This project features sliding doors in a timber framed extension at Villa Sternberg, a contemporary private residence set within an alpine landscape. The glazing forms the primary interface between the new timber structure and its surroundings, enabling large, uninterrupted openings while maintaining a restrained architectural language.
The sliding doors were required to integrate precisely within the timber frame, supporting expansive views and a strong connection to the exterior without introducing visual clutter or excessive framing.
The extension to Villa Sternberg was conceived as a lightweight timber structure that would contrast with the solidity of the main building while remaining visually calm within the landscape. Large glazed openings were central to this concept, allowing the interior spaces to open fully toward the surrounding terrain. The key challenge was accommodating sliding doors in a timber framed extension without compromising the clarity of the architecture. The timber structure imposed tight tolerances, and the glazing needed to sit flush with both internal and external finishes. Visual consistency, structural coordination, and long‑term movement within the timber frame all required careful consideration.
Sliding Doors in Timber Framed Extension for Large Openings
To address the requirement for wide, unobstructed openings, minimal sliding glass doors were integrated directly into the timber framed extension. The system allowed large glass panels to move smoothly while maintaining extremely slim visible framing.
The sliding doors form continuous glazed elevations when closed and allow full-width openings when retracted. This approach ensured that the sliding doors in the timber framed extension remained secondary to the architecture, preserving the intended lightness of the timber structure and maximising transparency.
Detail Integration of Sliding Doors within the Timber Structure
A second glazing challenge focused on the junctions between the sliding doors and the timber frame. Flush thresholds and concealed head details were developed to allow the glazing to sit cleanly within the structure. Careful coordination ensured that the sliding doors in the timber framed extension aligned precisely with internal floor levels and external terraces. This detailing reduced visual breaks between inside and outside, reinforcing the architectural intent of openness and continuity.
The performance of the sliding doors in the timber framed extension was carefully balanced against the visual requirements of the project. The large glazed areas contribute significantly to daylighting and views, while the timber structure provides a natural counterpoint to the minimal glazing. Particular attention was given to long‑term movement within the timber frame, ensuring that the sliding systems could accommodate natural tolerances without affecting operation or alignment. The resulting solution supports both the architectural ambition and the practical demands of a contemporary alpine residence.
