We know daylight has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing so the more of it we can introduce into our homes the better. Glazing, of course, plays a key part in achieving the right balance of light, along with the orientation and layout of a home.
If you’re self building or extending then you’ve got a great opportunity to consider how glazing will play a part in creating a light-filled home. And patio doors will certainly be on your shopping list. While there are many styles to choose from – bifold, French doors, Belgium (or Crittall) doors, for example – sliding doors are a firm favourite with homeowners.
SO WHY ARE THEY SO POPULAR?
Design iterations of sliding doors have evolved since their popularity in the 1960s, when frames were pretty flimsy, the glass wasn’t shatter-proof and locks weren’t very substantial. Now, their slim, often aluminium, frames (or sightlines) are a big draw because it means more glass, and more glass means more light in and extended views out. Some frames are as little as 20mm thick, which means when they’re closed they won’t obstruct the view, and when they’re open you’ll benefit from feeling like both spaces are connected, especially if you opt for a level threshold (more on this later).
The good news is they’re ideal for almost any type of project. “Although typically, because of the larger openings, they are best suited for newly formed openings on extension or self-build projects,” says Edward Stobart, head of projects at IDSystems. “Their large panes of glass perfectly suit every style of home, whether paired with the crisp render and timber cladding of a contemporary new build or as a contrast to a more traditional period property.”
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life