Showroom withoutboundaries – retractable glassfaçade for maximum openness

A use case from architecture with ZIMM

A premium showroom opens up across its entire width – threshold-free, quiet, safe. To open, the glass panels are lowered into the floor; to close, they rise, closing seamlessly into the façade level and locking in the end position. Precise synchronisation, low-maintenance, lifetime-lubricated gears and integrated safety functions.

Project at a glance

Showroom of a premium dealer in an inner-city location with event space. Objective: maximum openness and visibility or a flush, securely locked closure as required – without visible posts, without thresholds, with high availability in daily operation.

The challenge: Large glass surfaces, limited installation space

Despite limited installation space, large-format glass surfaces had to disappear into thefloor without posts and close without gaps – with precise synchronisation, integrated safety, drainage/shaft heating and connection to the building management system (BMS).

The solution: Retractable façade with system

ZIMM implemented a modular lifting system with screw jacks. Trapezoidal or ball screws are selected depending on the priority. Several segments are moved synchronously; end position, position and load monitoring ensure safe operation. Different arrangements are used depending on the geometry and load case; redundancies are optional. Lifetime-lubricated, sealed gearboxes and unpainted function-relevant surfaces ensure durability. The control system enables smooth starting and braking (ramp) and interfaces to the BMS.

Depending on requirements, the glass panels, walls or gates are lowered into the floor and the opening is released. To close, the elements move back up, close flush with the façade level and lock in the end position. Maintenance and cleaning are carried out from above; drainage and, if necessary, shaft heating ensure winter operation. Emergency operation with safe end position (fail-safe) – e.g. through self locking spindles, brakes and safety nuts (SIFA).

• Maximum openness, threshold-free transition, gap-free closing
• Quiet, precise operation and high availability thanks to robust mechanics
• Integrated safety: crush/overload protection, end position monitoring
• Compact integration in the installation space, low maintenance
• Scalable & modular for additional segments

Further possible applications