Opening-corner sliding doors.
Opening corners turn the corner of a building into a single open volume. Two sets of sliding doors meet at a 90° corner; when closed, the panels meet against a slim upright; when open, there is no corner post.
An opening corner is one of the most architecturally striking patterns in residential glazing. The corner of the building — usually the meeting point of the rear elevation and the side elevation — disappears, and the inside-outside line continues uninterrupted around the geometry. The structural challenge is what makes it possible: the load that would normally be carried by a corner column has to be carried by a structural beam above the opening, designed and engineered by the project's structural engineer.
Maxlight's role is the glazing. We design and fabricate two sets of sliding doors that close against each other at the corner with a slim aluminium meeting upright when shut, and that retract clear of the corner when open. The meeting upright is the visible aluminium when the doors are closed — kept as slim as the engineering allows so the closed elevation reads as cleanly as possible.
On the structural side we coordinate at design stage with the project's structural engineer. The beam carrying the corner load is the engineer's calculation; the glazing's interface with that beam — head detail, fixings, seal continuity — is ours. Pre-install the beam has to be in place; we survey against the as-built corner before fabrication begins.
Opening-corner configurations are typically four or six panels (two or three each side). The meeting upright is the common detail; everything else scales with the elevation. Maximum panel sizes match the standard slim sliding system; weather classes match too.
When to choose this.
01
Pick opening-corners when
the design wants to dissolve the building corner, the structural opening can carry the load above the corner without a column, and the full architectural moment justifies the engineering work.
02
Consider triple-pane instead when
the design only needs a wide flat opening — opening-corners is more involved than triple-pane both structurally and financially.
03
Consider a glass-box volume instead when
the brief is for a small structural moment at the corner rather than a full sliding-door retraction.
Specification.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Two sets of sliding panels meeting at 90° corner |
| Closed-state corner detail | Slim aluminium meeting upright |
| Open-state corner detail | Cleared corner — no visible column |
| Structural opening | Engineered beam above the corner — by project structural engineer |
| Frame sightlines | 20 mm centre, 28 mm perimeter See parent system page |
| Air permeability | Class 4 BS EN 12207 |
| Water tightness | Class E1200 BS EN 12208 |
| Wind load resistance | Class C5 BS EN 12210 |
Frequently asked questions
What colours are available for your products?
We offer the full RAL Classic colour range (216 colours), giving you complete flexibility to match your design vision. Whether you’re looking for bold contemporary tones or subtle architectural finishes, we can accommodate your requirements.
Do you offer anodised finishes?
Anodised finishes are available on request. Please speak to our team to discuss options and suitability for your project.
What locking options are available, and can they be colour matched?
Our doors are fitted with high-quality locking systems, including bottom locks (non-PAS 24) and PAS 24-rated side locks. While the lock barrels are not colour matched, the escutcheons (visible lock surrounds) can be finished to match your frame colour for a seamless look.
What security rating do your doors have?
Our systems can be configured with PAS 24-rated side locks, providing enhanced security for residential applications.
What security certification do you offer?
We offer systems that comply with PAS 24, a recognised UK standard for enhanced security performance.
Are your warranties transferable?
Our warranties are property-based rather than person-based, meaning they remain valid if ownership of the property change
Can I view your products in a showroom?
We offer a virtual showroom experience, which can be arranged through your sales contact.
Can I visit in person?
Yes, visits can be arranged by appointment at our showroom at 333A Western Avenue, London, W3 0BE
What are your typical lead times?
Our process is carefully structured to ensure precision and quality: - Survey Stage: Approximately 1 week to carry out a site survey, provided the site is fully prepared. We’ll supply clear guidelines in advance. - Design & Drawing Stage: Around 2 weeks (or up to 3 weeks for more complex projects such as glass boxes) from survey completion and receipt of all required technical details. - Manufacture & Installation: Approximately 8 weeks from final approval of drawings, with installation scheduled shortly after. Your project timeline will always be confirmed by your sales contact based on scope and complexity.
Do you offer bi-fold doors?
We specialise in premium glazing systems that prioritise longevity and performance. Bi-fold doors typically require more maintenance due to their multiple moving parts and top-hung weight distribution. For this reason, we focus on alternative systems that offer cleaner aesthetics, smoother operation, and reduced long-term maintenance.
Will you liaise with my architect or builder?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with architects, builders, and project teams to ensure your design is delivered exactly as intended.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across the whole of the United Kingdom.
Performance and assurance
Certified, documented, project-specific.
Glass U-value
1.0 W/m²K (glass / centre-pane figure)
Whole-window and project-specific thermal performance varies by configuration.
Warranty
- 10 years workmanship from installation
- 10 years on double-glazed units against hermetical seal failure (glass breakage not covered)
- 10 years on powder-coated aluminium
- 5 years on moving parts and accessories
The corner of the building dissolved. The architectural prize for projects with the structural ambition to carry the load above the corner; the engineering work that makes that ambition buildable.
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