Retractable Windows and Doors| Cafe del Principe

Challenge: Use Retractable Windows and Doors to Connect Guests with Madrid’s Urban Beauty

• Prime city-center location: Café del Príncipe sits in a historic Madrid plaza, where the city’s vibrant street life and architecture are part of the dining experience. But traditional window systems obstruct views and disconnect the interior from the city’s energy.

• Maintaining ambiance without barriers: The owners wanted diners to feel immersed in the cityscape—without any central mullions, bulky frames, or visual interruption.

• Maximizing daylight and airflow: Traditional bi-fold or sliding doors reduce natural light and require clearance space, hindering both aesthetics and floor plan flexibility.

• Space constraints: With limited patio and interior real estate, design had to maximize usable floor area—without sacrificing performance or elegance.

In short, Café del Príncipe needed a solution that would deliver panoramic, unobstructed views, bring in abundant light, and use every inch of space effectively, while offering ease and elegance in line with Madrid’s sophisticated urban vibe.

Solution: Panora Vertical Retractable Windows and Doors

Libart’s response was to equip Café del Príncipe with the Panora vertical retracting door and window system, also known as automatic guillotine windows and doors:

• Nine Panora units installed around the café—including both doors and windows—covering approx. 31 m² of glazed façade. These were configured as GUL‑W2 windows and GUL‑D3 doors, sized up to 5 m wide × 4.5 m high, with high-performance insulated glazing, Innovative Panora Retractable Glass Window System.

• Vertical retraction mechanism: At the press of a button, glass panels lift or lower—instead of sliding—into an invisible pocket. This opens up nearly 100% of the floor opening, without requiring stacking or swing space.

• Minimal framing: Slim aluminum frame options in anodized or custom RAL finishes ensure maximum transparency and seamless visual integration with the architecture libart.com.

• Superior daylighting: When closed, the fully glazed panels flood the interior with natural light; when open, they dissolve the boundary between café and city.

• Automatic operation, top or bottom opening: Guests and staff can effortlessly control the system via motorized controls—enhancing service flow and user experience.

Benefits: Elevating Visitor Experience & Operational Efficiency

1. Unobstructed Panoramic Views

With no central profiles or bulky frames, patrons enjoy clear, cinematic views of Madrid’s plaza and street life. The design fosters a visceral connection between inside and outside—making the café feel spacious and vibrant.

2. Light-Filled Ambiance, Year-Round

Even when closed, the vertical glazing ensures generous daylight and visual openness. Retracting removes barriers entirely—perfect for warm days and cooler evenings alike.

3. Maximized Usable Space

Unlike side-folding or sliding systems, Panora retraction requires no additional footprint. The café retains 100% of floor space for seating and circulation—a vital advantage in high-density city cafés.

4. Elegant Design and Brand Impact

The sleek, modern glass system enhances the café’s architectural identity—blending elegance and innovation to reflect Madrid’s urban sophistication. It sets Café del Príncipe apart from nearby venues and enhances brand prestige.

5. Effortless Operation

Motorized controls allow doors and windows to open or close smoothly with a touch. This ensures fast transitions—important for busy café operations—without manual effort or disruptions.

6. Thermal Performance & Ventilation

Insulated glazing offers climate control while still providing openness when needed. The system supports natural ventilation when open, and airtight insulation when closed—enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

7. Flexible, Scalable System

Each Panora unit is modular—customizable in size, frame finish, and opening direction. Whether for doors or windows, this flexibility means Panora adapts to unique layouts, maximizing impact at any scale libart.com.

Summary Table

Final Word: Café del Príncipe, Redesigned with Motion

At Café del Príncipe, the Panora retractable windows and doors don’t just open glass—it opens a new relationship between diners and their city.

• Patrons can enjoy uninterrupted views of Madrid’s vibrant streetscape—and feel intimately connected to local energy.

• With one touch, the boundary between inside and outside vanishes—creating dynamic, flexible space that is just as fitting in sunny weather as in cooler months.

• The system’s seamless motion, slim build, and high performance elevate the café’s design and guest experience—making it a remarkable destination in the city center.