Slide and turn doors: the next big thing? - Grand Designs Magazine

Why slide-and-turn doors are the next big thing

Combining the best of bi-fold and sliding doors, this new system offer the ultimate in flexibility

By Caroline Rodrigues |

Dreaming of uniting indoor and outdoor spaces? Slide-and-turn doors are the ultimate solution. These flexible glazed doors consist of individual panels that slide to one end before turning and stacking, offering the narrow sightlines of sliding doors but with the advantage of opening up the space entirely, as bi-fold doors do.

slide and turn doors on a red brick extension

Photo: IDSystems

Slide-and-turn doors versus bi-folds and sliders

Don’t fret, the more usual glazed door opening methods are still excellent choices. But in terms of style, there has been a real shift away from bi-fold doors towards sliding doors in recent years.

‘The large panes of glass and narrow frames that can be achieved with sliding doors make them a must-have for larger builds, though bi-fold doors still have their place, especially for smaller renovation projects where the fixed panel of sliding doors would block the space,’ says Edward Stobart, Sales Manager of IDSystems.

‘Our vistaline slide-and-turn doors combine the benefits of both, and have super-slim 45mm sightlines.’

closed slide and turn doors with three panes of glass on a red brick house

Photo: IDSystems

Opening slide-and-turn doors

As well as gliding along and turning to stack at right angles at one end of the track, allowing a completely open aperture, the individual, non-connected panels can simply slide open at intervals, revealing small or large gaps depending on how much ventilation you need. The top-hung vistaline system opens effortlessly and silently – click here to watch a video of the doors in action.

modern kitchen extension with fully opened glazing connecting indoors and out

Photo: IDSystems

Choosing a high-quality, efficient system

Whether planning to install slide-and-turn doors in a new build or renovation project, the goal is a stylish system that keeps energy costs down. With triple-glazing as standard, IDSystems’ vistaline doors can achieve a U-value as low as just 1.1W/m²K.

The system’s sturdy aluminium frames are thermally broken, which prevents the transfer and loss of heat that could otherwise make your room chilly. Its Swiss-designed components include chromed steel mechanisms and running gear, designed and engineered to the highest quality.

extension opening up onto a courtyard with sliding doors

Photo: IDSystems

Secure, weathertight doors

It pays to stay safe. Since each sliding door panel interlocks with its neighbour, there are no hinges or weak points for a burglar to take advantage of. Multipoint locking in the side jam keeps the system secure. The track can be recessed for an uninterrupted surface from indoors to outside, plus, it includes innovative retractable weather seal technology to keep your home warm and dry.

rear kitchen extension on a 1930s house with fully opened sliding doors

Photo: IDSystems

Sizing options

Vistaline slide-and-turn doors can cater for a modest extension or a Grand Designs masterpiece – however large that might be. The system can be configured with up to 14 panels (with seven sliding from each side to meet in the centre) for openings as large as 14m wide. The doors can be up to 2,650mm high, with each panel up to 1,100mm wide. Mid-rails, mullions and solid in-fill panels are on offer to personalise your project.

Varied finishes

Alongside standard polyester powder-coated Slate Grey (RAL 7015) matt, Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) matt or Graphite Black (RAL 9011) finishes, you can customise your doors for an individual look with a choice of 200 RAL colours in matt, semi-gloss or full-gloss finishes.

To find out more, visit IDSystems or call on 01603 408804

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