I’ve just wrapped up my trip to Munich Germany to visit BAU Munchen the world’s leading trade fair for façade systems and while the volume of data input was a bit overwhelming for my old hard drive and processor, the innovations showcased in the European aluminum fenestration industry were very informative and also quite interesting. Reynaers Aluminum, being one of BlackWater Glazing’s key business partners, graciously treated me to lunch at their booth, and subsequently gave me a guided tour of their latest innovations and product improvements. For those of you that couldn’t make the trip this year, here’s a peek into what’s new with Reynaers for 2025.
NEW SYSTEMS
Vision 7
A new take on the previous Vision 50, Reynaers introduces the Vision 7 Swing Door, which is a commercial style entry door that can swing both in and out. It features anti-finger trap technology, an inconspicuous barrier free sill, and most importantly, excellent thermal performance.
Reynaers Aluminum Vision 7
Key features:
- Anti finger trap technology
- Concealed hinge
- Barrier free sill
- Thermal performance 1.1 W/m²K
- Max Size 49” x 118”
- Max Weight – 264 lbs
SlimWall 35
Certain to garner a lot of interest from luxury residential architects, is Reynaers new SlimWall 35 which as the name suggests, is a stick façade system with a 35mm sightline. It has Passive House certified performance up to two floors high and is designed to integrate with other Reynaers operable systems.
No word yet on when we can expect North American certification for this system. If you have any insights to share, please comment below. Otherwise, I’ll update you when I hear something.
SYSTEM UPGRADES
MasterLine 8
Due to its versatility, Masterline 8 is easily becoming Reynaers flagship window and door system for North America, and all indications are they are going all in on this product as they have recently added “FireProof” solutions to their range. But since these Fire Rated elements are not yet available in North America, I’ll leave my lengthy rant on that innovation for another day.
MasterLine 8-HV Balcony Door:
Reynaers’ popular MasterLine 8 Balcony Door system now boasts a new Hidden Vent (HV) variant, that minimalists are going to love. This system combines Sobinco’s Invision Pro hinges with the ML8 Balcony door sill, to provide for maximum natural light and ventilation, while still maintaining security. But, while the hidden vent is elegant, the lack of visible vent profile on the exterior makes it nearly impossible to add a pull and friction catch for customers that want to use the balcony and close the door behind them (Hint Hint Product Development Team).
Reynaers Aluminum MasterLine 8-HV Balcony
Key features:
- Invisible vent sightline
- Tilt function for natural ventilation + security
- Proper door threshold
- Max Size 55” x 110”
- Max Weight – 264 lbs
SlimLine Functional & Ultra Slim SL-38
Due to its minimalist features, impressive thermal and AWW performances and versatility, Reynaers displays many SL-38 design changes at BAU this year, indicating that this line of product is still top of mind with the product development team.
SlimLine 38-Functional
The addition of the Functional line to SL-38 will no doubt intrigue minimalist architects this year as it has the smallest vent to frame sightline of 2 5/8”, in the SL38 range. But don’t let its thin appearance fool you as this robust system can be crafted in operable panel sizes of 47” x 110”, and glass weights up to ~374 lbs.
SlimLine 38 Ultra Slim Terrace Door
Unfortunately, my photo of the new SL38 Ultra Slim Terrace Door, doesn’t do the element on display justice, but this “French” style door has super thin lines and yet due to its increased frame depth, it is robust enough to function like an old steel door. It is an elegant solution for openings that are too narrow to accommodate sliders, or where traffic and utility demand a side hung operating unit.
SlimLine 38 Ultra Slim Terrace Door
Key features:
- Stiletto hinges with Touch handles
- Excellent AWW and thermal performance
- UD thermal capabilities ~1 W/m²K
- Max Size 47” x 110”
- Max Weight – 374 lbs
HiFinity
For those past customers of ours who have been dual purposing their non-motorized Hifinity systems as fitness devices, you will be happy to know that Reynaers has now introduced a Magnetic sliding hardware that reduces operating forces by 30-50%. The device replaces the bogy rollers and steel rail on the sill and yes, it is also available as a retrofit option! I predict this will be a game changer for customers who were previously priced out of Hifinity due to the high cost of motorization, I expect we will see a lot more of these systems going into luxury homes in the near future.
Reynaers fabrication partners will no doubt be offering the “Magnetic Slider” solution as a standard this year, but if you are interested in retrofitting it into your existing, shoot us a call.
MasterPatio
Reynaers continues to develop the MasterPatio line as its premier large sliding door offering with the introduction of a “slide only” variant. Key advantages I can see around removing the lift and slide hardware is user comfort, reduced costs, and ease of motorization. Removing the “lift” feature of the door will certainly have a negative impact on performance, but it will also accommodate the use of heavier glass weights, which in turn hopefully encourages the use of more triple glazing.
Soft Close
For those of you that have the same vision I do of a child getting their fingers trapped between a 600lb sliding door and the outer-frame, Reynaers now offers an anti-slam device (think “soft-close” on your cabinets) that will substantially reduce the likelihood of serious injury.
MasterPatio Vertical Slider
And now, after much rumor and anticipation, the “pièce de résistance”, Reynaers has finally released the MasterPatio Vertical Slider. This system comes equipped with an infrared safety device and a smooth functioning tube motor that controls the desired ventilation position. This element has a maximum size of 142” x 158”, with each vent weighing up to 440lbs, and Reynaers advises that this system is ready for high-rise applications, right out of the box. For high-end residential projects, I can see this system being used in place of horizontal sliding systems that require glass balustrade as guards, or where unobstructed views are of primary importance. Time will tell if the demand for this type of system is as great as the anticipation we’ve had for its release, but I can’t wait to be among the first to be installing this in North America.
Conclusion
As lengthy as this article is, it probably only covered half of what Reynaers showcased at BAU this year. As I mentioned at the opening, Reynaers is doing a lot on fire rated systems, including adding automations so natural ventilating elements can still be used in fire separations, and they are making great strides on innovations to their unitized curtain wall system ElementFacade 7, and they have just released “Digitrace”, which is a QR code system that will enable end-users to look up specific details around their windows and doors, several years into the future.
Most importantly, is the fact that Reynaers seems still to be laser focused on building their brand of high-quality fenestration products around sustainability. Nearly all the elements showcased at BAU this year carried with them some type of accreditation toward green building initiatives, and if you ever have the opportunity to visit the Reynaers Campus in Belgium, you will see a stunning example of how Reynaers is using green energy in its own operations to reduce their own environmental footprint.
