EDITOR ' S CHOICE
SOLARLUX BRINGS THE OUTSIDE IN AT A LUXURY BEDFORD SELF-BUILD
When Martin Shaw began building his dream home in the Bedfordshire countryside, he worked with Solarlux and Spectrum Architectural Glazing to create a highly glazed home that brought the outside indoors, while also ensuring adequate thermal performance and wind resistance for the exposed location. The result is a contemporary self-build where expansive glazing plays a central role in connecting the interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.
A combination of Cero III sliding patio doors, Highline bifold doors and a bespoke glazed panel was used to create floor-to-ceiling glazing across two storeys.
SLIDING DOORS CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING HEAVY WINDS
The glazing needed to be carefully planned to withstand wind loading without compromising aesthetics. Solarlux’ s precision-engineered aluminium-frame systems offered the ideal combination of strength, weather resistance and elegance.
With engineered steel reinforcement in the handle profile, Cero III sliding doors can support glazing sizes and weights higher than typical system limits. This made them particularly well suited to the large openings required for the project, where performance and minimal sightlines were equally important. m ² K, and Class 3 airtightness, contributing to yearround comfort and low energy use. For a home with such extensive areas of glazing, achieving this balance between expansive views, thermal performance and weather protection was a key consideration.
COMBINING PREMIUM SLIDING DOORS, BIFOLD DOORS AND BESPOKE GLAZING
The ultra-narrow sightlines of the Cero III system and minimal vertical frame elements create large, uninterrupted areas of glazing. Each sliding element can reach up to 6m in height or 4m wide, with a maximum panel area of 15m ², filling rooms with natural light and framing the outdoor view like a living artwork.
The Highline bifold doors offer fully operable panels that can be turned and stacked to one side, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors.
As a leading manufacturer of premium aluminium glazing systems, including sliding doors and bifold patio doors, Solarlux has over 40 years’ experience and a network of trusted installation partners.
Visit the Solarlux website www. solarlux. com to explore our range of premium glazing systems and discover how our expert team can help bring your vision to life.
ACHIEVING THERMAL EFFICIENCY WITH SLIDING GLASS DOORS
The triple-glazed Cero III system can provide Uw values of around 0.8W / m ² k and is capable of achieving Class 4 air tightness under EN 12207, indicating minimal air infiltration.
Highline bifold glass doors provide comparable performance, achieving Uw values of around 0.8 W /
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