Thanks for the input, handymac. Where are you finding the 80-inch door? I do find Jeld-Wen but what I find indicates it's the height that's 80 inches (or 96 inches is an option), with widths of either 60, 72, or 96 inches; I'm looking for a door with width of 80 inches which is a tweener... if you found one, please share the link? :] The header replacement is because the current windows are 80 inches wide. If we can't come up with a solution workable with a 72 inch door, may have to use a 96 inch door and that's where the new header comes in. The sidelight is an interesting thought - but is it secure to put a sidelight next to a sliding patio door with no wall between? (I can just see a burglar pushing on the frame between the two and voila, they're in my house.) Other than the header and the floor, what are they holding on to? (I'm not building savvy, it's all sort of creepy to me to be knocking down and tearing out and replacing). Thanks for your further consideration.

As I mentioned, I went with Milgard's Tuscany line in all Casement/Awning. I, too, was impressed with Accent's window, but their recent sketchy financial background (do some Google searching) made me think twice about using them since I was fearful they may not be around to fulfill their warranty support. I also read a few reviews on Angie's List about their local installs that made me more cautious (in my research here, I've decided a middle of the road window installed well is better than a top grade window installed poorly). Based on our time with the window, the Milgard is a decent window, but it is obvious to me after reading MANY posts on this site that we are knee-capped from the onset based on the windows that are available in our geographic area. I went with what I perceived to be the best of the worst (the West seems to get few, if any, premium vinyl options). If you step up to fiberglass or wood, your options (and price) look up. Good luck.

I would use two tall windows to fill the space. Assuming that the window wall is about 16ft tall, I would split it into two units. I would make both units operable. Are those inswing our outswing casements that you currently have? Using two 7ft tall windows for instance with a structural support separating the two, would be my first choice. What is the width of the current glass wall? See the last window in the link for Tiltco windows. I know nothing about tiltco as a company but just wanted to show you a suggested approach. Good luck!

Commonly thought of good brands in the vinyl family are going to be Soft-Lite, Sunrise, Okna, Kensington Quantum 2. Are you working with your GC or a specific window remodeler.