Search results for "Operate carefully" in Home Design Ideas
NanaWallNestled 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.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts.
FREE ESTIMATES | www.abedward.com | (847) 827-1605 At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor
Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area.
Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.”
Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.
The goals of our company are simple:
To achieve complete 100% customer satisfaction.
To build trust by sharing professional advice based on vast experience.
To provide the finest professional service to our customers.
###
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
Since 2003 A.B. Edward Enterprises, Incorporated has been providing Chicagoland homeowners with products and installations in the roofing, siding, windows and gutters industry. A.B. Edward has an unblemished A+ Better Business Bureau rating, an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company, and also delivers top industry leading products such as GAF, James Hardie Siding Products, Pella Windows and Doors, DaVinci Roofscapes, Mastic Exterior Siding and more. Today, the family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
Find the right local pro for your project
United Porte IncSET INCLUDES:
2 Doors Slabs
Track
Pivot Set
Pivot Brackets
Converging Panel Aliger
Door Knob
Installation Manual
Screws for hardware
Doors are not pre-drilled!
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16"".
Introducing the Felicia collection of Classic Bi-Fold doors, a stunning addition to any interior design. Crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core, these doors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sturdy and durable.
The Ginger Ash color of the doors adds warmth and natural beauty to any space. The unique wood grain pattern gives the doors a rustic feel that is perfect for any traditional or contemporary setting. The frosted glass panels provide privacy while still allowing natural light to pass through, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The 12 lites on the doors provide a unique touch that will surely catch the eye of anyone who enters the room. The lites are strategically placed to offer a balanced look that complements the overall design of the doors.
These Classic Bi-Fold doors from the Felicia collection are ideal for use as new york doors. They are easy to install and operate, making them a perfect fit for homes, offices, and other commercial spaces.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your interior design or add a touch of elegance to your space, the Felicia collection of Classic Bi-Fold doors is an excellent choice. They are sure to impress anyone who sees them and add a touch of sophistication to any space they are placed in. Order yours today and experience the ultimate in style, quality, and durability!
SOLID CORE
Solid wood core made by laminated wood using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door is manufactured from a single piece of wood and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.
A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts.
FREE ESTIMATES | www.abedward.com | (847) 827-1605 At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor
Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area.
Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.”
Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.
The goals of our company are simple:
To achieve complete 100% customer satisfaction.
To build trust by sharing professional advice based on vast experience.
To provide the finest professional service to our customers.
###
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
Since 2003 A.B. Edward Enterprises, Incorporated has been providing Chicagoland homeowners with products and installations in the roofing, siding, windows and gutters industry. A.B. Edward has an unblemished A+ Better Business Bureau rating, an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company, and also delivers top industry leading products such as GAF, James Hardie Siding Products, Pella Windows and Doors, DaVinci Roofscapes, Mastic Exterior Siding and more. Today, the family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
CINEAK luxury seatingREDEFINING CUSTOM THEATER SEATING
The FORTUNY theater chair was created for the most luxurious home theater. It’s concept is unique in many aspects and the design combines leather upholstery, varying stitching finishes, ergonomic contours, real wood veneer and an independently controlled reclining mechanism. The chair was designed by the Mitra Theaters team
as a seating solution for their exclusive high-end home theater projects.
Careful attention has been paid to the overall comfort of this chair. Ergonomics have been thorougly studied during the design and development process. High quality foam with different densities in combination with zigzag seating support and webbed backrest support are used to create a comfortable and soft feel which maintains a proper balance for ones body.
A steel frame and mechanism ensures a smooth operation now and in the future. The independently controlled reclining mechanism allows the user to adjust the backrest independently from the footrest, giving the user full freedom and the ability to adjust the chair to a position that fits one’s body structure. The articulating headrest is a feature which ensures ultimate comfort while viewing a movie in the reclined position. It gives the proper neck support needed and guarantees the perfect viewing in relation to the film screen.
The Fortuny is also available as a fixed chair and in a manually operated reclining version.
A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.FREE ESTIMATES (847) 827-1605
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts.
At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor
Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area.
Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.”
Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.
The goals of our company are simple:
To achieve complete 100% customer satisfaction.
To build trust by sharing professional advice based on vast experience.
To provide the finest professional service to our customers.
###
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
Since 2003 A.B. Edward Enterprises, Incorporated has been providing Chicagoland homeowners with products and installations in the roofing, siding, windows and gutters industry. A.B. Edward has an unblemished A+ Better Business Bureau rating, an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company, and also delivers top industry leading products such as GAF, James Hardie Siding Products, Pella Windows and Doors, DaVinci Roofscapes, Mastic Exterior Siding and more. Today, the family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
Abda Custom Window FashionsHunter Douglas Pirouette provides an elegant look with sophisticated functionality.
The Hunter Douglas Pirouette gives the look of a roman shade with the functionality of a silhouette sheer shade. The Pirouette’s fabric vanes open to a sheer fabric to provide a view through area and allowing light into the room. The sheer fabric provides protection from the harsh UV rays. The shade also closes completely for privacy. The Pirouette has the look of roman shades with the functionality of blinds. The Pirouette also comes in specialty shades that can fit many types of windows such as, arches or angles.
The structure of the Pirouette is clean and elegant because the lifting system for the vanes have the patented Invisi-Lift system. This system allows the floating vanes to operate without having the unsightly cords or tapes. The vanes of the Hunter Douglas Pirouette can be flattened or contoured for complete privacy or opened for wide view-through.
Protect your wood flooring, furniture or artwork from the damaging ultraviolet rays. The Pirouette Roman Shades block up to 81% of the harmful UV rays with vanes open and 99% with the vanes closed. There is a large selection of fabrics to choose from and two vane sizes.
The Pirouette can also be operated manually or by remote control. Hunter Douglas has an app that can control the Pirouette on your iPhone or iPad.
At Abda, we make the draperies, curtains, valances, cornices, pillow shams, accent throw pillows, duvet covers, comforters, coverlets and bed skirts…even custom fabric headboards in a variety of styles, sizes and shapes. We also make draperies, roman shades, valances or cornices to coordinate. If you have an existing piece of furniture, we also do upholstery. The possibilities are endless when you go custom. If you’re not sure where to start, no worries because we have design specialists that can help you create the home you’ve always dreamed of!
We’re known for our attention to detail, great quality and outstanding service. We not only work with Indiana clients but also across the nation.
HOW DO WE HAVE QUALITY PRODUCTS WITHOUT BREAKING THE BUDGET?
At Abda, we believe in providing quality products, great customer service without breaking the pocket book for our customers! We’ve been in business since 1998 and have learned a few things over the years. Customers want excellent, reliable products without spending more than necessary. We decided to not have a large flashy retail store and focus on referrals rather than traditional advertising. In doing so, we’re able to provide the same great quality products as our competitors at a better price. And the amazing thing is, we do all of this while putting our focus on excellent customer service for our clients. Don’t take our word for it, check out what some of our customers are saying about us. www.abdawindowfashions.com
LIVE OUT OF STATE OR TOO BUSY?
Talk with our professional design specialists and let them help you transform your home! It’s simple and easy. This is a great solution for persons who live out of state or are too busy for a traditional home consultation. We have a “virtual interior designer” that will work with you each step of the way. With our great reviews, solid company and company values- you know that your home is in great hands!
For more information, contact Talitha at 317-273-8343 or email: talitha@abdawindowfashions.com or check out our houzz.com store!
LIVE IN CENTRAL INDIANA?
For our local customers we offer, FREE In-home consultation or showroom appointment to meet your lifestyle and design needs. At Abda, we have the perfect blend of high-end and affordable solutions for every style and budget. Affordable doesn’t mean cheap! We pride ourselves on quality products with excellent service. We’re so confident of our products that we give our customers more than the manufacturers guarantee!
At Abda, you will find knowledgeable staff that will turn your visions into a reality. Stop in our showroom or schedule a Free In-home consultation today! We know you will be happy with the results but don’t take our word for it, check out what some of our customers say about us on Houzz and Angie’s List!
http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/in/indianapolis/abda-inc-custom-window-fashions-reviews-60394.htm?cid=ssabadge
WHY CHOOSE US?
We have been in business since November 1998 and started in the window covering business by cleaning & repairing blinds. This gave us a unique perspective from most window covering dealers. We have always considered how well products hold up and which manufacturers stand behind their products the best. We let our clients know the benefits of more expensive products and give honest feedback. We take pride in showing alternative products to fit all budgets. We also give our customers an additional 2 year warranty on top of the manufacturers guarantee!
Our great testimonials on Angie’s List, Houzz.com and referrals have helped our company grow without the need for “conventional” advertising. Abda means ‘servant’. At Abda, we approach every customer with a servant’s attitude. This philosophy has helped our customers feel confident in their purchases and well-taken care of. Our number one focus is customer service and we believe in putting the customer’s needs first. We offer our clients an additional 2 year warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty and want each and every client to be completely happy with their purchase. We’ve been awarded the prestigious 2014 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews. We’ve grown over the years and have added more team members to our company and we’re very excited at the direction our company is going.
Contact us today to get started on your project.
Abda, Inc
1159 Country Club Road
Indianapolis, In 46234
317-273-8343 (Ext. 103)
Other Common Names For Pirouette:
Roman Shades
Roman Blinds
Blinds
Pirouette Blinds
Vertical Blinds
Venetian Blinds
Shades
Fabric Shades
Hunter Douglas Blinds
Hunter Douglas Shades
Hunter Douglas Pirouette
Energy Efficient Blinds
Sun Protection Shades
Sun Protection Blinds
Child Safety Blinds
Child Safety Window Treatments
Indianapolis Blinds
Indianapolis Shades
Indianapolis Fabric Roman Shades
Custom Blinds
www.abdawindowfashions.com
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
NanaWallNestled 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.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
Mediak SolutionsIn the modern digital era, clear communication and seamless collaboration are essential for every type of organization. High-quality Audio-Video (AV) systems have become a key factor in creating efficient, interactive, and engaging environments. Media K Solutions provides expert AV integration services that are carefully designed to meet the needs of businesses, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and public spaces.
The company’s approach focuses on delivering complete solutions rather than simple equipment installations. Their team collaborates closely with each client to design systems that are not only functional but also scalable and adaptable to future technological advancements. Every project is built to improve productivity, enhance user experience, and simplify daily operations.
Media K Solutions specializes in a wide range of AV integration services, including:
Installation of high-performance audio, video, and control systems that deliver exceptional clarity and reliability.
Designing flexible AV configurations that can grow with the organization and adapt to evolving requirements.
Integrating new technologies with existing systems to maximize compatibility and protect prior investments.
Offering continuous maintenance and technical support to ensure long-term performance and system stability.
Through these carefully implemented solutions, Media K Solutions helps organizations create connected spaces that inspire collaboration, learning, and creativity. Whether setting up a conference room, classroom, auditorium, or entertainment facility, their expertise ensures smooth functionality and lasting quality.
For more information about their full range of services and project examples, visit their official website: https://mediaksolutions.com
A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts.
FREE ESTIMATES | www.abedward.com | (847) 827-1605 At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor
Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area.
Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.”
Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.
The goals of our company are simple:
To achieve complete 100% customer satisfaction.
To build trust by sharing professional advice based on vast experience.
To provide the finest professional service to our customers.
###
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
Since 2003 A.B. Edward Enterprises, Incorporated has been providing Chicagoland homeowners with products and installations in the roofing, siding, windows and gutters industry. A.B. Edward has an unblemished A+ Better Business Bureau rating, an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company, and also delivers top industry leading products such as GAF, James Hardie Siding Products, Pella Windows and Doors, DaVinci Roofscapes, Mastic Exterior Siding and more. Today, the family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
NanaWallNestled 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.
A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.FREE ESTIMATES (847) 827-1605
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts.
At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor
Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area.
Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.”
Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.
The goals of our company are simple:
To achieve complete 100% customer satisfaction.
To build trust by sharing professional advice based on vast experience.
To provide the finest professional service to our customers.
###
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
Since 2003 A.B. Edward Enterprises, Incorporated has been providing Chicagoland homeowners with products and installations in the roofing, siding, windows and gutters industry. A.B. Edward has an unblemished A+ Better Business Bureau rating, an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company, and also delivers top industry leading products such as GAF, James Hardie Siding Products, Pella Windows and Doors, DaVinci Roofscapes, Mastic Exterior Siding and more. Today, the family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.FREE ESTIMATES (847) 827-1605
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts.
At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor
Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area.
Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.”
Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.
The goals of our company are simple:
To achieve complete 100% customer satisfaction.
To build trust by sharing professional advice based on vast experience.
To provide the finest professional service to our customers.
###
About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.
Since 2003 A.B. Edward Enterprises, Incorporated has been providing Chicagoland homeowners with products and installations in the roofing, siding, windows and gutters industry. A.B. Edward has an unblemished A+ Better Business Bureau rating, an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company, and also delivers top industry leading products such as GAF, James Hardie Siding Products, Pella Windows and Doors, DaVinci Roofscapes, Mastic Exterior Siding and more. Today, the family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.
13