The homeowner had created an expansive sunroom on the rear of their Victorian property and had a very specific specification for what window and door products they had in mind and how they would use them.
“The homeowner opted for a five-panel bi-folding door which could also be used as an everyday access door, allowing them to utilise their existing space better,” explains Founder of Express, Steve Bromberg.
Express’ client was looking for contemporary products that would create a bold feature and contrast the rest of the house. The number one priority for the client was maximising natural light while the doors were closed. Steve explains: “The client’s sunroom looked out onto an immaculate garden that they wanted to enjoy throughout the seasons, therefore they wanted to open their sunroom up to their immaculate views.
“We created a space that can be enjoyed all year round and the natural light that enters the property has been fully maximised through clever bespoke touches, such as the glass hipped roof, spreading light throughout the ground floor.”
Express installed the lean-to roof and produced it from the same profiles as the skyline roof lantern. Its appearance is led by modern, architectural design and the profiles are 60% slimmer than other roofing products, minimising the frame and maximising the glass area – which means more light – without compromising on structural integrity.
“In a nutshell, our client chose the slimmest and most visually-modern roof we offer,” enthuses Steve.
Bi-folding doors allow homeowners to flood homes with light, making rooms appear larger and creating open living spaces that connect with the outdoors for year-round garden views. A folding door allows a homeowner to create a 90% clear opening which will completely transform a space that was previously lacking in natural light.
Floor-to-ceiling glazed doors will bathe any room in natural light. The decision to use picture windows and the skyline roof profile in this project has allowed use of minimal frame in the hipped roof area, making a huge impact in terms of maximising natural light.
The homeowners had a big sandstone house and white windows on the original build to have that traditional appeal. The dark grey profiles Express installed emphasise the extension and that is immediately where your eyes are drawn to. This has helped to create a feature of the extension that complements the traditional build.
Express’ products were finished in RAL 9005 black, in a metallic textured finish. This finish is harder to scratch, but also takes all glass out of the paint, giving it a more premium look and feel.
The complexity of the roof proved difficult for Express, as Steve explains: “We built a steel portal frame for the roof to sit on, designed so it could project a large span without using unattractive mounting bars. This wasn’t really an obstacle as we do it all the time, it just meant we had to return to the property with pressing for the portal frame as we measured the required pressings once everything else was installed.
“The glass wall we have created looks great and won’t have that chill in winter because of the solar heat gain within the glazing. The space is now completely versatile with the bridged gap between indoors and the garden, allowing for free-flowing spaces during the warmer months,” concludes Steve.
Express was started in 2007 by Steve Bromberg and his father, who spotted the emerging trend of bi-folding doors, and a gap in the market for quality, UK-manufactured products created quickly. Express is family-owned and managed, and manufactures all its products in the UK as well as offering an installation service.