Folding glass walls redefine the boundary between interior and exterior spaces.
In many of the newest luxury oceanfront homes, something big is missing: the traditional wall. In its place are panels of large, operable glass walls that open effortlessly, then offer unobstructed water vistas, more sunlight, natural ventilation and the ability to make more of indoor/outdoor living and entertaining space. All of this, thanks to Nana Wall Systems, the nationÂ’s leader in folding glass wall systems.
The job of architects and designers is to design their clients’ wants and needs—be it by specifying an infinity pool or a helipad. But ocean side living represents a homeowner’s desire to partake in the beauty and the restlessness of nature. And what better a way to “wow” your friends, family, and neighbors than by opening and shutting your walls at will. This “wow factor” is why, for 25 years, the NanaWall has earned praise from major-league architects for being luxe but also down-to-earth.
But the real test of whether the NanaWall has become the key design aspect of a building is that many renown architects and green-leaning designers specify NanaWalls for use in their own residences and offices. In fact, “to Nana” is becoming an established verb among them; nowadays, they simply say to one another, “Let’s Nana these walls.”
At first glance, the Nana-Wall looks like panels of floor-to-ceiling glass windows, but that’s where the similarities end. “When you open the system, the room is immediately transformed into an outdoor room. When the NanaWall is closed you have a weather-resistant room,” says ‘green’ visionary Ebrahim Nana, president of NanaWall. “It’s the reason why so many of the best homes—like those that sit beside the ocean— use NanaWalls”
Unlimited and Flexible Design Solutions
With numerous configurations and finishes, there are virtually no limits when it comes to designing with the NanaWall. For example, a popular design trend is that of open kitchens that encourage people to dine “al fresco” style, ideal for barbeques. NanaWall’s two-in-one system has shorter panels of operable glass situated over the counter space while the larger, operable panels complete an indoor/outdoor kitchen.
Designed in folding and individual panel systems, homeowners can create opening widths of up to 36 feet with folding systems and virtually unlimited opening sizes. Moreover, frames are customized to fit the design preferences of the individual—from wood to aluminum or wood-clad aluminum in hundreds of colors and finishes. Segmented panels allow for numerous configurations including curved and even “S” shaped, where the design boasts both concave and convex curves. Plus, NanaWalls add a unique ambience to the luxury of pool houses, spas and porch enclosures, and stunning access to courtyards, decks, patios, and garden areas that are located elsewhere on an ocean side property.
Once folded and stacked outward or inward to the side, or hidden out-of-sight in a specially built parking bay, suddenly, it’s like the wall never existed—as if the home was built without it. Also, installing NanaWalls can increase your property’s re-sale value over that of its project investment cost.
Beauty, Brawn, and Sustainability
If the thought of floor-to ceiling glass leads you to think about letting too much weather indoors, not to worry. Beyond the design’s beauty and promise of exhilaration, when closed, the NanaWall provides weather resistant and sound-efficient privacy. It offers two aluminum- framed folding door systems to meet hurricane requirements (Miami-Dade County certified) for wind load, impact, and cycling. In fact, Nana points out that NanaWall’s designs are found in oceanfront homes of open kitchens that encourage people to dine “al fresco” style, ideal for barbeques.
NanaWall’s two-in-one system has shorter panels of operable glass situated over the counter space while the larger, operable panels complete an indoor/outdoor kitchen. Designed in folding and individual panel systems, homeowners can create opening widths of up to 36 feet with folding systems and virtually unlimited opening sizes. Moreover, frames are customized to fit the design preferences of the individual—from wood to aluminum or wood-clad aluminum in hundreds of colors and finishes. Segmented panels allow for numerous configurations including curved and even “S” shaped, where the design boasts both concave and convex curves. Plus, NanaWalls add a unique ambience to the luxury of pool houses, spas and porch enclosures, and stunning access to courtyards, decks, patios, and garden areas throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Florida.
The company emphasizes sustainability and top engineering for energy-efficiency. Many of the NanaWall models are Energy Star rated. “Because the closed NanaWall seals remain weather-resistant, hot or cold air does not breach the barrier. This helps inside temperatures to remain at constant levels, cutting heating and cooling costs,” explains Nana. “Perhaps the biggest way we help sustainability is that our systems allow you to build a smaller home. The average new house is 45 percent bigger than it was 30 years ago. But when the outdoors integrate with your indoors, you don’t need to build as much.”
“You grow to love the exhilaration of living closer to nature while enjoying the creature comforts of your home,” concludes Nana.—Melissa C. Gillespie
Architects, developers, and oceanfront homeowners should visit nanawall.com or call 800-873-5673 for more information.
Video: NanaWall on the Beach