DOORS & WINDOWS FOCUS BUILDING ENVELOPE


a ‘wall of glass’ effect, eliminating vertical obstructions almost entirely. While not strictly bi-folds, these systems offer an ultra-minimalist aesthetic that enhances any contemporary home design.


CREATIVE DESIGN OPTIONS While a straightline confi guration is the most common, more ambitious designs can enhance a home’s appeal and value. A cornerless bi-fold setup, where two sets of doors meet at a 90° or 135° angle, creates a striking open-plan space – perfect for modern extensions. Two adjoining corners with bi-folds for


larger projects can establish a dramatic single-storey living area. However, structural considerations are essential. A structural engineer may recommend a corner post and RSJs (rolled steel joists to support the upper fl oors or a cantilevered roof for an open-plan effect. Ensuring the door frame isn’t under excessive weight is crucial to maintaining a smooth operation.


CASE STUDY: THE FUTURE OF COMFORT A homeowner adding a large 6.4m x 4.2m extension to their Hertfordshire property needed a glazing solution that maximised natural light while ensuring warmth and comfort. With plans for 70% glazing – including bi-fold doors


The pre-wired units enabled a quick and easy installation, similar to standard double glazing, with simple electrical connections to the existing mains supply. Glow glass reaches 35-40°C and is


on two sides, a fl oortoceiling window, and a roof lantern – traditional heating options were unsuitable. The gas boiler was already at capacity, and limited wall space ruled out radiators. Premier Frames supplied Tuffx’s glow-heated glass for the bi-fold doors and large side window, making it the extension’s primary heat source. Future Homes Standard-ready glow-heated glass features an invisible conductive coating that converts electric power into radiant heat. Using infrared heating technology ensures an even, comfortable temperature while reducing condensation for uninterrupted outdoor views. From a visual perspective, it appears identical to standard glass but functions as an energyeffi cient heat source.


thermostatically controlled via a wall- mounted thermostat or smartphone app. With U-values as low as 0.7m²K, it delivers effi cient heating at an average cost of just 9p per bi-fold door per hour, providing a stylish and practical solution for a high-glazing extension. This completed installation met the homeowner’s brief of creating an almost seamless connection to the garden space while ensuring a warm and comfortable environment inside the newly created open-plan space. As the glazing offers a multifunctional solution, the homeowners have complete interior layout freedom without any concerns about blocking wall-hung heat emitters with furniture. Additionally, heated glass signifi cantly


reduces condensation, maintaining clear views and promoting a healthier indoor environment. With no ongoing maintenance required, it’s a hassle-free heating solution that aligns with the growing demand for energyeffi cient home upgrades.


Paul Higgins is commercial director at TuffX


Rising demand for Yorkshire stone products


With the rising appreciation for authentic, character-rich landscapes and heritage- driven architecture, Yorkshire Stone Paving and Walling Stone products are enjoying a powerful resurgence. Yorkshire stone continues to prove why it has been the material of choice for centuries. Combining natural beauty, unbeatable durability, and local provenance, it is the ultimate in sustainable, timeless construction and landscaping. Britannia Stone are seeing increasing demand for Yorkshire paving slabs


and walling stone, not just from across the UK, but internationally too. And it’s no wonder—Yorkshire stone speaks of heritage, craftsmanship, and permanence in a world of mass-produced, temporary materials.


info@britanniastone.co.uk www.britanniastone.co.uk Reclaimed Brick tiles see surge in demand


The demand for brick tiles is soaring. Across the UK and beyond, brick tiles have become a fi rm favourite for architects, interior designers, homeowners, and developers looking to inject warmth, texture, and timeless appeal into their spaces. Whether it’s an exposed feature wall in a London loft conversion or a rustic kitchen backsplash in a countryside cottage, these versatile tiles are taking centre stage. Reclaimed Brick Company have seen a sharp rise in orders for their handmade brick tiles, crafted from


genuine reclaimed bricks salvaged from buildings across the UK. This growing popularity is no surprise – it’s a trend driven by a unique mix of aesthetic, environmental, and practical benefi ts that brick tiles offer.


0114 206 1113 www.reclaimedbrickcompany.co.uk 30


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