Vertical Retraction 101
For some time, retractable glass has meant either folding or sliding glass doors, windows and walls. Sliding walls and accordion style doors are offered for a variety of applications. But there are some inherent limitations in these designs.
Sliding walls, for instance, can obstruct views when closed due to all the vertical seams. And they can limit views when open by taking up significant space for the consolidated panels. Likewise, folding walls and folding glass doors restrict usable space as the accordion panels are grouped when open. Neither of these approaches can do much to control airflow and neither is capable of integrating both shades and screens.
Sliding & Folding Systems
- Obstruct views when closed and limit views when open
- Restrict usable space
- Do little to control airflow
- Typically can’t integrate both shading and screening
- Requires separate safety railing when open
PanoraView is different.
It uses vertical retraction to move glass panels up and down. For glass wall and glass door applications, the panels open in the up position permitting passage underneath. For window walls, PanoraView opens by consolidating panels in the down position, creating a built-in balustrade. In either case, PanoraView creates an opening of 66% to 75% of the rough opening (depending on number of panels used). This equates to 100% of the truly usable space.
PanoraView with Vertical Retraction
- No-sacrifice panoramic views
- Optimized space utilization
- Custom control of natural ventilation
- Integrated daylighting and insect control
- Integral glass safety railing
Better views than sliding panels

PanoraView with panels closed; very little view obstruction.

PanoraView with panels open; no view obstruction.

Sliding glass panels closed; some view obstruction.

Sliding glass panels open; continued view obstruction.
Better space utilization than folding panels


PanoraView with panels open or closed; no restrictions to space usage.


Folding panels open; restricted space usage (costs you money).
Better views than sliding panels

PanoraView with panels open.

Too much wind? PanoraView can protect from it while regulating the amount of fresh air.

Open or partially closed, sliding panels can’t regulate fresh air and control for wind.

Open or partially closed, folding panels can’t regulate fresh air and control for wind.
Better daylighting and insect control with integrated shades and screens

PanoraView with panels open or closed; no restrictions to space usage.

PanoraView with panels open or closed; no restrictions to space usage.

Folding panels open; restricted space usage (costs you money).
Available Resources:
- CSI MasterSpec 3-part Specification
- Design & Installation Considerations
- Std Elev/Detail Drawings
- And more
Download Resources Here
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