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Collection by Diana Budds

Design Detail: Modern Bridges

From a striking catwalk to a glass-walled skybridge, we cover walkways and platforms the span great divides.

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A footbridge leading from the hillside to the Douglas House's uppermost level.
A footbridge leading from the hillside to the Douglas House's uppermost level.
The exterior walls of the Bercy house are constructed with Thermasteel, panels made from galvanized steel and a unique resin that provide structural framing, insulation, and vapor barrier with an R-29 rating twice the required amount. “We have so much glass that we have to offset it by having very efficient ceiling and wall systems,” says Bercy. “We wanted movable glass walls instead of tiny little sliding glass doors that pop off their tracks all the time,” says Bercy. So he and Chen tracked down the double-glazed, insulated, six-by-nine-foot doors rom a company called Fleetwood. “They’re a little more expensive, but when you slide the heavy doors open, you’re making a profound gesture to leave the house and step outside,” says Bercy. The word “doorknob” isn’t used much around the house for the simple reason that there aren’t any. “We didn’t want to clutter the house up with traditional hardware,” says Bercy. Instead, they used pulls found in boats that lie flush when not in use so that the doors become hinged extensions of the walls—the idea being that the door disappears and the core appears continuous.
The exterior walls of the Bercy house are constructed with Thermasteel, panels made from galvanized steel and a unique resin that provide structural framing, insulation, and vapor barrier with an R-29 rating twice the required amount. “We have so much glass that we have to offset it by having very efficient ceiling and wall systems,” says Bercy. “We wanted movable glass walls instead of tiny little sliding glass doors that pop off their tracks all the time,” says Bercy. So he and Chen tracked down the double-glazed, insulated, six-by-nine-foot doors rom a company called Fleetwood. “They’re a little more expensive, but when you slide the heavy doors open, you’re making a profound gesture to leave the house and step outside,” says Bercy. The word “doorknob” isn’t used much around the house for the simple reason that there aren’t any. “We didn’t want to clutter the house up with traditional hardware,” says Bercy. Instead, they used pulls found in boats that lie flush when not in use so that the doors become hinged extensions of the walls—the idea being that the door disappears and the core appears continuous.
The Lower Pond Bridge at Dow Gardens.
The Lower Pond Bridge at Dow Gardens.
Rising to a catwalk above, a huge glass-and-steel central stair envisioned by architect Filippo Caprioglio spans four floors of the Chiavellis’ newly expanded house.
Rising to a catwalk above, a huge glass-and-steel central stair envisioned by architect Filippo Caprioglio spans four floors of the Chiavellis’ newly expanded house.
Alexander walks from the bedroom pod into the living room under her freeway-inspired sculpture, titled Run A Way.
Alexander walks from the bedroom pod into the living room under her freeway-inspired sculpture, titled Run A Way.
Linked Hybrid Beijing, China Steven Holl Architects Eight bridges totaling 1,004 feet The Linked Hybrid bridges harness color and under-lighting to animate and reflect off the pool below. The eight enclosed bridges connect eight buildings at slightly differing levels and with varying interactions—including a swimming pool, auditorium, and cafe.
Linked Hybrid Beijing, China Steven Holl Architects Eight bridges totaling 1,004 feet The Linked Hybrid bridges harness color and under-lighting to animate and reflect off the pool below. The eight enclosed bridges connect eight buildings at slightly differing levels and with varying interactions—including a swimming pool, auditorium, and cafe.