Folding two sets of glazed bifolds back from a corner to reveal a completely open edge brings architectural wow factor and an enhanced connection with the outdoors. Emily Batesmith looks at how to achieve this

This project by IDSystems features an overhanging roof, which allows for a corner post positioned far away from the corner bifolds, enhancing the sense of openness

For many years, glazed bifold doors have been a sought-after addition to the home. The full-height glass allows for beautiful views out to the garden when shut. When open, they literally blur the boundaries between inside and out as they concertina back and stack at the edge to reveal an uninterrupted opening to the garden. Having two sets of doors meet at the right angle of a building in a corner bifold setup takes these benefits one step further, as when they fold open, the edge of the room is left totally clear.

There are two ways to achieve this look. “The most costly and complex way is to completely cantilever that corner of the roof, so that it appears to float above the opening with no obstruction at all between inside and out when the doors are open,” says David Clarke, marketing manager at IDSystems. This fully open corner becomes an impressive architectural statement. Alternatively, you can incorporate a structural post into the corner to take the weight of the roof and/or storeys above. “By supporting the structure in this manner the doors themselves can open up the corner, however, it isn’t the completely unobstructed opening that the cantilever option allows,” says David.