Vertically Retracting Windows Create Outdoor Space

Vertically Retracting Windows?

The question: how can a venue offer a panoramic indoor-outdoor experience, provide shelter on demand, and preserve floor space—all while maintaining a sleek, seamless architectural look? Vertically Retracting Windows? Seems kind of redundant, right? All windows retract vertically. The difference is that not all vertically retractable windows can be an entire wall. The Panora is a window or a door. While retracting up, walls are completely removed creating an outdoor space with the touch of a button. The Panora Vertically Retracting Windows can also retract down and create a half wall to open up your space but continue to create a barrier.

Solution: Panora Vertical Retracting System

Enter Stoett’s Panora system—an innovative series of vertical-retracting windows and doors that eliminate the constraints of traditional openings.

Versatility of Operation

• Full wall: Panels retract upward, disappearing into overhead cavities and instantly opening the space. 
• Half wall: For window configurations, panels retract down to create a glass balustrade, maintaining openness without compromising safety or airflow.

Maximized Opening

With 66–75% retraction of the rough opening, Panora ensures that 100% of usable space is fully accessible—regardless of configuration.

True Architectural Expression

Unlike conventional windows, Panora removes vertical profiles, framing sweeping views with clean, uninterrupted glass spans often reaching over 4 m high and 4.5 m wide—where standard options typically max out around 2.5 m.

Robust Engineering

Panora panels move smoothly via motorized or manual systems, then lock securely at any height, offering full thermal integrity, wind resistance, and weatherproofing—even in retractable mode. The structural load is handled by powder-coated aluminum frames and overhead tracks, maximizing space and aesthetics.

Impact: Infinite Indoor-Outdoor Transformation

1. Unobstructed Panoramas & Elevated Ambiance

By removing vertical mullions and swing mechanisms, venues can showcase sweeping views—whether overlooking city skylines, waterfronts, or natural landscapes. For guests, this visual clarity translates to heightened atmosphere and sense of escape.

2. All-Weather Adaptability

Restaurants and cafés can transform from open-air to enclosed environments with one button. This flexibility keeps business flowing regardless of temperature, rain, or wind—maximizing seat utilization and guest appeal.

3. Flexible Floor Planning

With no swinging doors or folding walls, interior layouts remain fluid. Furnishings, serving stations, and seating configurations can be optimized without design compromises.

4. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

One-person operation makes weather responses quick and seamless—no staff needed to manage panels or manually rearrange spaces. Venues can respond faster and reduce labor costs.

5. Boosted Property Value and ROI

Spaces equipped with panoramic retractable systems command more attention from guests and tenants alike. Whether a bustling restaurant or luxury suite, the architectural upgrade enhances brand positioning and long-term profitability.

Real-World Example: Dark Hill Hotel, Istanbul

At Istanbul’s Dark Hill Hotel Hill Bar, Panora provided just such a transformation. The 4.5 m × 3.1 m retracting window accommodated full-frame visibility and retractable operation to reveal an unobstructed panorama of the Bosphorus. Retracting 2/3 up, the system allowed air flow with minimal wind, and when fully lowered, created a sturdy glass railing—combining safety with style.

This seamless, all-season comfort gave guests an immersive experience while securing the bar’s year-round usability—driving occupancy and fostering a competitive edge.

 Why It Matters

In spaces where aesthetics fuel guest experience and comfort drives retention, Panora’s vertical-retracting system delivers a striking and quantifiable upgrade in visual appeal, operational agility, and spatial efficiency.

Panora Vertically Retracting Windows redefine how we think about openings in architecture—by making walls that disappear, spaces that breathe on demand, and environments that adapt seamlessly to any occasion. For venues aiming to bring the outdoors in—without sacrificing comfort or floor plan cohesion—Panora offers a visionary, proven solution.

Creating versatility in your space is essential to maximizing your restaurant’s business. Outdoor dining is a draw but what happens when the weather isn’t cooperating? Bad weather is frustrating when you are trying to offer your guests an outdoor dining experience. Panora solves that problem.

Panora uses vertical retraction to move glass panels up and down. For glass wall and glass door applications, the panels open in the up position permitting passage underneath. For window walls, Panora opens by consolidating panels in the down position, creating a built-in balustrade. In either case, Panora creates an opening of 66% to 75% of the rough opening (depending on number of panels used). This equates to 100% of the truly useable space.

The Dark Hill Hotel in Istanbul installed vertically retracting windows in their Hill Bar to ensure that guests had an unobstructed view of the beautiful city. Adding Panora ensured the best of both worlds for their guests, no matter the weather.