SDL Avantgarde Wintergarden, Aluminium Glass Extension, Hungerford

Location: Hungerford

We recently replaced a traditional wooden conservatory with a thermally efficient SDL Avantgarde Wintergarden in a beautiful detached property in Hungerford.

Hungerford is a quaint historic market town situated on the scenic banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The Hungerford homeowners had spent time researching various aluminium glass extensions; they knew they wanted a Solarlux Wintergarden for the high quality, performance and luxurious features.

Solarlux is a luxury brand specialising in aluminium glass extensions and ultra-modern bi-folding and sliding doors. Every product is bespoke and made in Germany with the latest technology and innovative engineering.

After a visit to the Solarlux showroom in Welwyn Garden City, Thames Valley Windows was recommended as their local quality Installation partner.

Our architectural designer Michael contacted the Hungerford homeowners to arrange an appointment at our Bracknell Showroom. He listened to their ideas and requirements and recommended the SDL Avantgarde Wintergarden as part of their home renovation project.

Michael worked closely with a Solarlux project manager, who provided drawings and plans of the Wintergarden project. The homeowners were happy with the overall design and opted for a stunning SDL Avantgarde Wintergarden.

The home extension project did not require planning permission as we were replacing an existing conservatory.

The Hungerford homeowners chose a combination of dark grey DB703 aluminium Eco line bi-folding doors, fixed frames and tilt and turn windows.

For the SDL Avantgarde roof, they chose a matching dark grey DB703 external finish. For the internal, they selected a spruce timber with natural varnish to bring a contemporary, minimalist feel to their home whilst harmonising the property’s interior with the natural surroundings.

Pilkington toughened low ‘e’ glass is used throughout the SDL Avantgarde Wintergarden. The glass roof benefits from Activ neutral self-cleaning solar control glass that combines solar control, light transmission and self-cleaning performance.

Two electric sliding roof vents allow for a high level of ventilation, and an internal motorised awning and integral blinds for all the bi-fold doors provide additional shading. Lighting extension rafter covers were used in the interior to allow for low voltage downlights to create a homely atmosphere in the evenings.

The slim Ecoline bifold doors have a thermally broken aluminium profile of 99mm and offer an overall u-value of 1.4 W/m²K.

The floor to ceiling door system provides uninterrupted views of the garden and high levels of security. When open, the doors stack externally, and a flush floor track creates a seamless, barrier-free opening onto the decked patio area.

On the exterior, the bifold doors have a high-quality stainless steel level handle and a multi-point lock; on the inside, a flat interim stainless steel handle provides a sleek finish.

The high-performance SDL Avantgarde Wintergarden has added the wow factor to the rear of this Hungerford property.

The narrower frames allow maximum natural light to flow into the living space to create a light and bright interior that naturally warm the area, making it more energy-efficient.

Wintergarden is a German name for bespoke glass rooms. Solarlux offers four different styles, from a minimalist lean-to design to an elegant or natural solution customised with angled, faceted or shaped windows. There’s an aluminium glass extension to suit every type of property.

Every Solarlux SDL Avantgarde Wintergarden is made to order using high-quality, sustainable timber with durable aluminium windows and doors. It is designed to maximise performance and protection standards and comes with its own structural support and drainage system.

Here’s what our Hungerford homeowners had to say about their experience Thames Valley Windows:

Results – did it meet aspirations, what impact has the installation had – a lifestyle change, property value, space added, etc.

The Wintergarden has completely met our aspirations. We had a traditional wooden conservatory before, which was hot in the summer and cold in the winter and cut off the garden from the house. It also required considerable maintenance. The Wintergarden has created a great space that is useable all year round, and the bi-fold doors have made the garden far more accessible, especially so during the summer months. During the summer months, the indoor sunshade has been a must, and the underfloor heating a boon during the winter months. We would imagine that the Wintergarden has added value to our property, but this was not the main driver for us.

Why did you choose TVW, and what made us unique to other providers?

Thames Valley Windows was recommended to us by Solarlux. We have been delighted with the service provided from early planning through construction and final occupation. We liked the fact that TVW project managed the whole process for us, organising the various contractors, including associated flooring and garden works. TVW has also been very accommodating and helpful in terms of small snagging items that have cropped up during and after the works were complete.

How has your overall experience been with TVW?

We have been delighted with TVW, and the customer service has provided and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone considering an aluminium glass extension similar works to ours.

Our range of glass structures is both contemporary and minimalist in style, from triple glazed frameless glass boxes to double glazed extensions that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Our designers have extensive knowledge and experience designing bespoke Wintergarden to blend sympathetically with the original building style.

Our architectural designers have the expertise and vision to create homes full of light and style and design a luxury glass extension that enhances your lifestyle.

Products used:

• Solarlux Wintergardens
• Solarlux Ecoline Bi-Fold Doors

You may also be interested in ready our blog, ‘What Makes Solarlux Bi-Folds Different?‘ or ‘Do I Need Planning Permission to Build a Glazed Structure?‘

Our ref: 28124