Step inside Nick Schiffer’s Nordic-inspired cabin build

We’ve been following this build by NS Builders founder Nick Schiffer since the beginning. This singular cabin in the woods was years in the making. Its location — 1/4 mile into the woods on the shore of a lake — led to complications, but it was also the project's raison d'être. Now, Schiffer is taking us onsite and showing us how he’s bringing this dream home to life with his trademark attention to detail. 

 


Let’s take a closer look at the Liftslide Doors that are helping bring this deceptively simple design to life.

Doors as windows 

There’s only one traditional window in this home, yet the first floor is punctuated by purposefully placed floor-to-ceiling openings. Nearly all of these openings feature our Liftslide Doors. With monumental sizing, clean sight lines, and performance that can withstand Massachusetts’ weather, these doors were the perfect choice. The reason they're considered windows in this home rather than doors is because the majority aren’t intended to provide access. Their purpose is to connect the home to its surroundings and bring in natural light; they're the ultimate floor-to-ceiling windows.

Pocketing Liftslides

The access between indoors and outdoors is enabled through four single-panel doors, two on each side of the home. A clever detail is the pocketing of two of these doors in the primary suite. There, single-panel Liftslide Doors completely hide away when open for clear openings that bring in fresh lake breezes. They also come equipped with retractable screens to help keep bugs out. 

One of these bedroom Liftslide Doors is directly across from a hinged door on the other side of the home, which provides access to the breezeway. The symmetry creates a viewshed, which is a design approach that’s repeated throughout the home to make sure that nature is present in every space. 

Product details 

  • Dimensions: 3 feet wide by 9 feet tall 
  • Exterior finish: Anodized aluminum 
  • Interior species: White oak 
  • Glass: SmartSun™ 

Monumental viewsheds

Echoing the symmetry of the single-panel doors on the side of the home is another viewshed. This one is on a grand scale and created by two Liftslide Doors in the open-concept living area. One door faces the woods and the other faces the lake. Each door has three panels with a large, fixed center panel and narrower operable panels on the left and right sides. This viewshed makes the connection to place palpable and floods the main living area with natural light. 

Product details

  • Dimensions: 16 feet wide by 9 feet tall
  • Exterior finish: Anodized aluminum
  • Interior species: White oak
  • Glass: SmartSun 

Want more from this project?

Watch a Liftslide Door installation

Our Liftslide Doors serve as monumental floor-to-ceiling windows throughout this home, and their installation had to be flawless to realize the design. Here's how Nick Schiffer’s NS Builders team pulled it off and how we supported installation at every step. 
See the door installed (Opens in a new tab)

See how Liftslide Doors are made

For projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible, there’s no better option than our Liftslide Door. See how we make each and every moving glass wall system to the highest quality standards in this tour with architect Vincent Appel and builder Nick Schiffer.
Take the Oceanside tour (Opens in a new tab)

Meet the builder

Nick Schiffer

Owner of NS Builders in Boston, MA, Nick leads a team of experienced carpenters, project managers, cabinet makers, and apprentices. He started his business in 2014 and has turned it into one of Boston's most sought-after building companies. Constantly challenging himself and his team, there’s nothing standard about their approach.

headshot of Nick Schiffer
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