Outdoor rooms allow life to flow seamlessly between the protection of the home and the freshness of the garden, deck or patio. Key to easy access is a door design that connects the two. Centor® North America Inc., Batavia, Ill., recently introduced its Centor 200 Series, doors that include retractable screens and shades for wide exterior openings. The doors, introduced at the 2013 American Institute of Architects National Convention in Denver, Colo., open and close with fingertip ease, provide protection from insects and harmful UV rays, but allow privacy when desired.

Narrow stiles maximize the doors’ glass, hinges are concealed and intermediate locks are hidden from view. The Centor 200 Series comes in custom sizes, high-quality aluminum (custom colors) or timber finishes, screens in two mesh options and shades in 12 fabric selections. Centor filed for 14 international patents and spent years of research and development on the integrated door concept, according to managing director Nigel Spork. “Traditionally, doors are an inherent compromise,” says Spork. “Big doors have great views, but little privacy. Heavy drapes keep houses warm, but make rooms feel small, and who wants to look out through insect screens or have hardware blocking views?” The Centor 200 series removes barriers to nature, while continuing to provide protection. Read more at Centor’s website.