The lift & slide door is one of the most popular innovations in home improvements over the past few years.\u00a0 For architects, it\u2019s the ideal combination of aesthetics and function \u2013 yet achieving the smooth movement, slimline appearance and reliable performance requires a precisely engineered system, according to experienced Italian hardware manufacturer AGB.<\/p>\n
The company is the manufacturer of the Imago Lift & Slide system, the innovative sliding door hardware system that combines fluid, silent door movements with a large glazing area that frames the view.<\/p>\n
Lift and slide mechanisms offer huge potential to complement the best in modern architecture, and Imago has proved popular in the UK since its launch in 2014.\u00a0 With its slimline profile, an Imago door is relatively easy to manufacture but the finished product commands a premium price tag.<\/p>\n
A key challenge is to ensure that the door system can carry the weight of all of that glass, to enable movement of the door in a safe and controlled manner.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where the Imago hardware makes such a difference.\u00a0 At the heart of the Imago Lift & Slide system is AGB Hardware\u2019s Uni-V central locking profile.\u00a0 This is engineered to remove any contact between the sash and the frame, for seamless openings and closings.\u00a0 Similarly, the construction of the Uni-V profile permits wide working tolerances that maintain the Imago\u2019s exceptional performance long-term, even with the natural deformation of wood.<\/p>\n
It is crucial to the appearance of Imago that the hardware is essentially invisible.\u00a0 For instance, the sliding top guide is inserted into the frame to hide every functional element from the outside.\u00a0 Likewise, the frame of the sliding sash has been concealed to 74 mm thanks to a reduced backset lock.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, a thin aluminium profile creates the glass seat so that the lower transom of the fixed sash can be removed.\u00a0 This ensures that the glass \u2013 and, more importantly, the view beyond it \u2013 become the central feature of the Imago Lift & Slide door.<\/p>\n
Achieving thermal efficiency is also a critical factor in any contemporary door system.\u00a0 Imago can be specified with the Climatech threshold, which offers minimal visual impact but guarantees incredible thermal performances, thanks to the innovative fibreglass reinforced material.<\/p>\n
The final consideration is security for that essential peace of mind.\u00a0 Imago incorporates AGB\u2019s Poseidon advanced lock, while uses two opposite facing hooks and a central bolt, as well as a concealed security striker that is installed flush to the frame to complement the slimline design of Imago.<\/p>\n