A private hangar on a residential airstrip in Pennsylvania has gained attention for its design-forward approach, notably featuring a glass hydraulic door by Schweiss Doors. The 12.5-m (41-ft) wide door is part of a custom-built hangar owned by Don Smith Jr., a pilot and president of Conewago Enterprises Inc.
Designed as more than a utilitarian storage space, the 13-m (44-ft) wide hangar structure doubles as a showcase for aircraft and automobiles. Architectural details include precast concrete walls, red brick, stone veneer, and a vaulted wood ceiling. The large glass hydraulic door, manufactured by Schweiss, provides both functionality and a panoramic opening, blending with the hangar’s upscale aesthetic.
The one-piece hydraulic door opens outward and upward in a single motion and is powered by a proprietary pump and cylinder system. Smith’s construction firm installed the door, and he noted Schweiss’s technical support during the installation process.
Smith later discovered that an existing hangar he owns in Colorado also features a Schweiss bifold door, which the company also helped upgrade with new safety features.
