SONOMA ESTATE
CALIFORNIA
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EVEREST MOTOR
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6 PANELS
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3,180 LBS
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LIFT & SLIDE
The Challenge
Sonoma Estate presented unique engineering constraints: a 42-foot Weiland lift & slide bi-parting system with six panels totaling 3,180 pounds (530 pounds per panel, 1,590 pounds per side). The architectural design specified a single motor controlling both sides rather than independent dual motors—requiring over 120 feet of drive belt to operate the entire system. Additionally, Weiland lift & slide systems allow less than ¼" clearance above panels, eliminating the possibility of standard belt attachment hardware. The substantial panel weight necessitated specialized lifting equipment for safe installation.
The Solution
Partnering with Lucent on the Weiland lift & slide specification and XL Glass for specialized lifting and installation, we engineered a single Everest motor with a horizontal configuration to control the full 42-foot bi-parting system. Custom belt clamps were developed to accommodate Weiland's minimal clearance requirements while maintaining reliable drive connection across 120+ feet of belt. Though this configuration eliminates independent side operation, it achieves the architect's vision of unified control while successfully automating one of the largest single-motor applications possible. The result: synchronized bi-parting operation of six heavy panels creating a dramatic 42-foot opening that transforms the interior into an outdoor pavilion.