Creating a Home Around Light and Vertical Space
The architectural design for Dormers uses glazing to express the height of the internal spaces and maintain visual connections with the landscaped grounds.
The entrance atrium was conceived as a central architectural volume rather than a conventional circulation space. Its double-height proportions allow daylight to penetrate deep into the plan while creating a dramatic arrival experience.
A conventional door with fixed glazing above would have introduced additional horizontal framing across this elevation. Instead, the project uses a single vertical sash system that functions as both a large glazed façade and an operable entrance.
The result contributes to the wider use of double height glazing throughout contemporary residential architecture, while responding directly to the scale and circulation requirements of this home.
Engineering a 6.2m Tall Vertical Sash Window
The feature installation measures 6.2m high by 4.2m wide and is arranged across three tracks.
A fixed pane occupies the centre of the elevation, with moving panes positioned above and below it. When opened, the lower pane rises while the upper pane moves downwards, allowing the moving glass to align with the central fixed unit.
This creates a large opening at ground-floor level, connecting the entrance atrium directly with the external terrace.
Each moving pane weighs approximately 340kg. A concealed pulley and counterweight mechanism balances this weight, allowing the vertical sash to be operated manually rather than using powered automation.
The mechanism is integrated within the surrounding building structure, preserving the clean appearance of the glazed elevation. Slim 21mm horizontal profiles limit visible interruptions across the glass and maintain views through the double-height atrium.
Manual Operation at an Architectural Scale
The Dormers installation demonstrates that exceptionally large moving glass does not always require electrical automation.
The counterweights balance the moving panes, reducing the force needed to open and close the sash. This allows controlled manual operation despite the overall dimensions and weight of the glazing.
The design required close coordination between the glazing system, supporting structure and concealed mechanism. Space for the pulleys and counterweights had to be incorporated within the walls without compromising the internal finishes or the appearance of the completed façade.
Automated operation remains available for projects where panel weight, accessibility or frequency of use makes powered movement more appropriate. However, Dormers provides a clear example of how a carefully engineered manual system can operate at more than 6m high.
Open-Corner Sliding Doors for the Living Spaces
Two sets of open-corner sliding doors were installed within the living room and principal bedroom.
Each configuration allows two glazed elevations to slide away from a 90-degree junction without leaving a permanent corner post within the opening. When opened, the internal spaces connect directly with the surrounding terraces.
The open-corner systems measure approximately 3.5m wide by 2.3m high on each elevation. Their concealed perimeter framing and flush threshold details continue the minimal appearance established by the vertical sash window.
Additional minimal windows® sliding doors were installed within the kitchen and family room. These include two-track sliding systems and a single-track hidden pocket door that disappears into the adjoining wall when opened.
Using the same framing language across the vertical sash, open corners and conventional sliding doors creates a coherent glazing design throughout the home.
Frameless Balustrades and Fixed Glazing
Frameless glass balustrades were installed internally around the staircase and landings, as well as externally to the upper-floor balconies.
The transparent guarding allows light from the external glazing to continue through the internal circulation spaces without introducing visually heavy balustrade framing.
The upper-floor glazing also demonstrates how sliding systems and frameless Juliet balconies can be coordinated to maintain safety while preserving uninterrupted views and minimal detailing.
Additional fixed structural glazing completes the wider glazing package, reinforcing the connection between the interior, terraces and landscaped gardens.
A Henley Home Defined by Moving Glass
The completed Dormers project demonstrates how bespoke architectural glazing can resolve design, access and daylight requirements through one coordinated system.
The 6.2m tall vertical sash window in Henley-on-Thames transforms the entrance atrium into a light-filled architectural focal point while providing a practical connection to the exterior. Its concealed counterweight mechanism also allows exceptionally heavy panes to operate manually without compromising the minimal visual design.
Combined with the open-corner systems, sliding pocket door, fixed glazing and frameless balustrades, the installation creates a consistent architectural language across the home.
For architects considering large horizontal sliding panels, explore the specification possibilities for 6m tall sliding doors. Further examples can also be found in our guide to oversized sliding glass doors.
