DIY: The Best Glazing on Channel 4’s Grand Designs
Although the projects featured on Grand Designs may all be different, they all share one common theme. For these projects to be successful, their glazing needs to fit the needs of the building and those who are occupying it. From floor to ceiling windows to energy efficient alternatives, there are some of the finest examples of glazing from Grand Designs and how Majestic Designs can achieve them at home:
Budget Bungalow, The Wirral
When Wirral based Stuart and Rosie set out to transform their run of the mill dormer bungalow, they wanted to create more light in the open plan living spaces. Like most Grand Designs participants, Stuart and Rosie had a very limited budget, but made their money stretch until their ugly 1960s bungalow was virtually unrecognisable.
One of the biggest transformations was in the glazing. Rather than opting for standard white window frames, Stuart and Rosie chose to use powdered aluminium frames in anthracite grey to match the stylish modern architecture of their home. Using coloured frames can change the look of your home, and in some cases, a change in frame colour could be just what you need to update your interior and exterior design.
To get a similar look, you could opt for powder coated coloured aluminium frames from Majestic Designs. We offer a range of powder coloured coatings for aluminium windows, including the anthracite grey used by Stuart and Rosie. All of our aluminium windows are powder coated in our state of the art factories in Cheddar, and will be fitted by our MTC registered and FENSA approved team of in-house lead installers.
Coloured aluminium windows from Majestic Designs feature warm edge thermal spacer bars and argon gas sealed units. This helps them to achieve such high WER scores. All of our windows
are accredited for their excellent durability, energy efficiency and weather resistance.
The Curve, Sussex
When Barry Surtees designed his five bedroom home in Sussex, the milkman turned builder designed it with Los Angeles in mind. The mansion boasted floor to ceiling windows, created with the bespoke curved glass which earned the building its name – The Curve. Although the glazing used in Barry’s magnificent house may be one of a kind, it is possible to create unique glazing features for your own home.
If you’re looking for extra special glazing for your property, Majestic Designs offer bespoke windows to create unique glazing features to your specifications. When designing bespoke windows, the Majestic Designs customer service team will be on hand to listen to your needs and advise before we begin to draw up plans for your own distinctive windows.
Our state-of-the-art factories feature some of the most advanced machinery in the glazing industry. Thanks to our investment in technology, we can create almost any shape window you require. If you want a triangular window, we can do it. Whether you need an arch or full circle, we have the skills and experience to meet even the most diverse requirements.
Kennington Water Tower, London
It was one of the most tense episodes in Grand Designs history, but the Kennington Water Tower has become a landmark for fans of the show. Boasting a lift, a glass cubed living room and incredible views of the London skyline, the Kennington Water Tower transformation saved a historic building whilst preserving the grace of the original architecture.
Aluminium windows are used to create the impressive glass structure which encases the living room. Even if you don’t have a large victorian water tower to renovate, aluminium windows can transform your house into a modern home, flooding living areas with light and making your house feel more spacious.
At Majestic Designs, we are seeing more customers than ever opting for aluminium windows. Aluminium windows benefit from a much slimmer frame, meaning you benefit from more glass. All of our windows are thermally broken using polyamide which provides excellent levels of insulation, eliminating any problems with heat loss. When you purchase from Majestic Designs you can be assured that our products offer excellent levels of energy efficiency, keeping your home warm all year round.
Periscope House, Norfolk
Natasha Cargill and her architectural designer Wilf Meynell were under more constraints than most when it came to planning their project. The idyllic plot Natasha chose was subject to Paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework, which meant that only the most innovative, energy-efficient building would do.
The house is sustainable down to the foundations, which sit on a thin and efficient insulated slab cast from eco concrete. The structure is timber framed, skinned with fibre panels and stuffed with carbon-neutral insulation.
If you’re encouraged by Natalie and Wilf’s eco-home, you don’t have to build an entirely new house – you could start by replacing tired windows with state-of-the-art, energy efficient windows from Majestic Designs. Whether you pick our aluminium windows with thermal break or state-of-the-art double glazing, you could begin the process of having a more energy efficient home. If you own a detached house and replace all single pane windows with Majestic Designs A+14 rated double glazing, the Energy Trust suggests you could save hundreds of pounds a year.
Feeling Inspired?
If you’re feeling inspired, let our customer service team help you make the right choice. You can visit our stylish Cheddar showroom or call us today on 01934 741 294. You can also get in touch via our contact form to get the help, advice, and information you really need.
