Kitchen Bifold Doors, Solarlux SL60e, Reading

Location: Reading, Berkshire

We recently installed kitchen bifold doors as part of a complete architectural glazing solution for a grand oak timber-framed new build in Streatley overlooking the River Thames.

Streatley-on-Thames is a beautiful countryside village near the centre of Reading and situated on the West Berkshire side of the River Thames facing the Oxfordshire village of Goring-on-Thames bridge which was built in 1923.

The Reading homeowners had recently purchased the land and wanted to demolish the existing detached property and annexe and replace it with a vernacular style oak framed family home. The property design would include an architectural glazing solution to benefit from the River Thames and the Berkshire landscape’s panoramic views.

Timber frame properties have been around for centuries, and the techniques date back to Neolithic times. In recent years there has resurgence in popularity with homeowners looking for nature-inspired energy-efficient homes.

Bespoke property developers Hazelgrove Building Services Ltd were commissioned to design and build the traditional style home with locally sourced materials that would reflect the surrounding area’s traditions and culture. Thames Valley Windows had previously worked with the builders so were chosen to supply and install a complete energy efficient glazing solution.

Our design director Ryan Schofield worked closely with the builders, and Reading homeowners to design, supply and install Internorm HF 310 Timber/Aluminium tilt and turn and fixed windows from Home pure collection and Solarlux SL60 bifold patio doors and French doors throughout the property.

Local Building Control required a design SAP calculation to demonstrate compliance with Part L we worked with the structural engineer to submit a building regulations application for approval.

The installation of the windows and doors form part of the building shell is a critical part of ensuring long-lasting building performance.

Sustainability was the key part of the brief from the building design to the materials and natural light. The builders positioned all the windows, doors, and flat roof lights to maximise the amount of natural light entering the property to reduce the need for artificial lighting and save money on energy bills.

The Internorm HF 310 aluminium timber windows are triple glazed as standard and have a low u-value of 0.69 W/m²K. This helps with ‘Solar gain’ captured through windows from sunlight to keep the home warmer in winter and combined with thermal mass to help reduce heat in the summer months.

This luxurious Reading new build has been completed to an exceptionally high standard both internally and externally, and the exposed timber compliments the surrounding landscape.

The Internorm Windows and Solarlux bifold doors are high-quality products that work exceptionally well together and meet building regulation requirements for a new build property and Part Q to comply with PAS24.

Internorm Aluminium Clad Timber windows were finished in a metallic light grey (DM02) on the exterior to complement the red brick and oak beams of the property. Inside, the spruce frames are finished in white (F1916).

The bespoke design layout of the property includes three of Solarlux SL60 bi-folding doors, including a four-panel door system in the upstairs sitting room that opens onto a relaxing and peaceful balcony with an outdoor seating area at the front of the property. The folding doors include a master door that can be used as a standard door to go in and out without opening up the entire three-meter space.

When fully open the bifold panels are space-saving as they fold into each other to form a concertina onto the balcony frame this creates a larger opening than you can do or achieve with sliding doors. The flush floor threshold seamlessly blends the countryside and river view with the indoors the perfect place to sit and watch sunrise or sunset.

The open plan kitchen/dining room is a beautiful light-filled living space. The three-panel kitchen bifold doors are finished both internally and externally in textured grey (DAB703) they also benefit from a flush track, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and the feeling of bringing the outside in.

The three-panel kitchen bifold doors give the rear of the house a modern look which contrasts nicely with the brickwork.

An impressive glazed feature at the rear of the property sits directly above the French doors creating a distinctive architectural feature both outside and inside taking full advantage of the vaulted oak beam ceiling and making a grand entrance within the immaculate landscaped courtyard and garden.

If you have purchased a building plot in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire or Oxfordshire, and are in the process of building a dream home and want to find out how much an energy-efficient glazing solution for a new build will cost? contact one of our designers today to discuss your project and request a quote.

With our extensive knowledge and specialist expertise in the glazing industry, we can provide you with various glazing solutions for your self-build based on your requirements and criteria.

You may also be interested in reading our blogs, ‘ What Makes Solarlux Bi-Fold Doors Different? ” or ‘Aluminium Bifold Doors or Sliding Doors for pen Plan Living Space.’

Products used:

• Solarlux Bifold Doors

SUPPLIERS:
Design Director: Ryan Schofield

Contractor: Hazelgrove Building Services Ltd

Our ref: 0026271/2