HLW International of Santa Monica, CA, was charged with turning a 1950s-era brick building into the new home of Red Bull Energy Drink. As part of that process, the firm ordered the demolition of a section of the building’s original roof to create an interior courtyard, and then constructed within the courtyard a 40’-wide by 250’-long, non-functioning skateboard ramp, which has offices and conference spaces beneath.

With the ramp being the focal point of the 105,000 sq. ft. building, the architect looked for a way to create a seemingly seamless connection between the interior of the building and the courtyard space. That was accomplished with a glass bifold door.

Schweiss Doors of Fairfax, MN, manufactured the door, which weighs approximately 10 tons. To operate the door, two electic motors and eight lift straps are used.

Schmidt Construction of Williams, CA, handled the delivery and installation of the door. Inner Space Constructors of Rancho Dominguez, CA, was the project’s general contractor and was responsible for demolition and renovation.