ActivWall's Recipe Book for Beautiful Spaces
From our workbenches to your countertops – these are the flavor-packed projects we can’t stop serving up.
At ActivWall, custom windows and doors aren’t just our craft — they’re our favorite ingredient for creating unforgettable spaces. In our latest email newsletter (subscribe here), we shared a “recipe” for a show-stopping backyard bar using our Express Series Gas Strut Window.
Now that you’re here, we’re passing you the whole cookbook!
We asked team members from across ActivWall and a few of our customers to dish out their favorite recipes — not just for meals, but for meaningful moments. From backyard bars to game-day garages, here are a few team-approved ways to serve up fun this summer.
Fresh Guacamole
This guacamole recipe is a team favorite. It’s fresh, zesty, and just the right amount of kick. Our Client Experience Manager, Nikki Compton, loves sharing it with chips at backyard parties and impromptu happy hours!
1. Cut two ripe avocados in half, and remove the pits.
2. Add two tsp freshly squeezed lime juice and mash the avocados.
3. Add 1/2 tsp kosher salt, two tbsp chopped cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 tbsp finely diced jalapeno.
4. Mix and garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.
Grilling Made Easy
Combining a Big Green Egg, an Evo Flat Top Grill, and a 36″ x 60″ ActivWall Gas Strut Window, this Wilmington, North Carolina, home is set up for easy serving between the kitchen and screened porch. Recipe by Glover Design and Bell Custom Homes. Read more…
Peach & Prosciutto Flatbread Pizza
This sweet and savory flatbread pizza with prosciutto, fresh peach slices, and a drizzle of hot honey is summer on a slice! Our Director of Marketing, Jennifer Doss, enjoys making it for get-togethers, and it can be prepared in the oven or on the grill.
1. Brush a flatbread pizza crust with olive oil.
2. Top with slices of mozzarella cheese and prosciutto.
3. Cut a fresh peach into thin slices and layer on top.
4. Sprinkle with cut fresh basil leaves.
5. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or grill to desired doneness.
6. Drizzle hot honey over the top and enjoy!
BONUS CONTENT: Follow @ActivWall on TikTok or YouTube for a video of this recipe.
Homemade Banana Pudding
A Southern classic with a golden twist. Our Client Experience Manager, Katie Whitlow, makes this homemade banana pudding with layers of rich custard, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers under a cloud of toasted meringue for the ultimate nostalgic dessert.
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt.
3. Whisk in 1/2 cup of whole milk and 6 egg yolks until smooth.
4. In a large saucepan, cook 3 cups of whole milk over medium heat, stirring frequently until bubbles form around the sides of the pan.
5. Gradually whisk one cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture. Be sure to do this slowly so the eggs do not start to cook and make your mixture lumpy. Whisk the egg mixture into the remaining hot milk in the saucepan. Cook, whisking constantly until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and stir together until the butter has melted.
7. Layer an 11-ounce box of vanilla wafers on the bottom of a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, reserving 1 cup of wafers.
8. Top with 6 bananas, sliced.
9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 6 egg whites with 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar.
10. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until a soft peak forms.
11. Spread pudding mixture over bananas and then top with egg white mixture, sealing the sides.
12. Bake until top is lightly browned, roughly 7-9 minutes.
13. Arrange the reserved wafers around the edge of the dish. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.
CHEF’S TIP: Refrigerate the night before serving.
Tacos & Margaritas
Mixing bar stools with a pair of 56″ wide ActivWall Gas Strut Windows and adding a dash of simulated divided lites, the Taco Bell in Danville, CA, offers a fun Cantina vibe with games, fire pits, and frosty beverages on the patio. Recipe by Infinity AP and First Street Development. Read more…
Crowd-Pleasing BBQ Ribs
Sweet, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone tender — these ribs with a bold dry rub and apple juice steam are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next backyard bash! Our Vice-President of Manufacturing and Logistics, Kacel Witcher, loves to prepare these for family and friends. OG recipe: Gina Young
1. Clean Ribs with Apple Cider Vinegar.
2. Remove the membrane and trim away any excess fat.
3. To make your dry rub, mix 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar, Montreal steak seasoning (season with your heart), and three tbsp of Old Bay seasoning.
4. Coat the ribs with spicy brown mustard.
5. Coat your ribs with the dry rub.
6. Let the ribs sit for about 20 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
8. Place the ribs in an oven-safe dish or aluminum foil pan. Place the rack in the pan bone-side down. Pour about 3/4-1 cup of apple juice into the pan. The juice should come about halfway to the ribs, not covering them entirely, but to the tip of the bones.
9. Cover the ribs with foil and bake for about 90 minutes, or until the meat pulls away from the bones.
10. Remove the ribs and let them settle for 10-15 minutes.
11. Coat them with your favorite BBQ Sauce and/or finish them on the grill.
CHEF’S TIP: Char them a little on the grill and then coat them with BBQ!
Game Day Entertaining
A South Carolina family is ready to host guests for game day with a brand-new entertaining setup on their deck. The star ingredient – a 96″ x 48″ ActivWall Gas Strut Window. Recipe by GBS Building Supply. Read more…
Garage to Gathering Space
A Pennsylvania family turned their unused garage into a home office and bar with a 96″ x 36″ ActivWall Gas Strut Window for indoor-outdoor living. Recipe by Overhead Door of Lancaster and Indoor City. Read more…
Making Connections
Designers for this Indiana home replaced an existing window with a 72″ x 42″ Gas Strut Window to create a serving bar and allow for conversation between the sunroom and kitchen. Recipe by Innovative Homes & Remodeling, Jennie Thomas Design, and Kentucky Mirror. Read more…
Indoor-Outdoor Bar
Homeowners in Montana included an outdoor serving bar in the design of their game room for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Recipe by Rocky Mountain Glass and 406 Window Co. Read more…
Why ActivWall?
Our Gas Strut Windows ship pre-assembled in a crate for easy installation.
Ask us about adding an optional retractable screen for your order.
Backed by a comprehensive
10-year residential or 2-year commercial warranty.
Express Sizes Available
We can custom build your Gas Strut Window in any size, color, or configuration (in-swing or out-swing), but by selecting a window from our Express Series, the unit can be ready for you in just four to six weeks!
48″ x 48″ | 60″ x 42″ | 60″ x 48″ | 72″ x 42″ | 72″ x 48″ | 72″ x 60″ | 96″ x 48″
Need a window even faster? We have a limited supply of Ready-to-Ship units available!
What’s Your Recipe?
We’d love to see how you serve up ActivWall style. Share your finished project on social media using #ActivWall or tag us directly @ActivWall. We may feature your space in an upcoming post!
Ready to start cooking up your own design?
