Bespoke glazing and shaped window project in Morecambe Bay

Bi-folding doors and shaped windows were the perfect addition to this new build property in beautiful Morecambe Bay.

Our customer was keen to use glazing at the rear of their home to enhance the lovely views stretching across the countryside to the Irish Sea on the horizon.

Positioned on the main floor of the house, the slim frame of the bi-folds allows for maximum glazing, as does the window that follows the lines of the roof gable. The property has been designed to respect and blend into the landscape, and comprises locally-sourced materials where possible. The glazing complements the overall appearance of the home, with the external RAL colour 7044 silk grey frame of the doors and window fitting exquisitely with the tones of the stonework.

Bespoke glazing and shaped window: The products

Our customer knew from the start that they wanted Solarlux glazing for its quality, durability and versatility of design. With their new build property aiming to meet current and future sustainability criteria, they chose the Solarlux Combiline bi-folding door for its outstanding U-values and thermal efficiency.

We designed and installed a bespoke glazing solution comprising an alu-clad timber Solarlux Combiline five-pane bi-fold and matching five-pane shaped window above it, covering a total area of 4.7 metres wide and 4.53 metres high.

As well as its thermal properties, the Combiline also appealed to our customer for its rare quality of being a bi-folding door that's an alu-clad timber (sometimes called composite). This means it combines the durability of aluminium with the softness of wood for a result that's pleasing on the eye as well as functional, long-lasting and easy to maintain.

The timber of the Combiline's interior frame creates a softer, warmer effect inside the home that fits well with the views of the natural world outside. At the same time, the exterior aluminium offers durability and ease of maintenance on the outside. The strength of the aluminium frame of the bi-folds and window also meets the wind load requirements for an elevated coastal property. The frame of all Solarlux glazing systems can even be given a pre-treatment (anodisation) that offers additional protection from the coastal climate and the corrosion it can cause.

A low level weather-rated threshold allows the internal and external tiling to flow across the whole space. This adds to the impression of a seamless transition between the indoors and out.

The installation

The difficult shape of the custom-made window meant it wouldn’t fit through the front door, so we had planned in advance for it to be hoisted over the scaffold using a teleporter and placed into position by genie lifts.

Great work from our team both in the design and installation resulted in a true level of pin-point perfection, ensuring all the lines and angles were set meticulously for a flawless appearance. Moreover, our millimetre-perfect installation also means the bi-folding doors operate like a dream.

There was brillliant communication and respect between our team and the other contractors on site, helping ensure not just happy faces on the job but a flawless finish for the customer, delivered on time and on budget. Our in-house team worked with WDP architects and Graham Wilson Builders to ensure the glass elements sit perfectly with the aesthetics of the property as well as its surroundings.