Curved Sliding Doors in Scotland for a Modern Heritage Extension

The defining feature of this project is a bespoke curved bi-parting minimal windows sliding door system forming the primary façade of the new extension. Spanning over 5.7 metres in width and exceeding 2.4 metres in height, the installation delivers a continuous glazed elevation that mirrors the fluid geometry of the building.

Four of the five panels were manufactured with a gentle curve, allowing the glazing to follow the architectural intent without introducing visual interruption. This creates a seamless interface between internal living spaces and the landscaped garden.

The curved extension was conceived as a contemporary counterpoint to the original house, introducing a softer geometric language that draws occupants outward into the landscape.

Curved sliding doors allowed the architectural vision to be realised without compromise. Rather than breaking the facade into faceted segments, the glazing maintains a continuous radius, preserving the purity of the form and reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior space.

This approach demonstrates how curved sliding doors in Scotland can move beyond aesthetic appeal and become fundamental to the spatial experience of a building.

Curved sliding systems require a higher level of design resolution than standard straight sliding doors. Each glass panel and track must be precisely manufactured to maintain consistent sightlines and smooth operation along the curve.

At Glenwood, the system incorporates five panels with a bi-parting sliding door set within a gently curved track. The central meeting stile remains minimal, ensuring uninterrupted views when the system is closed.

The use of glass-to-glass corners further enhances the minimal appearance, removing the need for visible corner framing and allowing the architecture to read as a continuous glazed surface.

The glazing specification was developed to meet the performance demands of the Scottish climate while maintaining a minimal aesthetic.

Double glazed toughened safety glass was heat soak tested to minimise the risk of spontaneous breakage.

The system incorporates low-E coated glass and is engineered to withstand wind loads of 0.99 kN/m², ensuring durability and energy efficiency.

A flush threshold detail provides a seamless transition between internal and external spaces while maintaining effective drainage. This approach prioritises long-term reliability over purely visual solutions, ensuring the doors perform consistently in exposed conditions.

The Glenwood project demonstrates how curved sliding doors in Scotland can redefine the relationship between architecture and landscape.

The new extension establishes a clear distinction between historic and contemporary elements while maintaining a respectful dialogue between the two.

From an architectural perspective, the minimal windows system allows the glazing to remain visually recessive, enabling the form of the building to take precedence. The combination of curved geometry, large format panels and precise detailing delivers a refined, high performance solution suited to ultra high-end residential projects.

• System: Keller minimal windows® curved sliding door system
• Configuration: 5 panels including 2 sliding and 3 fixed. 4 panels manufactured with a gentle curve
• Dimensions: Approximately 5752mm wide by 2443mm
• Sightlines: 21mm interlock with 95mm bi-parting central meeting stile
• Glass: Double glazed toughened safety glass with heat soak testing
• Coating: Low-E coated glass
• Wind load: Rated to 0.99 kN/m²
• Frame finish: RAL 7038 Agate Grey
• Threshold: Flush detail with a freeway base
• Locking: Multi-point slim Type 1 shoot bolt locking system
• Additional feature: Glass-to-glass corner to fixed return

Architects: David Blaikie Architects 

Photography: Paul Zanre Photography