Sliding Glass Doors For a Modern Glass Extension, Maidenhead

Location: Maidenhead

Solarlux Cero III sliding glass doors have been installed into a new single-storey modern glass extension designed by Thames Valley Windows with a moveable corner resulting in a truly dual aspect glass wall  system with a sensational expansive field of view overlooking Summerleaze lake at the rear of a traditional detached property in Maidenhead

This addition of a contemporary glass façade features large sliding glass walls to maximise light and create the perfect indoor-outdoor living area and dining space that merges onto a large veranda for a field of view. The 34mm aluminium frame of the sliding doors gives the homeowners a stunning panoramic view of the lake

The homeowners first contacted Thames Valley Windows in 2017 by calling our office. The inspiration for this project was very much born out the quality of the projects on our website. The homeowners were interested in the whole house design package that TVW provide.

Our client stated:
“We were looking for a company that could offer a complete package of design and build for a glass room extension with good quality slim profile metal framework.

Slim profile framework was also a top priority for the bi-folds.

Michael said that TVW could do it and provided a competitive quote.”

The Maidenhead homeowners visited our Bracknell showroom with their design ideas to transform the rear exterior of their house in Maidenhead with a contemporary living room extension with glass patio doors. Although a modern glazed structure was contrasting to the traditional property, it would sit comfortably within its surroundings and be focussed around the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

The client was keen to use a thermal efficient bi-fold door system having the ability to open up the sliding patio doors in the summer to create an open plan living space, and the option to close during the colder winter months and still enjoy the views from the inside.

However, after meeting with Michael, our architectural designer, who provided them with a 3D visualisation of their Maidenhead property so, they were able to visualise the proposed glass extension. They were soon convinced that minimal profile Cero III aluminium sliding glass door system from Solarlux would be more suitable. The contemporary glass extension was designed with an innovative structural design configuration, including a frameless open corner which is the perfect solution for uninterrupted river views.

The change in brief from floor to ceiling bi-folding doors to large minimal frame sliding doors was due to the limitation on bi-fold panel sizes it would have meant that when the bi-fold doors were closed the view was broken up into metre wide glass panels with sightlines. Deciding to switch to modern sliding doors with minimal sightlines meant that wide glass panels could be utilised in both aluminium sliding doors and large picture windows for more extensive exterior views.

This spectacular modern glass extension is designed on a raised decking area. The internal Solarlux bi-folding doors were made to measure for a perfect fit. The focal point of the extension is the floating roof that allows the opening doors to slide wide open from a 90-degree corner opening the extension on to the outside decking area — creating a highly desired feeling of openness and a seamless transition between the two surroundings.

This minimalist design provides the homeowners with a modern glass home extension where they can enjoy alfresco dining on sunnier days and living space to relax and take in the surrounding views within the comfort of their home.

The floor to ceiling sliding glass walls of triple glazing toughened low ‘e’ glass panes span a total width of 10,600 mm and 2400mm in height and weight is more than 100kg. Despite their size, these aluminium sliding doors glide effortlessly along the triple track that seamlessly connects the interior living space to a private enclosed veranda.

The slide system also utilises a stainless steel recessed floor track to the base of the sliding doors for weather protection from wind, rain or even snow!

The Solarlux Cero III sliding doors was chosen because of the large glass panes within the ultra-slim aluminium frame that it could accommodate, maximising the views out and filling the interior of the glass extension full of natural light. The minimal frame thermally broken aluminium profile of these sliding glass doors is 34mm, offering a 98% glazed area. The vertical sightlines are powder coated finished in smooth white for a contemporary design.

To achieve this state-of-the-art contemporary glass extension planning permission was required. This needed an in-depth approach from Thames Valley Windows to gain full planning approval from council planning officers at Royal Borough Windsor and Maidenhead.

A site survey was also carried out at the Maidenhead property to ensure safe handling of the oversized glass units to the installation area.

The build itself was carried out by a local building company and carpenter, and our installation team installed the sliding glass doors and, we worked alongside them to ensure the glass extension was finished to the highest standard with minimal disruption to the homeowners.

Cero III are some of the slimmest glass frames we offer while providing excellent energy efficiency

As part of the project, we also installed white wood effect uPVC Windows, Timber Front Door, Aluminium bi-fold doors and Fascia’s, Soffits and Guttering to the Maidenhead property.

Our clients have now been enjoying their glass extension for many months. They have advised us We relax and dine in the glass room, enjoying the lake views daily unaffected by inclement weather. Our client also had bespoke made to order furniture from Evans in High Wycombe to compliment the decor of the living space.

With regards to Thames Valley Windows, We had the front door replaced in PVC by a local firm. It was very disappointing and they agreed to a full refund. Michael suggested your new wood range with the mullion modified to minimise its profile. We are delighted with everything. Michael has been outstanding in organising everything, and all the workers were conscientious top class tradesmen who it was a pleasure to have around.

They also left us this excellent Trustpilot review of which we are delighted. They have built us a glass room extension, replaced 2 French Windows with bi-fold doors, replaced all the windows with uPVC, a new wooden front door and replaced all the roof wooden soffits and fascias with uPVC — excellent workmanship throughout.

If you’d like to see and feel the high-quality frameless-style sliding glass doors for yourself, we have a fully operational Solarlux Cero III sliding door in our Bracknell showroom, that is open six days a week.

Products used:

• Solarlux Cero Sliding Doors
• Halo uPVC Windows
• Timber Front Doors

Suppliers:

Architectural Designer: Michael East

Architect: Michael East Architectural Design

You may also be interested in reading our blog articles ‘Glass Extensions – A Buyers Guide‘ or ‘Is There a Limit to the Amount of Glazing I can Have in an Extension?‘.

Our ref: 27269