Slim Sliding Doors Create a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Greek Island Home
Blending naturally into its rural island surroundings was a key aspect of the design of this new build Greek home. Clad in rusty-coloured terracotta, the subtle house resembles nothing more than a uniform extension of the exposed clay slopes of the tiny island.
While the external appearance of the house was designed to connect with the landscape, the use of minimal sliding glass doors on each side of the home allows this indoor-outdoor connection to be enjoyed by the homeowners as well. The ultra slim sliding door system was specified for its slim sightlines and exceptional performance ratings, ensuring comfort as well as the minimal aesthetic of the secluded island home.
To the rear of the villa, a single set of sliding glass doors connects a small yet scenic bedroom with a sunny tiled terrace. The outer frame of the doors has been hidden within the building’s finishes, creating an almost frameless appearance with the single 20mm sightline joining the two transparent panes of glass. Together with a small sliding rooflight in the ceiling, the sleek double-glazed units flood the room with light.
To the front, a larger set of 3 sliding panes captures the views of the sea and neighbouring Greek islands, bathing the main living space in soft light. The stainless steel base track has been hidden within the floor to create a completely flush threshold, the smoothly operating sliding mechanisms made completely invisible.
Small tiled pathways around the external perimeter of the home link each of the sliding glass elevations with a large outdoor swimming pool on one side with the main track leading to the dock on the other.
A marine-grade powder coating was applied to each of the slim aluminium frames before installation, creating a thick layer of protection against the harsh salt environment that the island home must withstand. The large panes of glass were similarly prepared against the elements with a low maintenance coating, filling in the microscopic pits in the glazed surface to create a smooth outer layer that prevents the build-up of salt and chemicals from the atmosphere.
Another aspect key to adapting the project to its island environment was the increased wind load that the doors must be able to withstand over the years. Chosen with their exceptional performance levels in mind, the slim framed sliding system has been tested to easily withstand winds of up to 206 km/h and air pressures of 2000 Pa, more than sufficient for the expected levels of the Greek archipelago.
For more information on how these systems can be incorporated into your next project…