Aluminium Sliding Doors for Panoramic Views

Aluminium sliding doors ensure views for dream hillside retreat

Slim-framed aluminium sliding doors and fixed glazed panels maximise the mesmerising views from this new home on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. In one smooth action the doors open up the generous terrace and patio areas on ground and first floors, effortlessly delivering that connected inside/outside living space.

Replacing a tired bungalow, the new build house occupies a sensational site on a hillside surrounded by maritime pines and sub-tropical palms. With considerable thought as to how the glazing was going to fulfil their vision for living and embrace nature, the owners chose a combination of sliding doors, curtain walling, fixed and opening windows for a light-filled home. The open plan, reverse level layout means they enjoy panoramic sunsets from their dining and living areas, whatever the weather or time of year. They describe it as like ‘living in the open air’.

Sliding doors for ground and first floors

The master bedroom, the pool room and the music room each have three panel slimline sliding doors systems which open fully both ways. The living-dining area has a wide double panel door onto the balcony and a glass to glass fixed glazed corner for uninterrupted, wrap-around views.

The first floor entrance of this lovely home is framed by large picture windows ensuring through light and views from the moment you arrive. A curving staircase leads down to the ground floor and the music room. Double height curtain walling creates a glorious atrium which celebrates this home’s relationship with the landscape beyond and provides a stunning backdrop to any performance.

Black sliding doors suitable for exposed locations

The ODC SL320 doors and windows were chosen for their narrow sight lines and high specification suitable for exposed coastal areas. And, as this contemporary white flat-roofed house echoes modern Bauhaus designs of the early twentieth century, frames inside and out are finished in black.

Installation was not without its challenges but, as usual, our team was not fazed by this property’s winding narrow road access, its steep hillside site offering little room to manoeuvre, and even storm force high winds on the day of delivery.

Successful partnership with local architect and contractor

This beautiful house was designed by NDM Architects, a local practice experienced in a wide variety of projects across the south west. NDM’s approach encourages knowledge sharing and innovation, resulting in bespoke and sustainable architectural solutions. George Edmonds of NDM reflected on the project: ‘We utilised ODC’s SL320 system which offers incredibly thin frames so as not to disturb the amazing views over Golden Cap and Lyme Bay. This property came with its installation challenges, especially manoeuvring the vast glazing units onto site through steep narrow country lanes and craning them into position. This was no mean feat in the gale-force winds. Working with ODC through design and construction was a breeze; they have a fantastic showroom in Poole which is great for clients to get hands on with their different systems, which, with our guidance, helps them to choose the best system for their project.’

It was built by Northcott Building Contractors Ltd.  Based in Seaton in Devon, they specialise in bespoke, one-off, new build and full renovation projects. They deliver ambitious designs and complex technical solutions, all with high quality finishes. Tom Pook, of NBC said, ‘We installed underfloor heating throughout and paired it with an air source heat pump. This combined with good insulation, an excellent air tightness result and a heat recovery unit linked into the pool extraction systemmakes for not only beautiful home, but an energy efficient one.’