With a Spectacular Glass Wall, the Dwell House Folds Open to Nature

Designed by the award-winning Danish studio Norm Architects and developed in partnership with Abodu, the Dwell House is a one-bedroom ADU that expertly balances style, durability, and utility for a one-size-fits-all solution that feels bespoke. Its classic gable form and cedar cladding embody a Scandinavian minimalism that complements a wide spectrum of architectural styles, and its large expanses of glass frame views for an immersive indoor/outdoor focus.

"In the living room, one of the main features is a large folding glass wall that opens to the outside to create a cross-breeze through to the kitchen window and offer an unobscured view to nature," says Norm Architects partner Sofie Thorning. "It’s about creating a space where you can have those simple moments—enjoy a coffee and the summer breeze of California."

To create that commanding 12-foot bifold glass wall, the architects turned to NanaWall, which has specialized in creating glass wall systems for nearly 40 years. NanaWall was eager to jump on the project from a collaborative standpoint. "The NanaWall brand is recognized as the premium brand leading the movement of connecting homes to the outdoors," says marketing director Matt Thomas. "The Dwell brand is synonymous with leading the movement of modern living. We felt it was a natural fit with each brand bringing complimentary attributes to the project."

The biophilic design principles used throughout the Dwell House maximize its connection to the natural environment, particularly through the large glass panels of the NanaWall. Open or closed, the space is flooded with sunlight to naturally brighten interiors while increasing mood-boosting serotonin. Opening the panels increases ventilation and flushes the Dwell House with fresh air, removing harmful toxins commonly found in stagnant air. If the air becomes chilly, simply close the NanaWall without losing that connection to the outdoors through its large glass panels.

The American-made, German-engineered system is a technical marvel, taking advantage of specialized seals and panel designs that withstand extreme wind and rain. Tamper-resistant locks provide security, and the aluminum and powder-coated frames are made from sustainable materials. The result is an ADU that opens effortlessly to the outdoors while remaining highly efficient and durable.

"On Dwell’s edit team, we joke all the time about the tackiness—not to mention the general annoyingness to open—of the cheap glass walls you see in shows like Selling Sunset," says Dwell editor-in-chief William Hanley. "A NanaWall is the extreme other end of the spectrum, they’re well machined and well detailed."

Learn more at nanawall.com.

See if your property qualifies for a Dwell House. 

Related Reading:

Wrapped in Cedar, the Dwell House Showcases the Texture and Beauty of Natural Wood

The Dwell House Kitchen May Be Compact, But It Packs a Punch 

The Energy-Efficient Dwell House Embraces the Outdoors