Private Property, West Bridgford

Timber-clad rear extension in West Bridgford with black steel-look glazing

Steel-look glazing for an open-plan extension

Working with AM2 Architects, we designed, supplied and installed bespoke steel-look glazing for a large open-plan extension to a family home in West Bridgford. The screens come from Aluco Aluminium’s steel-look range, powder-coated in RAL 9005 black.

The brief

The clients wanted as much natural light as possible. They also wanted a steel-look aesthetic that would sit comfortably with the property’s existing timber frames. The extension brings the kitchen, dining and living areas together into one space, so the glazing was central to opening it up.

Open-plan kitchen in a West Bridgford extension with black Aluco steel-look screens

Our approach to steel-look glazing

Aluco’s steel-look range was the right fit. It combines the slim, industrial lines of traditional steel with the thermal performance of modern aluminium. In addition, aluminium is more affordable than true steel and needs less upkeep over time.

The project used several different screens, so every glazing bar and detail had to line up across them. We therefore produced detailed CAD drawings to coordinate this before manufacture. Because every screen was made to measure, we could size each panel to suit the openings exactly, rather than adapting the design to standard sizes.

We also detailed the thresholds so the floor runs uninterrupted from inside to out. As a result, the garden feels like part of the living space.

Dining area framed by black steel-look glazed screens overlooking the garden
Kitchen in a West Bridgford extension with black steel-look glazing

The result

The black frames give the extension a bold, crafted look, and they sit well against the timber. Meanwhile, the open-plan space is now full of daylight all year round. The project shows how steel-look glazing can add real character to a modern extension. For homeowners who love the look of traditional steel windows but want better insulation, it is well worth considering.

Products used

You can find out more about the manufacturer on the Building Centre’s Aluco profile.

Black steel-look aluminium doors on a timber-clad garden room

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