Today´s architecture is driven by the goals of achieving personal freedom and a desire to be close to nature. Where formerly thick walls were the norm, now an unrestricted view becomes the object of desire. The good news is that there are tried and tested solutions in glass which can effectively replace a wall and allow the outside world to enter your senses. Flexible glazing solutions such as those from Solarlux are also secure, energy-efficient and resistant to all weathers.

Star architect Sebastian Mariscal who lives in America became famous for his houses, where the building materials were essentially reduced to concrete and timber and with which he aimed for a smooth transition between the inside and the outside. “Architecture is about space”, he says, “and the more material you use, the less you are aware of space.” It was quite natural that Mariscal would use his own house, which was completed in 2007, to celebrate open space incorporating the spectacular backdrop of the Pacific Ocean into his everyday living experience.

The means to carry out such ideas are provided by units such as the horizontal sliding wall SL 50-HSW from the German system developer and manufacturer Solarlux in Bissendorf. Twenty five panels of the top hung aluminium profile system were installed on three outside walls of Mariscal´s residence. They can be simply moved out of view, thus creating maximum openings which quickly extend the living room into the garden. The special feature of the Solarlux design is that all the glass panels can be slid out of the way and around the two outside corners in order to disappear in an inconspicuous parking niche. The house then stands on pillars and the inside, which is at ground level, continues seamlessly into the outside environment.

The flexible individual glass panels are smooth running and extremely easy to handle. And if the occupants do not happen to feel like being “al fresco“ they can just move individual panels or step outside through the integrated entry / exit panels. 

The fascinating view of the landscape with the view of the Pacific Ocean can be appreciated at any time and in any weather due to the extraordinary transparency of the Solarlux system since the SL 50-HSW is thermally insulated and provides inner tranquillity even in stormy weather. In California, however, the climate is so mild that the occupants of the “Fay Residence“ open up their glass façades much more frequently so that they can dine in their central kitchen as if in the open air.

Solarlux SL 50-HSW closed.jpg

Even when closed, the flexible SL 50-HSW Solarlux glazing is stunningly beautiful in its transparency. Integrated entry / exit panels facilitate easy entry and exit.

photo: Hisao Suzuki

Solarlux SL 50-HSW open.jpg

The flexible glass panels of the SL 50-HSW system from Solarlux are simply moved out of the ways so that the living room space flows seamlessly into the open.

photo: Hisao Suzuki

  Glass in Motion (205.5 KiB, 234 hits)