As modernist architect Le Corbusier famously said, “The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.” What an ally he would have found in today’s multi-panel doors, movable glass wall systems that let sunlight stream in. Like patio doors on steroids, these systems—also called

“scenic doors,” “big doors,” or simply “multi-panels”—are made up of large glass panels that ride along or pivot on tracks, opening the house to what’s just outside, usually a patio or deck. Where typical patio doors may span 6 feet, the sweet spot for these systems in a home remodel starts at around 10 feet, often with a trio of panels that delivers sweeping views when closed, then slide or fold open, blurring the line between indoors and out. Of course, the possibilities only get bigger from there.

“Moving glass walls do so much to enhance a home’s sense of wellness, flooding it with fresh air and daylight, while creating a visual connection to nature,” says New York–based designer Laurence Carr. Once reserved for the Sunbelt, these doors now work well in all climates, thanks to insulated frames, weathertight sills, and optional insect screens. While the first system, by NanaWall, hit the market in the 1980s, most major window and door manufacturers offer options today. That’s brought the cost down, but multi-panels still come with a hefty price tag, thousands more than patio doors. Often, a contractor will have to rebuild the opening to support the added weight and ensure the precision tracks will operate well, making installation trickier and more expensive, too.

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