Project focus
Minimalist timber frames at Dubai's Bvlgari Hotel
Creating a seamless connection between interior spaces and expansive terraces was a key priority for the Bvlgari Hotel and Resort on Dubai’s Jumeirah Bay Island. To achieve this, Milan-based ACPV Architects selected the Skyline Minimal Frames collection by Italian manufacturer Carminati. Completed in 2017, the luxury destination utilises the brand's ultra-slim lift-and-slide doors to maximise panoramic views of the city.
The chosen Skyline Sliding system is defined by an exceptionally narrow 37-millimetre front-facing profile. This slimness is achieved through a patented construction method where the timber sash is structurally bonded directly to the glazing. For the hotel project, the frames feature pale oak on the interior to provide warmth, while the exterior is clad in bronze-coloured aluminium to resist the harsh coastal environment.
Accommodating the scale of the 158,000-square-metre resort required bespoke engineering solutions. With glass panels reaching four metres in height, the windows faced significant wind loads. Carminati developed a concealed steel framework—incorporating a composite beam and welded steel tubes—hidden between the sliding doors and fixed transoms to maintain the minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing structural integrity.
The system's functionality is further enhanced by a patented bottom track set entirely into the floor. The carriages are protected from dust by a flexible belt, ensuring the heavy doors slide smoothly. Founded in 1894 and still operated by the original family, Carminati continues to blend traditional timber craftsmanship with advanced architectural technology.
- Carminati's Skyline Minimal Frames feature a slim 37-millimetre profile for lift-and-slide systems.
- Selected by ACPV Architects for the Bvlgari Hotel and Resort in Dubai, completed in 2017.
- Frames combine interior pale oak with exterior bronze-coloured aluminium for coastal durability.
- Bespoke concealed steel structures were engineered to support four-metre-high panels against wind loads.
Source: Dezeen. Helo Home summarises design news in its own words; read the original for full details and official imagery.