Chigwell Window Centre proudly showcases its expertise at creating bespoke aluminium windows for a dramatically different kitchen extension in Forest Hill, South London.
Kitchen extensions in London homes are nothing new at Chigwell Window Centre. We manufacture a complete range of products for these every day. However, when homeowners Nic Gray and Hayfa Hamdan decided to extend their charming semi-detached house in Forest Hill’s Perry Vale and Christmas Estate Conservation Area, they envisioned a space that seamlessly blended contemporary design with the property’s traditional features.
Central to this transformation were the bespoke windows and doors crafted by Chigwell Window Centre, which played a pivotal role in bringing natural light and architectural elegance into their home. The bespoke nature is how they’re designed and how roof windows and feature glazing work together, all in a bold gold finish. The north-facing elevation also meant natural light was essential to the glazing package.
Blending Tradition with Modernity
The original house boasted classic elements such as curved bay timber patio doors and traditional timber sash windows. To honour this heritage while introducing modern aesthetics, the extension featured gold powder-coated bespoke aluminium windows from the Alitherm 400 collection but unique curved heads and bottom glazed panels. These designs echoed the home’s original curves, creating a harmonious flow between old and new.
The Architectural Marvel of Curved Glazing
One of the standout features of the project is the dramatic use of arch-shaped glazed openings. A fixed feature window with a semicircular bottom glazed panel serves as a focal point, connected to a bespoke lean-to glazed roof. This roof extends from the main window to a similar curved semicircular window, allowing light to flood the space from both above and the sides. The effect is a bright, airy kitchen that feels both expansive and intimately connected to the outdoors.
Craftsmanship and Precision
Curving aluminium window sections is a complex process that requires precision and expertise. Once the structural openings were formed, Chigwell Window Centre took meticulous templates of each opening. These templates guided the fabrication process, ensuring each window and door fit perfectly upon installation. The materials were powder-coated in a bespoke gold finish, adding a touch of luxury to the home’s exterior and interior.
The French doors and opening casement window also feature colour-matched handles. Getting a bespoke finish on any door or window handle comes with technical challenges, such as colouring different types of metals whilst ensuring the correct finish and quality. The result is a uniform look throughout with an elegant and seamless overall appearance to doors, windows, and fixed feature windows.
High-Quality Materials for Enhanced Performance
The Alitherm 400 windows and doors were chosen for their aesthetic appeal and performance. Each unit was fitted with high-specification glass featuring soft-coat low-emissivity coatings, warm edge spacer bars, and argon gas fill. This combination ensures excellent thermal efficiency, keeping the home comfortable year-round. Additionally, the roof glazing incorporated insulated roof bars and self-cleaning, anti-sun coatings, reducing maintenance and enhancing comfort.
Attention to Detail
Every aspect of the windows and doors was carefully considered. Colour-matched bespoke door and window handles were selected to complement the gold finish—a technically challenging endeavour that we at Chigwell Window Centre executed flawlessly. Additional colour-matched flashings and copings were installed to ensure seamless integration between the windows, doors, and roof glazing.
A Collaborative Success
The project was a true collaboration between us, our homeowner clients, their architect, and the construction team. By choosing to focus on high-impact design elements like bespoke glazing, Nic and Hayfa were able to create a space that is both functional and visually stunning. The new kitchen not only meets their needs for hosting friends and family but also enhances the overall character of their home.
Bringing New Life to the Home
The substantial amount of natural light and the connection to the outdoors have transformed how the family experiences their home. The once gloomy, north-facing kitchen is a bright, inviting space where they can cook, gather, and create memories. The successful blend of contemporary glazing solutions with traditional architectural features is a testament to Chigwell Window Centre’s commitment to quality and design excellence.
Products and Services Provided
- Roof Glazing: Dedicated bespoke roof glazing with insulated roof bars featuring high-specification safety glass with self-cleaning and anti-sun coatings.
- Windows and Doors: Alitherm 400 windows and doors in a bespoke gold finish, equipped with high-specification glass units, including soft-coat low-emissivity coatings, warm edge spacer bars, and argon gas fill.
- Hardware: Colour-matched bespoke door and window handles.
- Feature Window: This fixed feature window has a semicircular bottom glazed panel, central mullion, and two feature transoms. It is connected to the lean-to roof with additional colour-matched flashings and copings.
Bespoke aluminium windows in London – Contact us today.
This project highlights how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can revitalise a home, merging the best of traditional and contemporary elements. Chigwell Window Centre’s expertise in creating bespoke glazing solutions was instrumental in achieving the homeowners’ vision, resulting in a space that is as beautiful as it is functional.
At Chigwell Window Centre, we manufacture all our windows and doors, expertly installed by our installers and all with a peace of mind guarantee. Contact us today or arrange a viewing at our Epsom, Loughton or Romford Showrooms.
