Express Bi-Folds 22 Smart Buildings

Stunning Traditional Property Given New Life With Express Bi-Folding Doors

How this spectacular home was transformed with new Express Bi-Folding Doors and windows

Background

The owners of this traditional detached property in Surrey wanted to replace their existing timber windows and doors with aluminium to not only refresh the look of the home but also benefit from maintenance-free doors and windows.

They employed a local design practice to assist with the home’s upgrade, which included removing an old conservatory and replacing with a pitched roof extension to create an open plan kitchen and dining area that would connect with the large rear garden. With these plans in place, the homeowners and architect visited the EBD (Express Bi-Folding Doors) showroom in Redhill to get a feel for their products and to discuss the project with an experienced sales team.

What Express Bi-Folding Doors Delivered

Steve Bromberg, Managing Director at Express BiFolding Doors, said: “When the homeowners came to us with their vision for their home renovations, we knew we’d be able to bring their dreams to life. “We provided expert product knowledge to the client throughout, from our fantastic sales team guiding them through the ideal product selection from our comprehensive portfolio, to an on-site surveyor to assess the unique property specifications, and of course, our skilled contractors to make it all a reality.”

Scenic Casement Windows

The renovations started by ripping out the existing timber windows and replacing with EBD’s sleek aluminium windows. The Scenic casement windows they manufacture are perfect for replacement installations and new-build homes, boasting slim and equal sightlines for that added touch of flawlessness. Clean lines and stunning finishes are complemented further by minimal maintenance, as EBD’s customers get added peace of mind due to their celebrated design accreditations and superb thermal performance, with an energy rating of A++ and overall U values as low as 1.

French And Bi-Folding Doors

Due to the size of the property, EBD installed various single and French doors throughout. However, the home’s rear elevation benefitted most, with EBD utlising three XP View bi-folding doors to stunning effect.

The kitchen extension contains full height glazing on its three elevations. A six panel bi-fold door runs the full width of the space, while the larger return can

be completely opened also with a three panel bifold complete with everyday access door, which is mirrored on the smaller return by a matching side door. Coupled with Velux rooflights in the pitched roof, the full height folding doors ensure that the kitchen is bathed in natural light, whilst drinking in the beautiful Surrey countryside. The doors meet on two corners, fixed to two structural steel posts. After the installation was complete, EBD measured and installed bespoke, insulated aluminium pressings to minimise the thickness of the steel and to ensure a cohesive look to the three separate doors, which form the glazed perimeter of the new extension. Adjacently, the warm and comfortable snug area complete with stove fire and drape curtains contains two sets of French doors that flank a four-panel bifolding door. This is a truly year-round room that can be dark, private and cosy throughout the winter or an evening, and light, airy and literally part of the garden during a family BBQ or through the Spring and Summer months.

Integral Blinds

Electronically operated integral blinds add to the contemporary twist added to this home. Alleviating the need for curtains, the blinds are operated by remote control to either manage the sunlight, or close completely for privacy. Manual-operated sliding blinds have been used throughout in the casement windows also.

Steve commented: “Integral blinds are perfect for bi-folding doors, as they fold away with the doors when they’re opened and never require cleaning because they don’t gather dust or moisture, making them perfect for windows in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.”

Welcoming Entrance Doors

Finally, EBD manufactured and installed one of their distinctive Premium entrance doors; the finishing touch to this contemporary renovation. The ‘Caverrostyle’ front door immediately added a modern twist to this traditional home, hinting towards the renewed and fresh feel visitors will see once inside.

Steve stated: “We offer two ranges of quality front doors; our Premium range, like the one utilised on this project, and our more cost-effective ‘XP77’ range. Available in bespoke sizes, any colour and a range of characteristic designs, our front entrance doors are the perfect design statement when setting out the tone of your home.” The homeowners were delighted with the finished results. The home has kept its warmth, charm and character, but feels modern and secure. The rear elevation ticks all the boxes for today’s home renovations trends: light and open spaces, insideoutside living, views out to the garden and beyond, as well as a seamless connection to the outside space. A beautifully renovated home that is perfectly suited to be enjoyed twelve months a year.

If you want to find out how Express’ new products can transform your home, visit

www.expressbifolds.co.uk.

Products Used

• Scenic Windows – Various sizes throughout. • Caverro Style Premium Entrance

Door – 940mm x 2110mm • XP View bi-folding doors – 5164mm x 2100mm (six panels) 3104mm x 2100mm (three panels) 3394mm x 2112mm (four panels) • Electronically operated Uniblinds in the bi-folding doors. • Manual operated SV Uniblinds in the aluminium windows. 45

Regal London acquires new Hackney plot for residential-led mixed-use scheme

Mixed-use developer continues acquisitive period with seventh Hackney project. £65m scheme on Warburton Road to incorporate residential and commercial space to benefit local area.

It has acquired the plot with planning permission already granted for 59 housing units and 26,500 sq ft floorspace for commercial use. Work is due to commence on site in Q3 2021 with completion targeted in Q1 2024.

Regal London’s vision is for a £65m scheme that will comprise 22 onebed units, 24 twobed units and 13 three-bed units, all of which are configured around a central internal courtyard that allows for good levels of natural light for residents. Each flat and communal space will also benefit from large private balconies, and the development provides secure cycle parking spaces. The existing Laundry Building was constructed in the 1960s and has direct frontages onto Warburton Road, Mentmore Terrace and Sidworth Street. In keeping with Regal London’s focus on regeneration areas, in recent years London Fields has undergone an urban renaissance with small scale artisan bakers, coffee shops and wholefood stores recently opened in the immediate vicinity. This is Regal London’s seventh site in Hackney, and follows the recently completed Shoreditch Exchange development on nearby Hackney Road. As part of Regal London’s commitment to sustainability, commercial units will achieve BREEAM Excellent. In addition to the physical impact of the scheme, the company is also looking to offer opportunities to those in the local community, for example, 10% of the commercial floorspace will be provided as affordable. CIL contributions for the scheme total over £1.25m. Simon De Friend, Joint Founder of Regal London, commented: “This is another exciting acquisition in an area that we’ve played a key role in transforming in recent years. We look forward to adding to the extensive work we’ve done to date within London Borough of Hackney. Our plans for Warburton Road will create a development that complements and benefits the local area and its community via our commercial workspace and the provision of much-needed housing. “We will continue to acquire strategic sites across the city that support our mixed-use capabilities and capitalise on our expertise in regeneration projects, creating developments in the process that reflect the diversity, vibrance and history of London. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, our land acquisition strategy remains constant and our integrated model has proved hugely resilient during this period.” Regal London, one of London’s leading residential-led mixed-use developers, has completed its acquisition of the Laundry Building site on Warburton Road, near to London Fields in Hackney. The developer, who also recently announced its purchase of land near Wembley Stadium for a £270m scheme, has continued its acquisitive period and remains confident about further growth.