What would you replace this wall of glass with?

[Catz]

Currently getting all our windows replaced with hardwood but a little stuck with what to with the window below!

At the moment it's 2 sliders in the middle and the rest is fixed. A very old aluminium frame but it is very slim which poses the problem of replacing it. The guy who's making the windows has explained that if it's made the same in wood the framework will be a lot chunkier and we'd effectively "lose" the smallest triangular window at the top. He's suggesting French doors with large fixed panes either side and possibly just having the top area in 2 pieces.
Or bifold doors but I just think they'd have too much wood and not enough glass.

Stuck!
Suggestions appreciated.

[Salterns]

I'd have doors that fold back all the way and loose all the glass above. Just my opinion.

[SAB888]

Bifold doors would look great.

[Renovation]

Surely the obvious solution is modern aluminium frame.

The reason it's come back into fashion is because of it's slim profile.

If you have a higher budget - frameless glass

[Catz]

Salterns, can't lose the glass above easily so not really an option.

A modern aluminium frame might be the answer but I'm unsure how to match it up with the wooden windows and new front door (oak colour).

[Renovation]

Catz said:

Salterns, can't lose the glass above easily so not really an option.

A modern aluminium frame might be the answer but I'm unsure how to match it up with the wooden windows and new front door (oak colour).

I'm sure someone will wrap it in an Oak look film but personally I'd go grey as a contrast.

[DUMBO100]

My Dad built,, and we lived in, timber framed houses identical to that one. The balcony was great and the shape of the roof means you can have massive Christmas trees in the corner. When we sold the house the next owner fitted white PVC with inward opening doors? And it ruined the look of the house. I'd try to stay as original looking as possible

Edited by DUMBO100 on Tuesday 19th August 23:49

[ManiacGT]

Stick with the shape and the wood to match. Keep a triangle of glass as a single pane above and then put folding doors along the square section.

This is what we have (below) at the end of our kitchen, albeit on a smaller scale. It allows much more light into the space and allows you to close curtains if you wish for privacy without cutting out all the light.

Edited by ManiacGT on Wednesday 20th August 12:38

Edited by ManiacGT on Wednesday 20th August 12:39

[TA14]

Catz said:

He's suggesting French doors with large fixed panes either side and possibly just having the top area in 2 pieces.

If you do that make the doors 200mm higher (or 150mm higher and 100mm wider on each side.)

[RizzoTheRat]

If you're having them custom built can you make the doors a bit taller, raising the horizontal beam up so that the top section is 3 panes instead of 4?

[ATG]

I'm going to be singularly unhelpful here, but I'd be bloody careful changing the proportions of the windows and frames. The whole look of the thing relies on the current geometry including its relation to the balcony's barrier. Looks like it would be very easy to make an apparently small change that would bks up the whole thing.

[TA14]

ATG said:

The whole look of the thing relies on the current geometry including its relation to the balcony's barrier.

Whilst that would be goo to do visually the existing set up did not take that into consideration.

[FlossyThePig]

What does the rest of the house look like outside?

You should consider the whole elevation rather than just one room. If you are not careful you can replace visually light frames with much heavier items and lose balance inside and out.

[japgt]

Could you leave the top glass sections as they are and retro fit bi fold doors below??

[Catz]

Thanks very much for all the input! It's given me a few things to think about.

DUMBO100 said:

My Dad built,, and we lived in, timber framed houses identical to that one. The balcony was great and the shape of the roof means you can have massive Christmas trees in the corner. When we sold the house the next owner fitted white PVC with inward opening doors? And it ruined the look of the house. I'd try to stay as original looking as possible.

That's really interesting, I've only ever seen 3 other houses of this design. I agree about ruining the look of the house as this window is almost part of the architecture.

ATG said:

I'm going to be singularly unhelpful here, but I'd be bloody careful changing the proportions of the windows and frames. The whole look of the thing relies on the current geometry including its relation to the balcony's barrier. Looks like it would be very easy to make an apparently small change that would bks up the whole thing.

It does rely on proportions which is why I really need to get this right! The balcony is being replaced though and will just be chrome and glass.

japgt said:

Could you leave the top glass sections as they are and retro fit bi fold doors below??

I'm led to believe it's all one piece, so it's all or nothing!


As for the outside of the house, well it's in a bit of a sorry state. Doing windows, roofline, front door, balcony and something with the horrid pebbledash so hopefully get it looking a little happier. For those interested the outside looks like this ...

[TLandCruiser]

Once thats rendered and you decide on what to replace the glass with plus the relocation of the burglar alarm, it will look a really interesting house and much better where in the country is it? for some reason I would say Scotland? great potential!

[Catz]

Thankyou!

And yes it is in Scotland's Central Belt.

[Renovation]

I like it.

Render the lot and it'll really lift it.

[Simpo Two]

Renovation said:

Render the lot and it'll really lift it.

Or some cedar cladding a la Grand Designs?

[Renovation]

Simpo Two said:

Renovation said:

Render the lot and it'll really lift it.

Or some cedar cladding a la Grand Designs?

They always show that when it's lovely and new - 18 months later it looks terrible - there is nothing nice about faded, grey wood IMO.