When our client decided to expand their recently constructed detached home in Guildford, Surrey, their vision was clear: they wanted an all-year-round aluminium wintergarden and glass room that seamlessly blended with their modern aesthetic while ensuring comfort throughout the seasons.
The goal was to create a versatile space that would not overheat in the summer or become unbearably cold in the winter, providing the ideal family environment for dining, living, and gatherings. However, embarking on such an ambitious project naturally brought forth concerns about maintaining thermal comfort, ensuring energy efficiency, and integrating the new extension with the existing structure without compromising the home’s architectural integrity. Other concerns were delivery and execution and the complexities of building such a large structure. The expertise of Aluminium Doors and Windows Ltd (ADW) ensured this project was a success for all concerned.
Overcoming Challenges with Expertise and Guidance
Understanding our customers’ aspirations and apprehensions, Aluminium Doors and Windows Ltd stepped in to provide comprehensive support from the initial consultation to the final installation. With over fifty years of combined construction experience, our team was well-equipped to address the complexities of creating a wintergarden that met the client’s high standards.
We began by thoroughly assessing the site, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, ventilation needs, and the overall layout of the existing home.
One of the primary concerns was ensuring that the substantial use of glass within the aluminium wintergarden would not lead to excessive heat gain in the summer or heat loss during the colder months. Leveraging our expertise, we recommended high-performance safety glass with soft-coat low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, warm edge spacer bars, and argon gas fill. These features work together to significantly reduce thermal transfer, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment regardless of the weather outside. Additionally, we incorporated self-cleaning glass with solar control properties in the glazed roof to minimize maintenance and enhance energy efficiency.
Throughout the project, we maintained open and transparent communication with our customers, addressing their concerns with tailored solutions. Our comprehensive approach included detailed planning and collaboration with their builder to ensure precise door and window apertures, minimizing disruptions to the existing structure. By managing the entire process—from manufacturing our bespoke aluminium systems to the meticulous installation—we ensured that every aspect of the project adhered to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Innovative Design and Superior Performance
The heart of the aluminium wintergarden extension is its expansive lean-to glazed roof, boasting an impressive ten-meter span and five-meter depth. This large glass structure floods the space with natural light and provides panoramic views of the surrounding garden, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. At the front of the extension, we installed two large sets of four-panel precision-crafted sliding doors in a sophisticated lift and slide design featuring a quadruple-track system.
Unlike traditional four-panel doors that typically offer only a 50% clear opening, our innovative quadruple track allows all four panels to slide to one side, providing a three-quarters clear opening. This design significantly enhances accessibility and seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The lift and slide doors are a standout feature, equipped with multifunctional handles that rotate to raise the door panels off their tracks, allowing for effortless movement. This mechanism makes the doors lighter and easier to operate compared to standard inline sliding doors and offers the unique ability to open and lock the doors in place partially. This functionality provides an air gap for ventilation while ensuring the doors remain secure against external forces, offering convenience and peace of mind.
We utilised high-performance safety glass throughout the installation to prevent excess heat buildup and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. The doors are glazed with toughened safety glass, enhancing durability and safety. The soft-coat low-emissivity coating minimizes heat transfer, while the warm edge spacer bars and argon gas fill further improve thermal performance. The self-cleaning glass roof with solar control properties ensures that the wintergarden remains pristine with minimal maintenance, allowing the Smiths to enjoy their new space without hassle.
Aluminium Wintergarden. Comfort, Aesthetics and Functionality
The extension is finished in a contemporary grey RAL 7016, perfectly complementing the existing architecture of the Smiths’ home. This cohesive colour palette ensures that the wintergarden integrates seamlessly with the overall design, enhancing the home’s modern aesthetic while contrasting the surrounding greenery. The spacious wintergarden effectively encloses the family kitchen, creating additional dining and living areas that are both functional and visually appealing.
Beyond the immediate benefits of increased living space and enhanced aesthetic appeal, the wintergarden extension offers significant property value and lifestyle advantages. The addition of a glass room provides a versatile area for year-round use and adds substantial value to the property, making it a wise investment for the future. Compared to conventional brick-built extensions, the wintergarden is less intrusive and quicker to install, reducing the overall hassle and disruption to the family’s daily life.
Client Satisfaction: A Beautiful and Functional Outcome
Completing the aluminium wintergarden extension has transformed the Smiths’ home into a bright, airy sanctuary for the entire family. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow created by the quadruple track lift and slide doors allows for effortless entertaining and everyday living, fostering a deeper connection with their garden space. The high-performance safety glass ensures that the wintergarden remains comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the year, fulfilling the client’s vision of a versatile, all-season glass room.
By choosing to work with a company that manufactures, fits, and guarantees their products, our customer has gained a beautiful extension to their home and the confidence that their investment is built to last.
Our customer is delighted with the outcome, praising the professionalism and expertise of the Aluminium Doors and Windows Ltd team. They said:
Working with David and Mario at ADW has been a dream in creating our new kitchen extension. ADW appreciated the level of detail we needed, the overall quality needed for our forever home. We got all this and more, with a smooth, hassle-free installation process.
Your glazed aluminium wintergarden specialists. Contact us today.
This Guildford project exemplifies Aluminium Doors and Windows Ltd’s commitment to delivering exceptional home transformations through innovative design, superior craftsmanship, and unparalleled customer service. By understanding and addressing each client’s unique needs and concerns, we ensure that every installation meets and exceeds expectations. The stunning aluminium wintergarden extension in Guildford is a testament to our expertise and dedication, providing a beautiful, functional space that enhances both the living experience and the value of their property.
At Aluminium Doors and Windows Ltd, we pride ourselves on turning ambitious visions into reality. With our extensive construction experience and control over the entire manufacturing and installation process, we guarantee that every project is “Made, Fitted, and Guaranteed by us,” ensuring lasting satisfaction and excellence in every detail.