MY GRAND IDEA How architect

M Y G R A N D I D E A

Architect Ben Minifie incorporated multifunctional spaces, a sunken bath and a sense of fun into one family home

Who lives here? My brother-in-law Gary Westlake and his wife Kate, who are both 50. In 2004 they bought an end-of-terrace house in London’s Blackheath Vale. — How did you get involved? They added a kitchen extension some years ago, but when their kids Archie, 18, and Bea, 13, became teenagers they needed more room. So Gary and Kate asked me to reconfigure the house to include a series of multifunctional spaces. — Tell us about your design I added a side return for a large kitchen and dining area, then extended out by 1.2m over a driveway at the other side of the property to make a narrow bathroom. The family bathroom at the back of the house became a snug. Upstairs I created a bigger bedroom for Archie and borrowed some of the loft to turn Bea’s box room into a two-storey bedroom with dormer window. Finally, the garden was landscaped and a studio built, which is connected to the house with matching western red cedar cladding. — How are these spaces multifunctional? The snug has an oriel window that doubles as a seat, plus a bespoke sofa that pops up into a guest bed, while sliding blackout shutters transform it into a movie room. The garden studio, which is used as a home office by day, turns into a party space complete with bar and DJ booth by night. — How does the narrow bathroom work? Fitting a tub into such a tiny space was a real challenge, so I designed one myself using porcelain slabs set into the f loor by 800mm. The resulting sunken bath is the same width as the room and has an overhead shower, roof light and jungle-themed porcelain tiles. — Did you add any eco-friendly features? The new spaces had to be energy efficient, so I added lots more insulation and brought the refurbished ones up to standard. — How long did it take? A year. The family stayed put for most of that time, which was a juggling act and meant the team worked on separate sections of the house at different times. — What does it feel like now? It suits the family perfectly as it focuses on private spaces rather than open-plan living. Whenever I visit it’s great to see them using the new rooms in a host of different ways, just as intended. Minifie Architects, minifiearchitects.co.uk

ABOVE LEFT A studio and outdoor dining area slot neatly into the back garden ABOVE RIGHT The sunken bath has halo-effect lighting around the ceiling to emphasise its height BELOW LEFT Shutters slide over the oriel window in the snug to create a blackout space for sleeping or watching movies. The project cost £425,000

Winning entr y

There are many decisions to make before finding the perfect glazed doors for your project

Feature REBECCA FOSTER & CAROLINE RODRIGUES

An Edwardian villa transformed by the addition of a modern extension by MOOi Architecture (mooiarchitecture.co.uk) and constructed by The Daniels Group (thedanielsgroup.co.uk). The Maxlight (maxlight.co.uk) opening corner and fixed glazing, above, cost in the region of £18,000

ABOVE IDSystems’ (idsystems.co.uk) theEDGE 2.0 doors, priced from £2,550 per metre width, were chosen for their ultra-slim 20mm sightlines, allowing the owners of this stunning Cornish self-build to capture the coastal views Allocate plenty of time to iron out the details of the installation with your architect, builder and supplier to avoid problems later on. You might want to opt for a design, supply and fit service, so if anything is wrong with the units when they are delivered then the fault lies with the company and should be fixed at no extra charge. With bespoke doors, allow 12 weeks for delivery. Think about the glass you’d like. Do you want to make the most of solar gain to warm the room or would you rather keep residual heat and UV light out? For security, look for products tested to PAS 24 standards or that come with Secured by Design certification.

Do you need permission?

When building your home, the glazing will form an important part of your planning application. The local authority will take into account its impact on the appearance of the house and the local area. If you’re renovating a property, the installation of new glazed doors may be covered by Permitted Development (PD) rights. Always check if consent is required with your local authority. If you live in a conservation area or your home is listed, it is likely your project will require planning permission. For further information and advice, visit the Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk).

Above Grand Slider I walls. Three panels h into the hidden rece per metre width, inc Above Grand Slider I walls. Three panels h into the hidden rece per metre width, inc

der II doors by IDSystems (idsystems.co.uk) slide into pockets within this extension’s els have been installed on each side of the corner post, gliding away from the apex n recesses, creating a floating corner beneath the cantilevered roof. Prices from £1,750 , including installation CREDIT George King Architects der II doors by IDSystems (idsystems.co.uk) slide into pockets within this extension’s els have been installed on each side of the corner post, gliding away from the apex n recesses, creating a floating corner beneath the cantilevered roof. Prices from £1,750 , including installation CREDIT George King Architects BELOW This contemporary extension is connected to the garden via Sunflex aluminium sliding patio doors, installed by P&P Glass (pandpglass.co.uk). A similar set costs around £9,500 BELOW LEFT This glazed opening corner was supplied by Maxlight (maxlight.co.uk). The doors close onto each other at a 90° angle so that when the panels are drawn back they leave a completely open corner. Including the fixed glass above, the total cost of the system was around £18,000

Enjoy the view

Sliding doors run along a track and sit one in front of the other when open. There can be two, three or four panels to a single opening. The latest designs come with minimal frames and big spans of glass, giving a good view of the outdoor space when closed. When pushed fully back, the panels on a double track leave an open space that’s around 60 per cent of the total opening. On a triple track, several panels stack behind one another, giving an opening of around 75 per cent of the total. The biggest panel size possible is between 4m and 5m in width, and the smallest is 750mm.

There are various sliding-door system options. Lift-and-slide panels lift off the track by a few millimetres, gliding along effortlessly. A panel can be locked open in any position and left securely ajar for ventilation. The slide-andturn door from ID Systems (idsystems.co.uk) has panels that move along individually and stack to one end like a bi-fold.

‘At the lower end of the market you can pay £600 per sqm. High-end designs cost in the region of £1,400 per sqm,’ advises Matt Higgs, director and co-owner of Klöeber (kloeber.co.uk).

Pocket sliding doors are more straightfor ward to incorporate into a new-build or extension

Hide and sleek

Pocket sliding doors are another variation on the sliding theme. This is where panels slide into a slot built into the wall. They are more straightforward to incorporate into a new-build or extension. When planning a renovation, seek advice from a glazing designer at an early stage, as they will be able to create a bespoke scheme. ‘The minimum possible size is 500mm wide by 1,500mm high and this goes up to a maximum of 5,800mm wide by 3,500mm high per panel,’ says Tony Culmer, director at Maxlight (maxlight.co.uk). Expect to pay between £1,200 and £1,500 per sqm, depending on the size, frame material and glass specification.

ABOVE Grand Slider II doors by IDSystems (idsystems.co.uk) slide into pockets within this extension’s walls. The three panels on each side of the corner post simply glide into the recesses. Prices from £1,750 per metre width, including installation

ABOVE This single outward-opening pivot door features a bottom-hung floor spring and was made bespoke for the project. It cost around £10,000. Design work for the extension was carried out by The DHaus Company (thedhaus.com)

Take a turn

Pivots are an impressive alternative to French doors. Glazed panel widths of up to 3m are possible, but they can be as small as 750mm. The hinges are positioned at the top and bottom of the glass panel to allow it to swivel. A floor spring/closer regulates how fast the door moves, preventing it from slamming and trapping fingers. This door type provides a practical solution when the opening is too small for sliding panels but too wide for a traditional hinged design. Bespoke versions cost from around £5,000 per unit, subject to the size, weight, design and glass specification. As the doors open outwards, it’s advisable to have drainage in front. ‘A slot drain, a discreet channel set into the ground, offers the most seamless finish,’ says Tony Culmer.

A pivot door is ideal if the opening is too small for sliding panels but too wide for a hinged design

Open wide

Bi-folding doors incorporate a series of glazed panels that fold open to one side and stack one in front of the other. They run along a track in the floor and slide back to leave a wide open space, which can be as much as 90 per cent of the total aperture. Several configurations are possible, including a centre opening with French-style doors in the middle, or panels with a fixed door to one side that allows you to nip in and out more easily. They can be specified to fit a corner or to negotiate a curve, and open inward or outward to avoid losing interior floorspace. Even set-ups without a fixed supporting corner post are possible, though this entails having a cantilevered roof. The system can be top-hung, where the weight is carried by the top track, or bottom-rolling, where the floor track carries the weight.

You will need to have enough room for the panels to stack against each other when drawn back. The amount depends on the width of the panels, and this is an important detail to check with your supplier. In most cases, 1.5m of free space should be sufficient. Costs vary, particularly when it comes to standard options versus bespoke. ‘The absolute minimum you can expect to pay for an off-the-shelf bi-fold would be £720 per sqm – a saving of around 20 per cent on a bespoke,’ says Matt Higgs.

Time management

Be aware of lead times. It can take from six to 12 weeks from ordering to delivery, depending on the door’s specification, while off-the-shelf products in stock can be installed within three days.

You’ll need to book the installation, too. Reputable companies will be busy, so arrange a date for your doors to be fitted well in advance. One potential pitfall is having the glazing fitted too early, as follow-on trades might accidentally damage the glass. Consider boarding up openings instead, so the build team can get on with work inside without the risk of damaging your beautiful new doors.

ABOVE Designed by Yard Architects (yardarchitects.co.uk), this extension has doors from Fabco Sanctuary (fabcosanctuary.com), with French doors providing a full-width opening. The Fabco glazing cost £12,500, including the French doors, a single door to the courtyard and a fixed window BELOW A four-panel set of Sunflex (sunflexuk.co.uk) SF55 aluminium frame bi-fold doors by IDSystems (idsystems.co.uk). The product has slimline frames, with panels measuring just 55mm from front to back. From £1,450 per panel, including installation

S T R I K I N G T H E R I G H T B A L A N C E

For beautifully made, slim and ultra-secure aluminium windows, try Sheerline’s Classic range

Home is where the heart is. It’s also where we’ve spent most of our time during the past 18 months. So choosing windows and doors that combine strong aesthetics with practical innovation has never made more sense.

Sheerline’s Classic range features slim 59mm sightlines that f lood interiors with light and give a clean, modern style. Available in four different designs, including stepped and f lush options, Classic is ideal for replacing heritage steel windows on a conversion project or for contemporary extensions and new-builds. There are 12 powder-coated and anodised colours available, as well as a bespoke service, to ensure you find the right look for your home.

Their innovative construction removes the need for separate glazing beads – often an area of weakness for traditional windows. Instead it locks glass away securely within a sealed unit. Coupled with high-security multipoint locking and unique hinge protectors, this creates exceptionally secure windows with PAS24:2016-enhanced security accreditation as standard. Secured by Design upgrades are also available for extra peace of mind. Classic also uses Thermlock® technology to deliver exceptional thermal performance, with closed-cell, insulating chambers working in conjunction with high-quality glazing to help insulate you against the worst of the British weather.

Working with UK-sourced aluminium, Sheerline is committed to sustainability and British manufacturing. To discover more about Sheerline Classic or explore the full range of windows, doors and roof lanterns, please visit sheerline.com/balance

A new opening

Ensure you have everything sorted with this guide to specifying new windows

Feature REBECCA FOSTER & CAROLINE RODRIGUES

PHOTOGRAPHY DAN GLASSER Capturing the morning light, this frameless, dual-aspect, double-glazed window was created by cantilevering the timber roof above. Mulroy Architects (mulroyarchitects.com) completed the project. Supplied by IQ Glass (iqglassuk.com), the Invisio structural window comes with thermally broken fixings hidden by the building finishes. Prices for Invisio structural glass start at £1,000 per sqm

Measuring an impressive 5.2x3.5m, this window was made for an extension by Paul Archer Design (paularcherdesign.co.uk). For a similar installation, expect to pay £2,000 per sqm, subject to specifications. The cost of £6,000 - £7,000 for the crane lift and traffic management should also be factored in

Contact several glazing suppliers during the design phase of your self-build or renovation. They will help you and your architect identify what you need and draw your attention to the most suitable products. And seek out specialist glaziers, who will have experience in dealing with any unusual or awkwardly shaped openings. Once you have a shortlist of products, visit the suppliers’ showrooms to see and operate the designs on your wish list. Make sure you are satisfied with the quality and performance, as well as how the windows look.

Guide to budget

How much your new windows cost depends on how many units you want, their style, the frame material and thermal performance. Allow at least 20 per cent of a whole-house renovation budget for the glazing, and check quotes for extras, such as sills and locks.

Installing off-the-shelf products made to standard dimensions can save up to 50 per cent compared to bespoke units – excluding installation. But the measurements must be precise, as there will be extra work and expense if the windows don’t fit perfectly. Before finalising an order, make sure that your deposit is protected and the products you’re buying are covered by a warranty.

RIGHT FAB Architects (fabarchitects.co.uk) undertook the design of this garden room rehearsal studio and entertaining space. Inspired by Royal Opera House architectural motifs, this arched window was made by the contractor. A similar design would cost from £2,500 BELOW This light-filled loft conversion is by Ashworth Parkes Architects (ashworthparkes.co.uk). IDSystems’ (idsystems.co.uk) Sunflex SF55 three-panel bi-fold window can be drawn back to almost full width. This aluminium-frame system starts at £1,150 per panel, including installation

Framing materials

The frames you specify for your windows will have a big impact on their appearance and performance. Do you want them to stand out or blend in with your scheme? As there are many different styles available, this is also something you should consider early on.

Aluminium is lightweight and strong enough to support big panes with slim frames. It comes in a wide range of colours. Steel and bronze designs team strength with slim profiles. Steel offers slimmer sightlines than aluminium but is also more expensive. Select metal frames that have been insulated to prevent the warmth inside your home from escaping.

Timber is timeless, eco-friendly and the obvious choice for casement and sash windows. High-quality, well-maintained versions last up to 60 years. But the frames will be thicker than those made of metal, so less light is able to enter through the same size of aperture. The Wood Window Alliance has further advice (woodwindowalliance.com). Composite frames are made from timber clad in aluminium on the outside. They are robust and thermally efficient. uPVC windows last for around 30 years. They are more affordable than most other options and virtually maintenance-free. Some manufacturers use recycled plastic, which means this option can be more sustainable than it was in the past.

ABOVE Measuring 2.9m high and 1.8m wide, this iroko- framed design has been sealed with Danish oil. The double-glazed unit has an argon-filled cavity and low-e coating to the inner pane, with black Warm Edge spacer bars. All in toughened glass. Priced around £5,000, the window was made bespoke by a joinery company. Design work for the extension is by Pardon Chambers Architects (pardon chambers.com)

Maximise thermal eff iciency

Thermally efficient windows and doors contribute towards minimising the heat lost from your home. To help you compare different products, the Window Energy Rating indicates the energy performance of the entire window, including the frame and glass. The most efficient units are rated A++ and the scale of efficiency decreases to the lowest rating of G.

Double glazing has an air gap between two panes of glass, which provides a degree of insulation. The level of insulation is increased when the gap is filled with an inert gas such as argon. Triple glazing has three panes of glass with two air gaps, which can also be filled with gas. ‘Tripleglazed units cost around 15 per cent more than double glazed,’ says Chris Herring, director of Green Building Store (greenbuildingstore.co.uk).

Glass can be coated in order to improve its efficiency. Low-emissivity, also known as low-e glass, has a transparent coating to prevent heat from escaping through the pane. But it does allow warmth and light from the sun in. Conversely, solar glass coating reflects the sun’s heat away in order to maintain interior spaces at a comfortable temperature in the summer. This is particularly useful in south-facing situations. Choosing and f itting replacements

It is possible to replace windows and doors without the need to seek planning permission, especially when the units should look similar to those fitted when the house was built. But any new window on the side elevation at the first-floor level or higher must be obscure-glazed and either

non-opening or more than 1.7m above the floor. Plus, a new bay window may need permission.

Restrictions apply and consent is required for listed houses, those in a conservation area, homes subject to an Article 4 direction, and when alterations are made to the design or position of the windows. Even changing the colour of the window frames in a historic listed building can be problematic. It’s important always to check with your local authority for guidance before undertaking any work.

Your new windows must comply with Building Regulations. An installer registered with the Competent Person Scheme will ensure the rules are met. They will give you a certificate within eight weeks of completion as evidence of compliance. Should you choose not to use a firm registered with the scheme, you will need to seek Building Control approval.

Custom-made windows will take between eight to 12 weeks to be manufactured and delivered. Buying standard units will be much quicker.

ABOVE This extension to a period home was designed by The DHaus Company (thedhaus.com). The custom-made glazing forms an up-and-over window to create a wall and roof. The price for this double-glazed design was between £4,000 and £5,000 BELOW A sleek south London extension with IDSystems’ (idsystems.co.uk) Sunflex SF55 aluminiumframe, double-glazed windows and bi-fold doors. Prices start at £1,450 per panel, including installation

Advice for older homes

Preserving the character of a heritage home is a top priority when it comes to renovations. It’s crucial to take the house’s age, location and the materials palette into account when shopping for new windows. There are suppliers producing factory-made sash and casement windows that complement different vernacular styles. Otherwise, you can hire a specialist joinery company that can take impressions of the original units and replicate them exactly, with some exceptions. Original Georgian designs contain glass with visible ripples and imperfections. The traditional manufacturing process created shadowing and reflections that aren’t possible to replicate using modern methods. It is possible to re-use heritage glass in a single-glazed window, but it’s not suitable for a double-glazed unit. ‘Old glass is likely to crack or the airtight seal will fail. With vintage glazing, a good option is to use internal secondary glazing combined with shutters or curtains to improve energy efficiency,’ says Andrew Mulroy, director of Mulroy Architects (mulroyarchitects.com).

PROBLEM-SOLVING TECHNOLOGY

Hi-tech glazing innovations bring specific benefits to your windows. Research the options before specifying what you want. ● Glass that features a self-cleaning finish is a boon for windows that are hard to reach. The coating enables dirt to wash away more easily when it rains. ● Acoustic glazing reduces noise levels inside your home, cutting sound pollution from outside. It has a layer that dampens and absorbs noise, and prevents the vibrations transferring from one pane to the next. ● High-clarity glass has a low iron content for greater transparency and light transmission. ● When switched on, electrochromic glass turns from transparent to dark blue as an electrical current passes through it. It is a somewhat pricey alternative to blinds or curtains.

TOP This living room was updated by Yoko Kloeden Design (yokokloeden.com). Timber sash windows have been paired with wooden internal shutters for privacy ABOVE _ing Architects (ingarchitects.co.uk) took on the renovation of this Georgian home. Traditional timber sash windows were painted in Farrow & Ball Off Black to complement the new interior. A double-glazed hardwood timber sash unit such as this costs around £2,400

BE SP OK E S T E E L

W I N D O W S H O P P I N G

G E T 5 0 % O F F A L L E X T E R N A L C O L O UR S

O FF E R E N D S 2 7 A U G U S T

Internorm is the go-to brand for all your bespoke glazing and door solutions

Internorm celebrates its 90th anniversary comes in a choice of options, making it this year. It is the leading window brand ideal for both traditional and contemporary in Europe, offering premium, low-energy projects, and benefitting from strong and Passivhaus window and door systems environmental credentials and outstanding for self-build and renovation projects – all energy performance. manufactured in its hi-tech facilities in The innovative I-Core composite Austria. The award-winning triple-glazed construction provides additional strength products are made to specification and and durability, allowing lift-and-slide offer superior energy, acoustic and security doors to be available up to an incredible performance. They include timber-aluminium, 11m in width. uPVC and uPVC-aluminium windows, Additional features unique to Internorm lift-and-slide, as well as entrance doors. include Fix-O-Round technology. This is Available in a choice of designs and where the glass unit is bonded into the sash, colours, Internorm’s premium uPVC and providing a continuous connection between uPVC-aluminium range has excellent We are off ering you an amazing 50% discount on all external the glazing and frame. It improves stability, thermal performance, with U-values below colours on our Timber-Aluminium and uPVC-Aluminium windowsthermal insulation and soundproofing, 0.8W/m2K, and sound reduction of up to and doors ranges. Add a splash of colour to your home.offering burglary protection and greater 47dB. The popular timber-aluminium range durability for the window unit’s lifespan.

All Internorm windows include premium Eclaz coating as standard. Eclaz allows up to 10 per cent more daylight to enter through the glass. It helps to prevent heat loss and maintain a comfortable environment, reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint.

For further information, and to find your local, approved Internorm partner across the UK and Ireland, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit uk.internorm.com

Light f rom above

How to incorporate glass rooflights, lanterns and ceilings into your scheme

Feature CAROLINE RODRIGUES, REBECCA FOSTER & ANDREA MANLEY

There are a multitude of options for overhead glazing that will suit almost any home design, regardless of whether the roof is flat or pitched. Choose from fixed, slide-open, pop-up or pivot openings, and manual or remote operation. You can even specify high-performance glazing to reflect heat, self-clean or turn dark at the flick of a switch. But whichever design you choose, the main aim is the same: to bring as much natural light into the space as possible.

Choose your type

ABOVE This roof was designed by The Gentleman Architect (thegentlemanarchitect. com). If fully glazed, it may have led to the room over-heating, so this solution was developed to complement the cantilevered brick extension. The flat roof and glazing for the entire renovation cost £63,000

Often, the terms for overhead glazing are used interchangeably. But, in general, roof windows follow the plane and orientation of the roof pitch.

Rooflights are usually raised above the roofline and include an upstand or kerb system that supports the unit. They can be circular, square, rectangular and domed.

A lantern is a pyramid-shaped structure with several panes of glass. The glazing is framed by timber, aluminium or uPVC. ‘This design makes rooms look bigger, opens up the ceiling to the sky, maximises the light coming in and provides additional height,’ says Vanessa Howard, chief marketing officer at Roof Maker (roof-maker.co.uk).

Structurally glazed roofs extend across wide spans for a contemporary, frameless finish that lets in the maximum amount of light.

Safety first

It’s standard for units to be double glazed and fitted with safety glass, whether toughened, laminated or a combination of both. And there are many extra specifications, with an additional cost, that enhance performance. These include self-cleaning glass, triple glazing for insulation and noise reduction, and solar-control glass to reduce glare.

Consider the benefits

Overhead glazing is the best way to get daylight to the heart of a big, single-storey extension. ‘Roof windows bring in up to twice as much daylight as vertical designs,’ says Grant Sneddon, product manager at Velux (velux.co.uk).

It works best in tandem with a glazed door. And you can use it as a way of defining different areas in the room, such as above a kitchen island or a dining area in a side-return extension. In a basement conversion, borrow light from the room above with walk-on toughened-glass floor panels.

Planning regulations

As with glazed doors and windows, roof glazing should form part of the planning process for a self-build or renovation project. Often, its installation comes under permitted development (PD) rules, but there are exceptions. Even when a loft conversion, extension or renovation project falls under PD, there is a limitation on how far a rooflight is permitted to project above the roof plane.

Sometimes, bringing in light from above is the only way of brightening dark interiors. This includes homes in conservation areas, on tight infill sites and wherever making new openings in the wall is not allowed or not possible. In these cases, roof windows that sit flush with the roof and don’t detract from the house’s character offer a possible way of overcoming planning constraints.

ABOVE The remodelling of this Victorian house was designed by Paul Archer Design (paularcherdesign. co.uk). The upper- floor bedrooms and bathrooms were reorganised to create a central void with overhead glazing. The project cost £580,000 RIGHT Mitchell + Corti Architects (mitchellandcorti. com) helped their client stay on budget by installing a square rooflight, which cost around £2,000, in a new extension. It’s double-glazed, toughened glass with UV solar protection. The circular shape was created using plasterboard

Counting the cost

Off-the-shelf options are the most cost effective, but you may have to go bespoke if you need something that’s a non-standard size or an unusual design. It’s possible to keep costs down by being creative about standard-sized products. ‘A long length of glazing maximises light, but can be expensive,’ says Tom Grey, director at Grey Griffiths Architects (greygriffiths.com). ‘Another approach is to use a fixed rooflight that’s built in two sections, which can be fitted into a pitched roof.’

Letting in air

When overhead glazing needs to be openable for ventilation, consider trying automation and remote control. This is particularly relevant when a rooflight is above a stairwell. Some designs incorporate automatic, thermostatically controlled vents that are set to open once the interior reaches a certain temperature.

A more expensive but impressive solution for a particularly big space is a retractable rooflight that opens fully to create an indoor-outdoor look. For more information on rooflights and their installation, try the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers (narm.org.uk).

Shutters and aw nings

Shutters are a smart, versatile and energy-efficient way to dress your glazed windows and doors, while an exterior awning provides shade

Feature ANDREA MANLEY

Material choices

Top-of-the-range hardwood shutters can be painted or stained to reveal the grain pattern. ‘The beauty of hardwood shutters is how durable, robust and low maintenance they are, making them a long-lasting window covering that will add value to your home,’ says Abigail Chalk from Clement Browne (clementbrowne.co.uk).

Look for timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), as it’s guaranteed to be sustainable. Shutters made from paulownia, basswood, poplar or elm are a significant investment and prices vary according to type and whether you have them professionally installed. Composites such as MDF or craftwood are a more affordable option but can only be painted, not stained.

Vinyl shutters cope well with humid conditions and won’t warp or stain. ‘I’d always recommend choosing top-quality PVC designs for areas with high humidity,’ says Abigail Chalk. ‘They’re moisture resistant and virtually indistinguishable from hardwood.’

Vinyl shutters have a painted, wood-effect finish with an aluminium core and are a cost-effective hardwood alternative.

ABOVE Decorative and practical, full-height hardwood shutters in a white paint finish bring a timeless feel. From £413 per sqm, including home consultation and installation, Luxaflex (luxaflex.co.uk)

Choose solid panels

This classic shutter style gives a traditional look and comes in a range of designs, from simple Shaker styles to those with raised or moulded centre panels. Full-height shutters create a near blackout effect and offer high levels of noise and draught insulation when closed. Half-height panels that balance light and privacy are good for bathrooms that aren’t overlooked. ‘We are one of few companies who can custom paint waterproof polyvinyl shutters, so our half-solid raised panels are practical and create a focal point of vibrant colour in a bathroom,’ says Sam Tamlyn, general manager at Shutterly Fabulous (shutterlyfabulous.com).

Louvered options

Shutters with adjustable slats allow you to control sunlight, shade and privacy. They have a clean, uniform look and styles range from full-height to tier-on-tier and café-style or tracked shutters.

TOP Café-style hardwood shutters bring privacy without totally blocking out the light. From £299 per sqm, including home consultation and installation, Shutterly Fabulous (shutterlyfabulous.com) ABOVE Classic made-to-measure solid wood shutters, painted in Little Greene Mischief. From £499 per sqm plus £75 per panel for custom colour, including measuring and installation, Hillarys (hillarys.co.uk)

Professional installation

Shutters are a significant investment, and both the material you choose and the style will influence the final cost. At the premium end are companies that offer a bespoke service and will measure, make and install your shutters. ‘A professional will consider the architecture of the window. We’re seeing more unusually shaped windows, such as apex and gable ends, which need the expertise of a specialist designer,’ says James Chilton, technical product manager at Thomas Sanderson (thomassanderson.co.uk).

Going down the DIY route represents a real saving, although you’ll have to measure up your windows, order online and fit them yourself. This requires a certain amount of skill and is only recommended for standard windows.

Full-height shutters are ideal for most windows, but are particularly suited for tall ones, in which case they usually have a centrally placed dividing rail for strength. The louvres above and below the rail work independently so you can open the top set for light and keep the bottom shut for privacy. For large expanses of glazing or patio doors, a tracked system is recommended.

Café-style shutters are fitted at the bottom section of the window only so they provide privacy at eye level, while letting light enter above. ’They improve the look of your windows from outside and work particularly well on smaller windows and for those overlooking a pavement,’ says Sam Tamlyn, general manager at Shutterly Fabulous (shutterlyfabulous.com).

Slat size

Louvres or slats generally come in a choice of five different mm widths: 47, 63, 76, 89 and 114mm. ‘Wide louvres give a contemporary look, let in more light and allow for a better view,’ says Lisa Slack, head of product at Hillarys (hillarys.co.uk) ‘If you have wide floorboards or high skirting boards, carry these proportions through to the shutter design and choose wide panels and bigger slats.’

Smaller louvres are perfect if your window is overlooked and privacy is key. Traditionally, louvres are controlled via a tilt rod either on the outside of the shutter or hidden within, and some companies offer a remote-control option.

TOP Full-height shutters suit tall windows as the horizontal dividing rail provides extra support. From £413 per sqm including home consultation and installation, Luxaflex (luxaflex.co.uk) ABOVE Shutters with a PVC waterproof finish are easy to clean and ideal for humid conditions. From £299 per sqm, including home consultation & installation, Shutterly Fabulous (shutterlyfabulous.com)

Outdoor louvered roofs

All-weather patio louvered roof systems are a great outdoor shelter and will add a wow factor to contemporary homes. Motorised aluminium louvre blades pivot and let you control the amount of sunlight that can penetrate, and when closed they create a watertight roof system. Some systems are retractable, allowing the space beneath to be bathed in sunlight. The roofs are designed to fit into existing structures, be wall mounted or bought as part of an aluminium-frame pergola.

Take cover

Retractable patio awnings are the perfect solution for providing cover when needed, meaning you can make the most of indoor-outdoor living throughout the seasons. Available in a range of colours from neutral to bold, awnings provide shade from harmful UV rays, protect furniture from fading and keep the temperature of the adjacent room cooler.

TOP The Brera retractable louvre roof system has aluminium blades that pivot or retract and provide protection from sun and rain. Custom-made design, from £600 per sqm, IQ Glass (iqglassuk.com) ABOVE Shade an outdoor living space close to the house with a made-to-measure awning that retracts into a full cassette for storage. Base Plus model, £2,237 including home consultation and fitting, Luxaflex (luxaflex.co.uk)

THROW SHADE

Tips on how to choose a patio awning by Daniel Hatfield, marketing manager at Luxaflex (luxaflex.co.uk) ● A retractable awning is a great addition to an outside space. It controls sun, shade and rainfall. Fitted to a façade – usually above sliding, folding or French patio doors – it helps regulate solar heat and light to the adjoining internal room. ● A made-to-measure design ensures the perfect fit and positioning, but standard off-the-peg models are also available. The awning needs to be larger than the area you want to cover, as well as wider than any windows or doors. Most awnings are at least 3m wide and project between 1.5-4m. The maximum projection for a self-supporting awning is 4m but supported systems can be larger. ● For ease and convenience, choose an electronic motorised design that can be teamed with intelligent sun and wind sensors. The sun’s rays automatically activate the awning to provide shade on a sunny day, and when the wind picks up it automatically retracts to prevent damage. ● To ensure rainwater runoff the awning must be fitted at an angle of 14° or greater, otherwise water will pool. Choose a water-resistant, treated fabric so there’ll be no colour fade or rot. ● A streamlined, fully enclosed cassette casing provides a neat hideaway for the awning and protects the fabric and operating mechanism against the elements when not in use. Half-cassette cases only protect the fabric and the retractable arms fold away beneath the casing.