Hörmann ART 42 Vitraplan in Jet Black: A Transparent Garage Door for Modern Homes
Some garages are purely practical. This one was designed to be enjoyed.
Our customer had built a brand-new garage to house a collection of classic American cars – and wanted to be able to admire them from the garden, not hide them behind a solid door. The solution was a bold one: three Hörmann ART 42 Vitraplan aluminium frame sectional doors, finished in Jet Black (RAL 9005), with flush-fitting grey glazing that delivers a striking blend of transparency and reflection.
The result is exactly what the customer imagined: a garage that feels like a private showroom during the day – and becomes even more impressive at night when the interior lighting brings the cars into view.
The installation: three doors, one day, a big transformation
This was a substantial, precision-led install. Three of our experienced installers spent the day fitting three separate ART 42 Vitraplan doors to the new garage, ensuring:
> smooth, consistent operation across all openings
> crisp alignment and clean finishes across the glazing sections
> a final look that feels intentional, modern and premium – not “added on”
With glazed aluminium frame doors, the details matter. The lines must be straight, the divisions uniform, and the fit must be perfect – especially when the garage itself is part of the home’s overall design.
What makes the Hörmann ART 42 Vitraplan so special?
The ART 42 Vitraplan is a contemporary aluminium frame sectional door designed specifically for high-quality residential architecture.
Instead of a traditional infilled sectional door, it uses extensive glazing for a lighter, more open feel – ideal when you want to bring daylight into the garage or create a premium “display” effect.
Key design features (Vitraplan finish)
> Hinges and reinforcements also finished in RAL 9005 for a cohesive look
> A distinctive mix of transparency and reflection, which changes as the light shifts
This is the kind of door that looks different in morning sun, overcast daylight and evening lighting – always modern, always sharp.
> Surface-mounted, flush-fitting Duratec® glazing in grey
> Concealed frame profiles colour-coordinated in RAL 9005 Jet Black
> Hinges and reinforcements also finished in RAL 9005 for a cohesive look
> A distinctive mix of transparency and reflection, which changes as the light shifts
This is the kind of door that looks different in morning sun, overcast daylight and evening lighting – always modern, always sharp.
A door built for modern living (and effortless use)
The ART 42 is supplied exclusively with an operator, using Hörmann’s domestic operating system and automation options. That means everyday convenience, with the ability to integrate a wide range of access methods such as:
> hand transmitters (single or multi-channel)
> keypads, switches and finger readers
> smart control via gateways (model dependent)
So while the door looks like something you’d expect to see in a premium commercial setting, it’s designed for domestic daily use.
ART 42 vs ART 42 Thermo: what’s the difference?
There are two main versions:
> ART 42 – designed to offer good thermal insulation
> ART 42 Thermo – enhanced insulation for higher thermal performance needs (for example, if your garage connects directly to the home, or you want better temperature stability)
If you’re unsure which is right, we typically guide customers based on how the garage is used (storage, gym, utility space, direct access to the house, etc.) and what level of comfort you’re aiming for.
Glazing options: design freedom beyond 'transparent'
While this project focused on the dramatic transparent Vitraplan look, one of the strengths of the ART 42 range is the breadth of infill options. There are multiple glazing and infill variants available, including tints, textured finishes, and options that prioritise privacy.
This makes the ART 42 ideal for two very different goals:
> maximum visibility (showroom / display garages)
> more daylight without clear vision (privacy-led designs)
Why glazed aluminium frame doors are growing in popularity
Aluminium frame sectional doors are a strong alternative to standard infilled sectional doors, especially when homeowners want:
> more daylight inside the garage
> a cleaner, more architectural exterior
> a premium finish that complements modern materials (render, brick slips, anthracite, black frames, etc.)
> a “feature” garage, not just a functional one
They’re also inspired by proven commercial designs often used in car showrooms and workshops — but built to suit residential environments.
Thinking about an ART 42 for your own home?
If you’re planning a modern build, upgrading a garage, or creating a space that deserves to be seen (cars, workshop, home gym, hobby room), the Hörmann ART 42 Vitraplan is one of the most striking options available.
If you’d like, we can help you choose:
> the best version (ART 42 vs ART 42 Thermo)
> your preferred infill/glazing option
> frame colour and overall design
> the right access and automation setup
Get in touch and we’ll talk through your project.