ranch views

What kind of door/windows should I install in my house facing the lake?

Okay, so right now I have a one-story ranch style home we are going to be remodeling. It faces the lake and there is going to be a large great room with a lot of windows – OR perhaps doors. I once visited an eight million dollar mansion that had an incredible HUGE sliding glass door system that was nothing like the crappy sliding glass doors I’m used to.

I can’t find ANYTHING online except the typical stuff, but I love the idea of a paneless system (nothing to obstruct the view), as well as being able to walk in and outside and completely open up the house so it feels bigger.

I’m in Florida and there will be a big deck outside the great room so it should feel like an extension of the house.

Any suggestions for what doors (or if I have to, windows), would go in this setting is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Well, I can tell you what not to get- I have an 8′ wide anderson slider. It leaks like a sieve. Not water, but air. Whenever it is breezy, summer or winter, it leaks a ton (between door and stationary pane). I would never do this again. I would consider 3 french door panes in replacement of it.

I have been happy with the vinyl windows for the rest of the home (facing lake). We spec’d LowE coating. A definite must.

Try “glass” magazine. there is a industry magazine that deals with these types of special apps. Also, try Archetectural Digest. Mega homes with a bunch of advertisements.

Oh, I forgot. Several people do tempered glass panes on the deck rather than wood railing. It gives you far better views out of your house (and from the deck).

Also, also: USGlass, Metal and Glazing is a great magazine for ideas on huge glass concepts. This primarily focuses on commercial apps, they are quite applicable to yours too.

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