Tag: Renovation

We love coming up with new and exciting products here at Panda Windows and Doors. We strive to be ahead of the cutting edge of the custom fenestration industry and we’re constantly testing new ideas to bring you the finest products possible. With this in mind, we’re proud to announce our new Voyage Select line of completely customizable pivot doors. Although we have been offering pivot doors for awhile, this unique line boasts 13 contemporary designs inspired by a variety of exotic destinations. Although these pivots come in a carefully selected set of standard finishes, we offer over 100 finish options that you can use to customize your design. This means if you want to match the brand colors of your business or add a pop of color to your home’s exterior, we’ve got you covered!

But customization expands beyond just the door’s finish – we also have a variety of hardware to choose from! We have six sleek modern handles, as well as two types of ladder pulls and the option for a recessed handle with LED lighting for a seamless design. We also offer several different locking mechanisms; beyond our standard key entry, you can choose to have a fingerprint lock (which can be inset into your ladder pull or wall-mounted) or a state-of-the-art keypad lock. If you are concerned about wheelchair accessibility, don’t worry! We’ve also got an ADA compliant threshold that can be added to any of our Voyage Select doors.

As with all of our products, these doors are designed for ease of use. Each door can be up to 9 ft wide and 18ft tall, with a maximum weight of 750 lbs! But, no matter how big your door gets, our quality hardware and talented engineers will make sure that your door is almost effortless to operate.

Each Pivot in the Voyage Select Line is handcrafted in our warehouse in Las Vegas, Nevada and is made with recycled aluminum. We offer a ten-year warranty so if you have any issues, our dedicated service team will be there to help.

If you are interested in checking out our new Voyage Select Pivot Doors, visit us online by clicking the link provided Voyage Select Line.

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

Designers have increasingly been advocating for large glass walls to create a modern, open office space. But unfortunately, this has had an unintended side effect… bird deaths. It is estimated that one billion birds die due to collision annually in the United States alone. Spring and Fall migratory periods are the most dangerous as birds are traveling further distances through unknown territories. It is clear that glass is the main problem, and there are several solutions that designers can take to help make panels easier to see for birds without affecting humans.

There are several transparent options available, including an ultra-violet coating. This is applied to the glass and reflects ultraviolet light, which will be practically invisible to humans but always visible to birds. Photovoltaic glass is another bird-friendly option. This type of glass contains cells which generate electricity, that is incorporated onto the glass in a photovoltaic sheet. Different levels of transparency are possible with this technology, including fully transparent options that are compatible with films that reflect ultraviolet light.

If you are willing to sacrifice some transparency, you might try adding a visible pattern to your glass. Ceramic and screen printing are both used for this and depending on the supplier, you can choose colors and regulate the opacity of the ink to get the exact pattern you are looking for. Two additional non-transparent options are dichroic glass and translucent glass. Dichroic glass is multi-colored and reflects light like a kaleidoscope. Translucent glass is porous and opaque and can even be designed to have a specific texture.  Whichever option you choose, remember the pattern is important. Studies have shown that patterns with randomly arranged triangles are more effective than colored dots or stripes and patterns must follow the “2×2” rule to be effective (as birds tend to avoid gaps of this size).

Large cities like San Francisco and Toronto have started to incorporate these concerns into their regulations but there is still a long way to go. Although lighting and temporary solutions like curtains may help reduce collisions, permanent solutions need to be embraced by designers in order to see widespread change.

 

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Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

We get a lot of messages from homeowners looking to transform their home into an open-concept floor plan. And although it may seem as easy as knocking down a few walls, there is quite a bit of thought put into the dreamy homes you see on HGTV. Here are a few tips to help you plan your own open-concept space!

1. Group by Function

It may seem counter-intuitive to divide your space when you are trying to create an open floor plan but having distinct plans for the ways you intend to use each area can be a major help when it comes to décor. How much of your space will be dedicated to the living room? Dining room? Once you’ve made these decisions try to incorporate visual cues to help separate these areas. This will keep your floor plan organized and will make it easier to pick furnishings.

2. Use Negative Space to Your Advantage

Ever wonder why most modern homes have a minimalist design scheme? It’s because negative space (the empty area around each element) is a crucial part of creating a successful open concept layout. Not only does it help reduce clutter which can overwhelm the eye, but it also allows you to create more pathways which makes the room significantly more usable. Try to focus on pieces that provide both function and aesthetic (a nice coffee table or a chic lamp).

3. Color is Key

Although separating areas by function is important, you’ve also got to remember that these groupings have to be visually cohesive. The easiest way to do this is keep a consistent color scheme. We suggest picking one neutral color to be your dominant color, and then choose one or two more bold colors to add visual interest. Repeating finishes (similar wood tones, gold accents) and patterns is another great way to pull your design together.

4. Have a Focal Point

One of the most important interior design principles is having a focal point in each room, whether it is an eye-catching lighting fixture or a beautiful kitchen island. Each grouping should have their own point of interest.

We’ve found that one way to incorporate these elements into your open-concept floor plan is with one of our unique systems! With thin frames to maximize negative space and a variety of finishes to choose from, our windows and doors are the perfect focal point. If you are interested in adding one of our systems into your open-concept space, visit us online at panda-windows.com.

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

Panda Windows and Doors has a wide range of color options, including several anodized finishes. But what is an anodized finish and why is it such a great choice for exterior doors?

Anodizing is a process that increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of a metal – most commonly aluminum.  It changes the texture of the surface by modifying the crystal structure of the metal near the surface. This process increases resistance to corrosion and damage, thus providing a better surface for paint and adhesives.

Aluminum and aluminum alloys will naturally create a layer of aluminum oxide when exposed to gases containing oxygen, although this layer tends to be fairly thin. To anodize aluminum, the metal is submerged in an electrolytic solution, which is usually an acid. It then acts at the positive electrode (anode). A negative electrode (cathode) is also submerged and then a direct current is passed though the solution. The current then releases hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen to the aluminum, helping it build up a thicker layer of aluminum oxide. Once this is done, the aluminum can be dyed and sealed more effectively and will be significantly more durable.

Anodizing was first used on a large scale in 1923 on seaplane parts to prevent corrosion. It was first performed with chromic acid, but more advanced versions using sulfuric acid became the standard in 1927. Anodized aluminum extrusions, like Panda’s, became popular as building materials in the 1960s and 1970s and although plastic has slowly been replacing this aluminum as a cheaper option, we continue to use it. Recycled aluminum is not only stronger, it’s also more sustainable!

To learn more about our finish options and see which best fits your project, please reach out to our sale representatives by going to panda-windows.com.

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

Let’s face it: building projects can be pretty wasteful. About 75% of the consumption of natural resources is due to the construction industry. The construction sites themselves create huge amounts of waste that isn’t always properly disposed of, but many of the materials used have the potential to be recycled into new material components. So which materials are the most recyclable?

Steel is one of the more common materials to be recycled because it can be endlessly transformed without much loss in quality. Steel is generally fabricated by combining iron ore and coal in a blast furnace, but the recycled material can be heated in an electric furnace; this lowers the consumption of electricity and eliminates the extraction of raw materials.

Concrete is another commonly recycled construction material. Recycled aggregate (or crushed hardened concrete) is commonly used for subfloors, but is starting to be incorporated into other structural elements as well. This concrete is 10 – 15% lighter than new concrete so it reduces the amount of material needed.

Reclaimed wood is becoming increasingly popular as a design element in modern homes and businesses. Hardwoods are quite resilient and, if maintained properly, can last for hundreds of years. But even softer woods can easily be reused as a component for MDF sheets. And if nothing else, the wood can be burned in industrial furnaces for energy.

Here at Panda Windows and Doors, many of our products are made with recycled aluminum – a 100% recyclable and sustainable metal. Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use and recycling the metal saves more than 90% of the energy it would take to make new aluminum. Pair our aluminum frames with our energy-saving thermally broken systems and you have a winning combination!

If you are interested in added one of our sustainable systems, please visit us online at panda-windows.com. We have a live chat open Monday – Friday from 7 am to 4 pm (PST) and our sales representatives are waiting to help you create the door of your dreams.

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

If you are a home or business owner looking to add new doors or windows to your property, you may be hearing a lot about the benefits of passive houses to save on energy costs and reduce your project’s ecological footprint. But what exactly is passive design and how can you incorporate it into your project?

Passive house (or Passivhaus) is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building that integrates into the architectural design of a building. It originated from a conversation between Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist in 1988, but much of the research was based on building techniques used by the North American builders who created low-energy homes in response to the oil embargo of the 1970s. The first Passivhaus residences were built in Darmstadt in 1990 – four town homes designed for private clients. The Passivhaus-Institut was founded in 1996 in Darmstadt and soon the design standards were incorporated into projects worldwide. Today Passivhaus remains popular in many German-speaking countries and has gained a lot of popularity in the United States.

The principle techniques used to achieve the Passive House energy standards are: passive solar design, energy efficient landscaping, superinsulation, advanced window technology, airtightness, ventilation, space heating, and efficient lighting and electrical appliances. There are a lot of different elements to take into consideration, but the payoff is well worth the effort; buildings constructed in this manner tend to have a homogenous interior temperature, are slow to change temperature, and have minimal indoor air pollution from VOCs.

If you are interested in bringing in elements of Passive House design into your project, one of our thermally broken systems is a great place to start. Each family of products has a thermally broken option with a frame specially designed to reduce heat transfer with the option of double-paned or argon glass for extra insulation. Each of our doors are custom made so they can be used in a new build or retrofitted into your existing space.

To learn more about our energy efficient thermally broken door options, please visit us online at panda-windows.com to speak to one of our knowledgeable sales representatives.

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

COVID-19 has drastically changed all of our day-to-day lives and with businesses reopening, many people are having to rethink their approach to their profession. Architecture and construction have already had to evolve to meet the needs of our ‘new normal’, and it’s clear that new infrastructure designed to encourage social distancing will be more important than ever.

Cities have been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, serving as epicenters of disease transmission. Many large cities have been advocating for increased building density to combat urban sprawl, but after seeing how hard the virus is hitting crowded populations, many are starting to re-think this strategy. Concentrating populations may have a positive impact on climate change, but we still need to re-think the way the physical density is accounted for if we want to reduce the impact of future viruses.

Emergency and crisis architecture used to focus on war-time displacement camps but is now being looked to as a solution for mitigating the effects of disease and natural disasters. Transforming pre-existing buildings has proved to be one of the most sustainable methods for establishing fast structures to aid in emergency response. Modular designs, building with surfaces that prevent the spread of disease, and the ability to social distance within a space if needed will also be important moving forward.

With an increasing amount of time spent at home, architects also expect an increased importance put on our personal spaces. Quality and comfort have become a priority, and many homeowners have been re-thinking their needs and requirements. Whether it’s a more minimalist design to decrease clutter or the improvement of outdoor spaces, now is the time to evaluate how your home can be better suited for shelter in place situations. If you are looking to open up your home while still enjoying the comfort and safety of your living room, look no further than Panda Windows and Doors. With over 50 different systems to choose from and panels up to 20 feet tall, you’ll be able to enjoy unobstructed views even when you are stuck indoors.

If you are considering upgrading your home and would like to add one of our hand-crafted systems, contact us today!

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

Many people use the term “modern” to refer to any building with relatively new construction, but this isn’t entirely accurate. In fact, architecture’s modernist-era only lasted into the 1950s! The history of architecture is absolutely fascinating and looking at it’s evolution through time is an incredible way to discover design ideas.

Modern architecture began cropping up in the early 1900s as a response to the heavily ornamented styles favored in the Victorian era. Around this time many architects embraced minimalism and pushed the idea that form should follow function. This was aided by emerging construction techniques with steel, glass, and concrete. Architects began designing simple homes that stripped away unnecessary decoration and instead looked for opportunities to compliment the environment they were building in.

Although modern homes were a breath of fresh air for many, the lack of, began to take its toll in the early 70s. Architects began to look for ways to break the rigid structures that modern architecture had put in place. Most turned to the house’s exterior, using a variety of materials to give facades more character. Asymmetry, curved forms, and bright colors became more common and these new buildings brought a levity that was missing from their older counterparts.

Post-modernism continues to thrive today, although we’re now moving towards more sustainable, human-centric designs. New urbanism and new classical feature heavily in contemporary architecture and center around smart design, community planning, and classical design.

No matter what style of architecture your project features, we’ve got a system to match! From minimalist horizontal sliding walls to wood-clad lift and slides that feel at home in any craftsman, our doors are custom built just for you. If you’re looking for a door that is uniquely yours, CONTACT US TODAY!

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

Modern architecture has been heavily trending towards more green building practices as consumers become more eco-conscious. This increasing demand has led to the rise of “biophilic design” – the practice of connecting people and nature within built environments and communities. The goal of this practice is to create structures that are positive for the environment and reduce the fatigue and burnout that is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the rise of office culture. The theory is that by bringing nature into a building (using water features, living walls, and access to outside views), we can improve the mental health of those working inside of it.

One of the biggest elements of biophilic design is the use of glass. Many buildings will use large glass expanses to provide views of surrounding landscapes while allowing natural light into a building, reducing the fatigue and claustrophobia normally associated with office work. This allows employees to be more productive and creative and supports a healthy, dynamic work environment.

Panda Windows and Doors has always believed a connection to nature is incredibly important to any living space, and we will fit perfectly into any project that wishes to follow the principles of biophilic design. Our large glass systems provide plenty of natural light and can be scaled to fit everything from a home office to a large corporate building. Our doors are a great accent to sustainable buildings; each door is made out of recycled aluminum and have the option of low-E or argon glass panels. We also offer thermally broken systems that will help maintain a consistent temperature, keeping heating and cooling costs down while maintaining the luxury of wide-open views.

Here at Panda Windows and Doors, we are dedicated to innovation and continue to find new ways to create the best sustainable products for whatever project you have in mind. If you are interested in learning more about our systems and how they can improve your home or office, contact us today!

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

In the wake of this pandemic, it’s clear to see why construction and manufacturing are seen as essential services. Whether it be converting buildings into care facilities to aid overwhelmed hospitals or providing comfortable spaces to self-quarantine, smart architecture and design play a key role in how we respond to a crisis. Architects are already predicting major changes in the way public areas are designed. For example, a rise in enclosed offices and a heavier reliance on automation and “touchless technology” to prevent the spread of disease.

Panda Windows and Doors is constantly innovating to match the needs of our customers. Now is the perfect time to update your home or business with one of our state-of-the-art products. Our frameless Horizontal Sliding Wall systems are perfect for dividing an office without sacrificing an open floor-plan appearance. This coupled with the flexibility to store the panels out of sight means that your office will be able to adapt to any situation! If you are looking to add more touchless technology to your space, try one of Panda’s automated Multi-Slides. Smooth operation at the click of a button, our systems are visually impressive and decrease the potential for contamination.

Panda Windows and Doors’ is dedicated to providing the quality products your project needs. Our production line is still up and running and our office staff is working from home to answer all of your questions. If you are interested in upgrading your home or office with one of our beautiful, durable systems, contact us today!

 

Keyword: Architecture, Custom Windows, Custom Doors, Folding Doors, Bi-part Doors, Lift and Slide Doors, Glass Walls, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Hurricane Rated Doors, Re-model, Renovation, Commercial, Residential

 

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