Today there are so many artful variations on the open, light-drenched designs popularized by mid-century modern architecture. Think of the outside-in visions of Joseph Eichler’s homes, which owe much to the storied legacies of Frank Lloyd Wright, Rudolph Schindler, Richard Neutra, and Charles and Ray Eames.

Today many of those design characteristics live on in custom and master-planned luxury home communities throughout the U.S. It’s easy to see why. Expansive back-area openings dramatically reimagine living space, offering the owner a social, emotional, and nature-filled break from the indoor routine.

Large glass wall design is often the signature aesthetic. What better way to showcase a majestic, million-dollar view or a relaxing outdoor environment? It’s little wonder the first question architects often ask large glass expert Ty Cranford is: “How big can you go?”

How big, indeed. The longtime A&D industry veteran represents a leading name in monumental glass design and manufacturing, Arizona-based Western Window Systems. The firm is an indoor-outdoor moving glass walls and windows specialist, helping residential and light commercial architects delight clients with large glass excitement.

Beyond 12 Feet?

“Twelve-foot-high sliding glass walls are our tallest standard system,” says the senior director of architectural sales. “We can go 14 feet and perhaps beyond, but that requires a conversation.”

That conversation can be interesting. “We like to do things that other manufacturers cannot do or simply don’t want to do,” reports Cranford. That “challenge us” spirit has sparked a variety of design innovations.

Take a recent residential project in Southern California. “The architect specified a 30-foot multi-slide door system,” recalls Cranford. “But the owner also required nighttime ventilation with the sliders closed and locked. We worked with the architect to create a bank of awning windows that was hidden when the sliding door were stacked open.” Other recent design interpretations include high-end residences in New York, Michigan, Arizona, and Indiana.

What should you look for — and look out for — in any large glass applications? Here are four laws of architectural large glass design:

• LAW I: Responsible Limits. Custom glass wall sizing is great. But glass size must observe building science limits, notably design pressures. “A specialty manufacturer should have engineers available to suggest sizes in keeping with your project and to keep you out of trouble,” Cranford advises. “Don’t hold back on your ideas.”

• LAW II: Residential vs. Commercial Grade. There are big differences between the two classes. Chief among them: caulking. Commercial grade caulking isn’t as aesthetically stringent as residential, which can reveal itself as small gaps. Anodized profile finish is another point of departure. Be certain residential standards are observed.

• LAW III: Single-Source Uniformity. Some companies specialize in windows. Some in large moving glass wall systems. What is required is a partner that does both, eliminating the risk of color and profile variations that “… may be close, but close isn’t good enough in luxury home design,” counsels Cranford. “Go with a manufacturer that does it all. Expect single-source consistency across all applications, finishes, and hardware.”

• LAW IV: Good-Better-Best. Is only the best good enough? Or is value engineering required to maintain vision and budget? The more options within a product family, the better.

There’s nothing like the visual splendor an oversized sliding glass door system presents. Make the most of your opportunities with a partner that has your back with trusted design confidence, product innovation, and manufacturing excellence.

Learn how to transform your projects with large multi-slide glass door style, quality, and performance from Western Windows Systems.