Monday 7 December 2009
Frameless Glass Curtains blog
Posts from January 2010 can be found on SunSeekerDoors blog. There is also a specific blog for Frameless Glass Doors, including Glass Curtains.
Friday 20 November 2009
Frameless Glass Curtains ... explained
It's been an uphill struggle to explain exactly what Glass Curtains are - there is some confusion with sheer sheet hanging curtain panels, fibreglass curtains and shower screens.
To avoid further confusion, SunSeeker Glass Curtains are being re-launched as Frameless Glass Doors - a name that describes the product more accurately.
SunSeeker Frameless Glass Doors are frameless glass panels that interlock to form a wall of glass such as a room divider, with a 'master' frameless glass door that you can use as you would use any other door in the house, when all the frameless glass doors are closed.
To open the frameless glass doors for a wider aperture or to remove the whole expanse, the master door is opened, followed by as many of the frameless glass panels as required. Each of the frameless glass doors will slide open along the top and bottom runners to be positioned or, when they reach the end of the track, each frameless glass door can be opened at right-angles, just like the master door, to stack neatly against the side wall, leaving virtually the whole aperture available for access.
To read future weblog posts about SunSeeker Glass Curtains (now SunSeeker Frameless Glass Doors), please follow sunseekerdoors.blogspot.com or visit our web site sunseekerdoors.co.uk for more information.
To avoid further confusion, SunSeeker Glass Curtains are being re-launched as Frameless Glass Doors - a name that describes the product more accurately.
SunSeeker Frameless Glass Doors are frameless glass panels that interlock to form a wall of glass such as a room divider, with a 'master' frameless glass door that you can use as you would use any other door in the house, when all the frameless glass doors are closed.
To open the frameless glass doors for a wider aperture or to remove the whole expanse, the master door is opened, followed by as many of the frameless glass panels as required. Each of the frameless glass doors will slide open along the top and bottom runners to be positioned or, when they reach the end of the track, each frameless glass door can be opened at right-angles, just like the master door, to stack neatly against the side wall, leaving virtually the whole aperture available for access.
To read future weblog posts about SunSeeker Glass Curtains (now SunSeeker Frameless Glass Doors), please follow sunseekerdoors.blogspot.com or visit our web site sunseekerdoors.co.uk for more information.
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Glass Curtains are the perfect Room Dividers
Features:
- Virtually no maximum width limit
- Strong, virtually unbreakable glass
- Door panels that slide and turn
- Tinted glass option
When closed, Glass Curtains form a complete glass wall with no frames to interrupt the view. When fully open, Glass Curtains stack against the wall at the side of the opening for maximum accessibility between areas.
Benefits:
- Maximum access when open
- No interruption of light flow or view when closed
- Noise reduction between areas when closed
- Temperatures maintained separately each side of the divide
See our web site for more details and photographs and a quote request form or call us with your enquiry or for an instant quotation on
01582 492730
Tuesday 1 September 2009
The difference between Glass Curtains and Curtain Walls
Glass Curtains are openable doors or windows, made of glass, for use as patio doors, terrace or balcony enclosures, partitions and restaurant/storefronts. They are fitted to the height of a single storey opening and are fully openable along the whole (theoretically limitless) width of the opening.
Glass Curtains originated, we believe, in Spain. It is the name commonly used for glazed panels that slide along runners to a side wall, then can be turned at right-angles to be neatly stacked out of the main line of sight of an opening.
They became popular with owners of apartments with large balconies and terraces so that the chill wind could be kept at bay to extend the use of the area between warm summers. The application was also used to separate internal areas so that the concept of Open Plan was maintained whilst only smaller living areas needed to be heated.
Simultaneously, restaurant owners saw their commercial use, internally (for seasonal fluctuations in customer numbers and to accommodate private parties), externally (to deflect strong winds) and as the ideal frontage to their premises, allowing the division or coalition of inside and outside dining.
When Glass Curtains are closed, they could be described as a glass wall or invisible wall but the key difference is that, generally, walls do not open whereas Glass Curtains do - the whole "wall" can be removed quickly and easily. The primary door is opened, allowing the other panels to slide along the track.
Glass Curtains are suitable for both domestic and commercial use.
Curtain Walling in a building is a lightweight, non-loadbearing external wall (using glazing or cladding) that is attached to a load-bearing (e.g. steel or concrete) frame rather than built up from the ground like a traditional wall; the curtains wall is fixed and not designed to open.
According to Wikipedia:
"Curtain wall is a term used to describe a building façade which does not carry any dead load from the building other than its own dead load, and one which transfers the horizontal loads (wind loads) that are incident upon it. These loads are transferred to the main building structure through connections at floors or columns of the building. A curtain wall is designed to resist air and water infiltration, wind forces acting on the building, seismic forces (usually only those imposed by the inertia of the curtain wall), and its own dead load forces.
Curtain walls are typically designed with extruded aluminium members, although the first curtain walls were made of steel. The aluminium frame is typically infilled with glass, which provides an architecturally pleasing building, as well as benefits such as daylighting. However, parameters related to solar gain control such as thermal comfort and visual comfort are more difficult to control when using highly-glazed curtain walls. Other common infills include: stone veneer, metal panels, louvers, and operable windows or vents.
Curtain walls differ from storefront systems in that they are designed to span multiple floors, and take into consideration design requirements such as: thermal expansion and contraction; building sway and movement; water diversion; and thermal efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling, and lighting in the building."
If you are interested in Glass Curtains, there is further information available on the SunSeeker Doors web site, here and here.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Glass Curtains originated, we believe, in Spain. It is the name commonly used for glazed panels that slide along runners to a side wall, then can be turned at right-angles to be neatly stacked out of the main line of sight of an opening.
They became popular with owners of apartments with large balconies and terraces so that the chill wind could be kept at bay to extend the use of the area between warm summers. The application was also used to separate internal areas so that the concept of Open Plan was maintained whilst only smaller living areas needed to be heated.
Simultaneously, restaurant owners saw their commercial use, internally (for seasonal fluctuations in customer numbers and to accommodate private parties), externally (to deflect strong winds) and as the ideal frontage to their premises, allowing the division or coalition of inside and outside dining.
When Glass Curtains are closed, they could be described as a glass wall or invisible wall but the key difference is that, generally, walls do not open whereas Glass Curtains do - the whole "wall" can be removed quickly and easily. The primary door is opened, allowing the other panels to slide along the track.
Glass Curtains are suitable for both domestic and commercial use.
Curtain Walling in a building is a lightweight, non-loadbearing external wall (using glazing or cladding) that is attached to a load-bearing (e.g. steel or concrete) frame rather than built up from the ground like a traditional wall; the curtains wall is fixed and not designed to open.
According to Wikipedia:
"Curtain wall is a term used to describe a building façade which does not carry any dead load from the building other than its own dead load, and one which transfers the horizontal loads (wind loads) that are incident upon it. These loads are transferred to the main building structure through connections at floors or columns of the building. A curtain wall is designed to resist air and water infiltration, wind forces acting on the building, seismic forces (usually only those imposed by the inertia of the curtain wall), and its own dead load forces.
Curtain walls are typically designed with extruded aluminium members, although the first curtain walls were made of steel. The aluminium frame is typically infilled with glass, which provides an architecturally pleasing building, as well as benefits such as daylighting. However, parameters related to solar gain control such as thermal comfort and visual comfort are more difficult to control when using highly-glazed curtain walls. Other common infills include: stone veneer, metal panels, louvers, and operable windows or vents.
Curtain walls differ from storefront systems in that they are designed to span multiple floors, and take into consideration design requirements such as: thermal expansion and contraction; building sway and movement; water diversion; and thermal efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling, and lighting in the building."
If you are interested in Glass Curtains, there is further information available on the SunSeeker Doors web site, here and here.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Monday 10 August 2009
Google Knol: Slide and Turn Glass Curtains
UK Home Improvement 2
Slide & Turn Glass Curtains
The term 'Glass Curtains' usually refers to frameless glass panels that can be opened by sliding and stacking to the sides of an opening. They are used to enclose terraces or balconies and as room dividers; becoming increasingly popular as openable frontages to restaurants, bistros and cafés.
Originally developed in Spain, Glass Curtains have reached the UK and, in doing so, have challenged manufacturers to produce a double-glazed version that is suitable in place of patio doors.
Read the full article on Google Knol..
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Glass Curtains - Removing the Pane Barrier!
Glass Curtains - tough glass panels that slide and turn to be stacked at the side of an opening for maximum aperture - are becoming popular with café and restaurant owners.
Replacing the 'shop front' with Glass Curtains has created a continental atmosphere with easily accommodated al fresco dining.
From Invisible Barrier to No Barrier
When the Glass Curtains are fully closed, the main door functions in the same way as any other door, the obvious benefit being the uninterrupted views that diners have of the village green or shopping mall.
(illustration of closed Glass Curtains)
However, the whole wall of glass can quickly and easily be cast to one side so that any tables that are normally considered to be outside are integrated for accessible service from the waiting staff.
(illustration of fully open Glass Curtains)
It is even possible to create a partial wall that will keep barriers between parties at closely placed tables yet enable access to each whole row of diners without weaving between tables to access a single doorway.
(illustration of door open and central access opening)
For more information and a no-obligation quotation, visit our main web site www.SunSeekerDoors.co.uk
Replacing the 'shop front' with Glass Curtains has created a continental atmosphere with easily accommodated al fresco dining.
From Invisible Barrier to No Barrier
When the Glass Curtains are fully closed, the main door functions in the same way as any other door, the obvious benefit being the uninterrupted views that diners have of the village green or shopping mall.(illustration of closed Glass Curtains)
However, the whole wall of glass can quickly and easily be cast to one side so that any tables that are normally considered to be outside are integrated for accessible service from the waiting staff.(illustration of fully open Glass Curtains)
It is even possible to create a partial wall that will keep barriers between parties at closely placed tables yet enable access to each whole row of diners without weaving between tables to access a single doorway.(illustration of door open and central access opening)
For more information and a no-obligation quotation, visit our main web site www.SunSeekerDoors.co.uk
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tuesday 2 June 2009
republished feature: What are Glass Curtains?
Glass Curtains are panels of glass can be that placed together to form an invisible barrier against wind and water, cold temperatures and a certain noise level, yet they impose no such restrictions on natural light flow or vision.
Suitable for external use to enclose balconies or other areas that have a base and a roof to which they can be fixed, fitting the clear glass frameless panels is an ideal way to extend the essence of summer. How lovely, for example, to relax on your balcony with a book, avoiding the bitter winds of March or October.
Also referred to as frameless room dividers, these partitions are constructed of toughened clear glass with no side frames for unrivalled unobstructed views.
- - - - - - - - -
Before Glass Curtains were available, it was difficult to divide an area without restricting light or vision. Fabric curtains that harboured dust and wouldn't stay still in a draught or wooden dividers that blocked light but not draughts were the compromise, neither one delivering true visibility.
Unlike bi-folding door solutions, the glass panel system is not hinged together, therefore side frames are unnecessary for single-glazed internal installations. Rather than folding and sliding to the sides of an opening, the separate panels slide and turn individually.
There are many applications for this innovative new system of clear glass panelling. The 'Curtains' are suitable for a range of domestic and commercial applications from enclosures to dividers: restaurants, cafés, hotels, offices, conference meeting rooms, golf clubs, leisure centres, shopping arcades, large halls, open plan living, summer-houses, swimming pools and wet-room partitioning.
- - - - - - - - -
Popular in Mediterranean Europe for a number of years, Glass Curtain installations in the UK are rare but on the increase. Their future in the UK will be the production of thermally-compliant frameless double-glazed versions to replace traditional sliding patio doors.
Glass Curtains are available in England from SunSeeker Doors.
Friday 1 May 2009
Glass Curtains in the UK
SunSeeker Doors, with the experience and reputation gained from manufacturing and installing bifolding-sliding door systems, has been granted sole rights to install Glass Curtains by the European manufacturer.
Glass Curtains are available as single-glazed toughened glass, suitable as external enclosures or internal room partitions.
Working on the principle of slide and turn, individual glass panels can be positioned wherever required along the span of the installation. This system allows the Glass Curtains to be fitted to curved perimeters and to accommodate architectural features, such as arches. The length of the installation is theoretically limitless, providing there is a permanent fixture for the tracks, above and below the glass panels.
The SunSeeker Doors web site features single-glazed Glass Curtains. Feel free to contact SunSeeker Doors with any questions you may have. You may use the quote request form on the web site or email or telephone direct: 01582 492 730.
Glass Curtains are available as single-glazed toughened glass, suitable as external enclosures or internal room partitions.
Working on the principle of slide and turn, individual glass panels can be positioned wherever required along the span of the installation. This system allows the Glass Curtains to be fitted to curved perimeters and to accommodate architectural features, such as arches. The length of the installation is theoretically limitless, providing there is a permanent fixture for the tracks, above and below the glass panels.
The SunSeeker Doors web site features single-glazed Glass Curtains. Feel free to contact SunSeeker Doors with any questions you may have. You may use the quote request form on the web site or email or telephone direct: 01582 492 730.
Tuesday 14 April 2009
Room Dividers, at home and at work
Open plan living provides the feeling of space and light ... but what about noise? The dishwasher gurgling in the kitchen, constantly interrupting after-dinner conversations; the children chattering loudly while you're on the telephone? There are times when you might wish to dull the background noise but not feel claustrophobic - and keep an eye on things in the next room.How about a glass partition wall that divides the area yet can quickly and easily glide back to a side wall, out of the way? At SunSeeker Doors, we call this system "Glass Curtains" - frameless glass panel doors that enable one end of your open plan living area to be an oasis of calm and the other end to be noisy or cold or hot or different in some other way.
At the office, too.Open Plan creates a light, bright, busy environment but what if you need an area sectioned off for a meeting or a client lunch? "Glass Curtains" can transform the area in less than a minute, yet with no loss of light on either side of the partition.
The same principal applies to cafeterias, restaurants and hotels. One large area can become two smaller areas. "Glass Curtains" are tried and tested in mainland Europe and are becoming more popular in commercial areas in the UK, bringing their prices down considerably. Contact SunSeeker Doors for a no-obligation quotation and advice regarding which product options are best for you;
telephone 01582 492 730.
Web Site: www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk
Thursday 26 March 2009
Frames vs. Frameless
Where to use metal, plastic, wooden or frameless doors ...
What's most important to you? Looks, longevity, low maintenance, practicality, price, the WOW factor to impress friends and neighbours?
Looks. Individual tastes vary - some people love the natural look and warmth of wood, some the cool unobtrusive white coated aluminium ... others the fresh and daring blues and greens available with powder-coated aluminium frames. Alternatively, frameless clear glass curtains can be loved by many for the absense of frame choice whereas others seem to fear the open-ness.
Longevity. Any of the framed or frameless styles can last a long time if it's a good quality installation of a good quality product and, of course, not abused.
Low maintenance. This is where wooden frames often lose out. The cheaper softwood options that look so appealing in the indoor showroom will need treating at least every 2 years, whether stained and varnished or painted. Even the more expensive hardwood doors will need care to keep looking good. Operating wooden doors can often be a problem as weather can have a significant effect causing swelling and splintering. Wood is beautiful but you have to love it and care for it till death do you part. Any doors, including plastic, metal and frameless, that have been manufactured with inferior parts will require more maintenance than a good quality product.
Practicality. Again, wood can be less than practical in winter if the cold air rushes in between the inevitable gaps that appear with warping and shrinking. Cheaper plastic frames that are not reinforced can be more 'flexible' than you might wish. Metal is undoubtedly the stongest frame. So, if strong frames are important, how can glass curtains work without any frames at all? In fact, there are top and bottom frames and the glass is ultra-strong. The frameless glass curtains that have been available in Europe for the past couple of years are single-glazed thick glass, suitable for enclosing Mediterranean balconies and terraces and excellent as internal room dividers. The manufacturers have been working on a double-glazed version that will meet British Standards.
Price. There are two costs to consider: the initial cost of purchase and installation plus the ongoing cost of maintenance.
The WOW factor! Glass Curtains, obviously, if they meet the practicality challenges: new and clutter-free. Second place, powder-coated aluminium with narrow frames for a good view - double the wow factor with integral blinds! Third place, wood - if you keep it looking good and don't wrestle with it in front of its admirers.
This is our Glass Curtains information blog - if you would like more information on framed bifolding doors and to read about our customers' experiences, please visit our bifolding doors blog.
;-)
What's most important to you? Looks, longevity, low maintenance, practicality, price, the WOW factor to impress friends and neighbours?
Looks. Individual tastes vary - some people love the natural look and warmth of wood, some the cool unobtrusive white coated aluminium ... others the fresh and daring blues and greens available with powder-coated aluminium frames. Alternatively, frameless clear glass curtains can be loved by many for the absense of frame choice whereas others seem to fear the open-ness.
Longevity. Any of the framed or frameless styles can last a long time if it's a good quality installation of a good quality product and, of course, not abused.
Low maintenance. This is where wooden frames often lose out. The cheaper softwood options that look so appealing in the indoor showroom will need treating at least every 2 years, whether stained and varnished or painted. Even the more expensive hardwood doors will need care to keep looking good. Operating wooden doors can often be a problem as weather can have a significant effect causing swelling and splintering. Wood is beautiful but you have to love it and care for it till death do you part. Any doors, including plastic, metal and frameless, that have been manufactured with inferior parts will require more maintenance than a good quality product.
Practicality. Again, wood can be less than practical in winter if the cold air rushes in between the inevitable gaps that appear with warping and shrinking. Cheaper plastic frames that are not reinforced can be more 'flexible' than you might wish. Metal is undoubtedly the stongest frame. So, if strong frames are important, how can glass curtains work without any frames at all? In fact, there are top and bottom frames and the glass is ultra-strong. The frameless glass curtains that have been available in Europe for the past couple of years are single-glazed thick glass, suitable for enclosing Mediterranean balconies and terraces and excellent as internal room dividers. The manufacturers have been working on a double-glazed version that will meet British Standards.
Price. There are two costs to consider: the initial cost of purchase and installation plus the ongoing cost of maintenance.
The WOW factor! Glass Curtains, obviously, if they meet the practicality challenges: new and clutter-free. Second place, powder-coated aluminium with narrow frames for a good view - double the wow factor with integral blinds! Third place, wood - if you keep it looking good and don't wrestle with it in front of its admirers.
This is our Glass Curtains information blog - if you would like more information on framed bifolding doors and to read about our customers' experiences, please visit our bifolding doors blog.
;-)
Wednesday 25 February 2009
Introducing Glass Curtains
SunSeeker Doors and Glass Curtains - together in the UK
News Release: Tuesday 16 December 2008
SunSeeker Doors has been granted exclusive rights to install Glass Curtains throughout the UK. Glass Curtains will feature side-by-side with SunSeeker Doors aluminium bifolding doors, manufactured at their factory in Bedfordshire.
Glass Curtains 2008 are single-glazed room dividers. The 2009 product will offer an alternative virtually frameless option to panoramic folding doors, with uninterrupted views that can easily fit a curve and accommodate arched apertures, suitable as doors and windows.
SunSeeker Doors continues to supply aluminium-framed bifolding doors plus traditional patio doors and windows alongside its new product. Director Robert Hughes says "Glass Curtains is the future for modern contemporary homes but, as history shows, there will be demand for the traditional French, folding and sliding patio doors for years to come. We are happy to provide a service for our clients that encompasses the features they require."
History.
French doors, the original patio doors, have served well for many years. Elegant, romantic, practical, French doors set the standard and remain the most popular garden doors in new-builds as well as traditional French homes from small stone cottages to Versailles. Materials have varied, from soft and hard woods, metal, alloys and PVC but the traditional two-doors meeting in the middle of a three or four ft opening can be seen in a variety of homes and commercial buildings, world-wide.
In the mid-20th Century in Britain, the sliding patio door became popular - allowing lots of natural light into the home and a great view of the garden. There were a couple of downsides: there was always one side that remained in place, restricting access via only half the original aperture; also it wasn't always easy to slide the door - either the frame warped or the sliding channels became dirty or damaged so that the door stuck.
Progress.
Today's sliding doors often use rolling mechanisms to reduce such problems. At the beginning of this century, the bifolding door (or folding-sliding door) became widely available in the UK, made from soft and hard woods, PVC or aluminium. The appeal of having an opening wall of folding doors between house and conservatory (for more natural light in the house and maximum space between two rooms) or between home and garden (for maximising light, panoramic views and combining indoors with outdoor space when all doors are folded open) was enhanced by a number of other bonuses: good thermal qualities, better opening mechanisms, low maintenance (Aluminium/pvc) , optional colour choice (Aluminium/wood) and optional, integral blinds in the Aluminium framed folding doors.
Future.
In the wings, a new generation of frameless panelled doors awaits! "Glass Curtains" will soon be able to fill apertures currently filled by bifolding doors, with much the same qualities but with the added benefit of no vertical frames between panels and providing an uninterrupted panoramic vista - even round curved areas. The panel system can even accommodate arched apertures, fitting easily inside old cloisters.
Massively popular in warmer climates but with fewer applications here in Britain, "Glass Curtains" are currently available as single-glazed for balcony enclosures or as internal room dividers, both commercially and in the home. It is the newest concept in Open Plan living.
For more information about clear glass curtains and to browse through a few installations, visit the Glass Curtains pages of http://www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk/ where you can get an obligation-free quotation for your installation.
;)
News Release: Tuesday 16 December 2008
SunSeeker Doors has been granted exclusive rights to install Glass Curtains throughout the UK. Glass Curtains will feature side-by-side with SunSeeker Doors aluminium bifolding doors, manufactured at their factory in Bedfordshire.
Glass Curtains 2008 are single-glazed room dividers. The 2009 product will offer an alternative virtually frameless option to panoramic folding doors, with uninterrupted views that can easily fit a curve and accommodate arched apertures, suitable as doors and windows.
SunSeeker Doors continues to supply aluminium-framed bifolding doors plus traditional patio doors and windows alongside its new product. Director Robert Hughes says "Glass Curtains is the future for modern contemporary homes but, as history shows, there will be demand for the traditional French, folding and sliding patio doors for years to come. We are happy to provide a service for our clients that encompasses the features they require."
History.
French doors, the original patio doors, have served well for many years. Elegant, romantic, practical, French doors set the standard and remain the most popular garden doors in new-builds as well as traditional French homes from small stone cottages to Versailles. Materials have varied, from soft and hard woods, metal, alloys and PVC but the traditional two-doors meeting in the middle of a three or four ft opening can be seen in a variety of homes and commercial buildings, world-wide.
In the mid-20th Century in Britain, the sliding patio door became popular - allowing lots of natural light into the home and a great view of the garden. There were a couple of downsides: there was always one side that remained in place, restricting access via only half the original aperture; also it wasn't always easy to slide the door - either the frame warped or the sliding channels became dirty or damaged so that the door stuck.
Progress.
Today's sliding doors often use rolling mechanisms to reduce such problems. At the beginning of this century, the bifolding door (or folding-sliding door) became widely available in the UK, made from soft and hard woods, PVC or aluminium. The appeal of having an opening wall of folding doors between house and conservatory (for more natural light in the house and maximum space between two rooms) or between home and garden (for maximising light, panoramic views and combining indoors with outdoor space when all doors are folded open) was enhanced by a number of other bonuses: good thermal qualities, better opening mechanisms, low maintenance (Aluminium/pvc) , optional colour choice (Aluminium/wood) and optional, integral blinds in the Aluminium framed folding doors.
Future.
In the wings, a new generation of frameless panelled doors awaits! "Glass Curtains" will soon be able to fill apertures currently filled by bifolding doors, with much the same qualities but with the added benefit of no vertical frames between panels and providing an uninterrupted panoramic vista - even round curved areas. The panel system can even accommodate arched apertures, fitting easily inside old cloisters.
Massively popular in warmer climates but with fewer applications here in Britain, "Glass Curtains" are currently available as single-glazed for balcony enclosures or as internal room dividers, both commercially and in the home. It is the newest concept in Open Plan living.
For more information about clear glass curtains and to browse through a few installations, visit the Glass Curtains pages of http://www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk/ where you can get an obligation-free quotation for your installation.
;)
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