St Albans Project
Materials & Systems Installed
- 2 × Cortizo aluminium flush casement windows
- 1 × Cortizo oversized aluminium bi-folding door
- 1 × Aluminium-framed self-cleaning pyramid sky lantern
- Slimline aluminium glazing systems are used throughout
The Project Story
This St Albans project was all about opening up the back of the home and making it feel brighter, more connected, and a lot more modern without losing the character of the original property. The house itself had a solid structure and traditional brickwork, but the rear elevation felt a bit closed in and dated.
The client wanted something clean and contemporary, but not too sharp or out of place. Black aluminium was the direction we settled on early — it gives that modern edge, but against brick like this, it still feels right at home.
What We Had to Solve
The biggest challenge here wasn’t just swapping windows and doors — it was about proportion and balance. The existing openings didn’t fully take advantage of the available space, especially at the rear where natural light could have been doing a lot more.
We also had to carefully work around the new extension structure and roof layout. Integrating a sky lantern while keeping everything watertight and visually aligned was key. On top of that, the client wanted larger glazing areas without making the frames feel bulky or overpowering.
How We Delivered
We installed two Cortizo aluminium flush casement windows, keeping the sightlines slim and consistent with the rest of the design. These were positioned to bring in light without interrupting the clean lines of the brickwork.
For the main feature, we fitted an oversized Cortizo aluminium bi-folding door. This completely transformed the rear of the property, creating a wide opening that connects the indoor space directly to the garden.
To finish it off, we added an aluminium-framed self-cleaning pyramid sky lantern. This was a key element — it pulls natural light deep into the space from above, which is especially useful given the extension layout.
Everything was carefully aligned so the frames, doors, and lantern all worked together visually, rather than feeling like separate additions.
The Final Result
The difference is immediate. What was once a fairly enclosed rear space is now open, bright, and much more usable. The large bi-fold doors bring in loads of natural light during the day, while the sky lantern adds that extra dimension from above that really lifts the whole room.
From the outside, the black aluminium frames give a sharp, modern finish that contrasts nicely with the existing brickwork without clashing with it. It feels updated, but still in keeping with the property.
Overall, it’s one of those projects where everything just comes together — clean lines, better light, and a space that genuinely feels bigger and more inviting.
