was a primary goal. To achieve this, the design included Timber HP-insulated walls and floors with a heat pump system for effective heating and cooling. Additionally, the steel effect folding patio doors and windows were specified with double-glazed panels to ensure a tight building envelope. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces for Relaxing and Entertaining In-house landscape designer Liz Pulver worked closely with the team to conceive open-air spaces that enhanced the connection between inside and outside. To the south end of the lot, the landscape transitions into an “enhanced meadow,” allowing the cottage to feel embedded within the surrounding fields rather than set apart from them. A circular pool was designed to mimic a natural pond with a modest footprint. Around it, a minimalist fence and sunken stone ha-ha wall offer discreet safety for young children. Limited space due to existing infrastructure and zoning setbacks left only a small footprint for the swimming pool, prompting the designer to propose a circular form that maximized the usable swimming area. “We felt that the perfect way to integrate a pool into the property and to honor the landscape would be to treat the pool as a piece of art itself,” says Pulver. “The result is a beautiful round pool that serves as both a functional retreat and a sculptural moment.” Final Thoughts: A Barn-Inspired Design for Contemporary Living This modern ADU design skillfully combines modern features with the enduring charm of traditional barns. The outcome is a welcoming living space that stands out amid a stunning landscape. Natural materials that mimic the beauty of the outdoors, expansive steel effect folding patio doors that fill the space with fresh air and natural light, and a restrained interior design work together to create an inviting retreat for everyday living, throughout the seasons. “When entering the site, the cottage feels as though it was always there,” says Cawse. “It achieves its two opposing goals by creating a feeling of intimacy and enclosure near the house while also functioning as a threshold to the expansive fields and views beyond.” Explore how NanaWall folding patio doors elevate other ADU spaces in our inspiring project photo gallery! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is Slimline Steel Effect? Steel Effect is a folding patio door design option that replicates the appearance of traditional steel-framed glass doors. It combines the look of steel with the performance benefits of aluminum, including energy efficiency, low maintenance, greater design flexibility, and lower cost. How does a NanaWall Steel Effect aluminum system compare to traditional steel-framed glass doors? NanaWall Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors replicate the narrow frames of traditional steel doors with improved weather and thermal performance and easier operation. They are lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and feature a thermally broken design for better energy efficiency and lower long-term maintenance. What are the benefits of Steel Effect folding glass walls? Steel Effect folding glass walls deliver the narrow sightlines and grid patterns of traditional steel, combined with the performance and low maintenance of aluminum. The slimline steel effect option offers all the benefits of our Generation 4 product line, including the FourFold / SixFold floating panel set option and smooth operation with Gothic arch stainless steel rollers on a stainless steel track. Can Slimline Steel Effect glass walls be customized? Yes, these systems offer a high level of customization to suit different architectural styles, including simulated divided lites specified in various patterns, popular SE colors for a true steel effect look, and a contemporary glass stop option for a refined look. Contact your local NanaWall representative for additional options here. How energy-efficient and weather-resistant are Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors? Steel effect folding systems are engineered for strong thermal and weather performance. Thermally broken frames and high-performance glazing help improve energy efficiency. Each NanaWall system has been independently tested for air, water, structural integrity, and forced entry with excellent results.

Beach Grove Social transforms a dated 3-bed, 2.5-bath into a modern, moody home made for entertaining. Vaulted cedar ceilings and triangular clerestories bathe white oak and graphite finishes in soft light, while a linear hearth anchors the open living–dining core. The reimagined kitchen hides the daily clutter with a concealed appliance garage and a grain-matched door to the laundry, keeping surfaces calm. Full-width sliders dissolve the boundary to a terrace designed for gatherings. Three new bathrooms—each tailored to its user—pair refined materials with serene lighting to deliver sophisticated, restorative spaces.

Triptych House is composed of three volumes that are united by a horizontal plane extending out to define outdoor spaces and functions. Inside, the definition between the volumes dissolves as the open kitchen, living, and dining spaces provide a flowing spatial experience for guests and family alike. This form arose from the functional goal of a home with spaces that at times offer privacy but are most often shared and familial. The volumes were also pulled apart to create pockets of greenery and outdoor space that are experienced as one circulates around the home. The home relates to its neighborhood abstractly in terms of scale, datum, and rhythm of openings, rather than through stylistic replication. The distinct nature of each volume is emphasized by its material character. The verticality of board and batten siding cladding the central two-story volume draws the eye downward, while its dark color allows the single-story light brick volume to hold the foreground when viewed from the street. The steel-edged canopy highlights the horizontal datum that ties all spaces together, allowing a series of special moments articulated in millwork and saturated color to be united under a single plane.

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

Nestled in the heart of Boulder, this 1950s ranch home was thoughtfully transformed to embrace modern living while honoring the charm and character of the neighborhood. The client wished for their home to become a place of gathering and community. This design embraces the open-concept floor plan by dissolving boundaries and encouraging organic interactions between the spaces within the home and with the surrounding landscape. At the heart of this transformation stands a strategically positioned wood-burning stove, which can be enjoyed from the dining or living areas, perfect for cozy winter nights. The kitchen dining space emerges as the vibrant epicenter of this family-friendly home with a fluid transition to the patio and garden. Vaulted ceilings accentuated with skylights illuminate the space with natural light, creating an airy, expansive feel; while the French oak flooring introduces a touch of grounding warmth and nature. The bedroom wing, intentionally secluded, offers an intimate sanctuary. En-suite bathrooms feature hints of luxury, including a steam shower and a soaking tub, elevating the space for an indulgent spa experience. Beyond the aesthetics, the fire-wise design includes non-combustible exterior materials, defensible space, and closed soffits. This fully electric home also prioritizes sustainability with features such as electric vehicle and solar power readiness, water-conserving landscaping, and an aging-in-place layout. Collaboration was key in transforming this house into the “forever home“ the couple envisioned and can now enjoy for many years to come - Photography by Dane Cronin

Encompassing 4,143 square feet with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, Alpenglow is an intimate yet opulent retreat, designed for those who seek harmony between refined living and the untamed beauty of nature. At its core, the home boasts a spacious gourmet kitchen, where sleek quartzite countertops and custom alder wood cabinetry create a haven for culinary creativity. Expansive glass walls dissolve boundaries, offering seamless indoor-outdoor flow that invites the crisp mountain air and golden hues of Deer Valley’s alpenglow into every corner. The open-concept living area, anchored by a sculptural stone fireplace, blends warmth and sophistication, with handcrafted bronze lighting casting a soft, inviting glow. Adjacent to community trails, Alpenglow’s extensive outdoor living spaces are an entertainer’s dream, featuring a wraparound deck, a sunken hot tub, and a fire-lit lounge area perfect for stargazing under the vast Utah sky. Inside, thoughtful details elevate the experience: a serene master suite with panoramic views, a dedicated wellness room for quiet reflection, and custom ski storage for effortless adventures on Deer Valley’s slopes. Alpenglow is a sanctuary where mountain serenity and modern luxury intertwine, creating a legacy of unforgettable moments. Architecture & Interiors: Studio Moxie

Updated master bathroom from below counter, to ceramic Canoe sinks mounted on top of new marble counters. Replaced faucets with a mix of modern and old world charm water pump style faucets. Both sinks and faucets are are both more stylish and more ergonomic the the fixtures from the 80's. The sinks have ease of use push pop up drains, containing removable hair traps, reducing clogged sinks and inconvenience, mess, need and cost liquid cures to dissolve hair buildup in typical sink drains. Went over old Linoleum floors with a laminate with a rubber underside and very tight seams, a ideal moisture tolerant solution for a floating floor in a bathroom, and pleasing to the eye and under foot. Replaced Formica counters with Marble. Build custom on site trim to encase and frame around existing large mirrors that were frameless and glued to the wall.

Beach Grove Social transforms a dated 3-bed, 2.5-bath into a modern, moody home made for entertaining. Vaulted cedar ceilings and triangular clerestories bathe white oak and graphite finishes in soft light, while a linear hearth anchors the open living–dining core. The reimagined kitchen hides the daily clutter with a concealed appliance garage and a grain-matched door to the laundry, keeping surfaces calm. Full-width sliders dissolve the boundary to a terrace designed for gatherings. Three new bathrooms—each tailored to its user—pair refined materials with serene lighting to deliver sophisticated, restorative spaces.

Nestled in the heart of Boulder, this 1950s ranch home was thoughtfully transformed to embrace modern living while honoring the charm and character of the neighborhood. The client wished for their home to become a place of gathering and community. This design embraces the open-concept floor plan by dissolving boundaries and encouraging organic interactions between the spaces within the home and with the surrounding landscape. At the heart of this transformation stands a strategically positioned wood-burning stove, which can be enjoyed from the dining or living areas, perfect for cozy winter nights. The kitchen dining space emerges as the vibrant epicenter of this family-friendly home with a fluid transition to the patio and garden. Vaulted ceilings accentuated with skylights illuminate the space with natural light, creating an airy, expansive feel; while the French oak flooring introduces a touch of grounding warmth and nature. The bedroom wing, intentionally secluded, offers an intimate sanctuary. En-suite bathrooms feature hints of luxury, including a steam shower and a soaking tub, elevating the space for an indulgent spa experience. Beyond the aesthetics, the fire-wise design includes non-combustible exterior materials, defensible space, and closed soffits. This fully electric home also prioritizes sustainability with features such as electric vehicle and solar power readiness, water-conserving landscaping, and an aging-in-place layout. Collaboration was key in transforming this house into the “forever home“ the couple envisioned and can now enjoy for many years to come - Photography by Dane Cronin

View from the living area emphasizing the dissolving boundary between the built environment and the natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors frame the dense forest canopy, extending the interior programming onto the multi-tiered exterior deck.