The Normans wanted to create a home that would remind them of being on holiday. Their 1960s chalet in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, has been transformed over the years into a modern family home, and their latest project has been to build a garden room with a Spanish feel.

At the Grand Designs Show in London, the Normans met Origin, a UK specialist manufacturer of bespoke aluminium folding sliding doors and were impressed with the versatility of bi-folding doors. For them the key points – bespoke design, fast lead times, security and variety – proved to be the ideal solution for their extension.

“In terms of quality, we wanted the best; the fact that Origin doors are entirely UK manufactured is great. We visited the factory and showroom in High Wycombe and were convinced that they could supply the doors we wanted for our extension,” says Julia Norman.

Inspired by the modern architecture of their home in Spain, they wanted a room that reminded them of being on holiday so they commissioned Origin to design their bi-fold doors for their 7.5m by 3.6m extension.

Design aspects such as crema marfil marble tiles, cream stone walls and inward opening windows, were dictated by the Normans in the extension design. They specified a five door set-up all folding and sliding in the same direction and a separate three door set-up, to create as much open space as possible.

The bi-folding doors are energy-saving, with superior thermal efficiency as well as tinted and self-cleaning smart glass. The material used for the bi-folds is high grade aluminium allowing for a narrow, more aesthetically pleasing frame. The realistic wood grain effect of the doors fits with the design of the house and the existing window frames which were important factors for the Normans. The doors pictured are in Origin’s newest wood grain effect colour, Walnut.

The 264sq ft extension has transformed the house, creating the garden room they always wanted. Julia elaborates: “The whole structure of the garden room is perfect, the living area has an open plan feel so we can enjoy the garden, it also serves as an ideal entertaining space. We love the infinity of light that seems to pour in throughout the day – it reminds us of our holiday home in Spain.

“The whole process has been very simple. We basically handed everything over to the Origin team who recommended the different builders and installers to complete the extension we wanted.  The extension has changed the way we view and use the house. It was the change we needed to fall in love with our home all over again – we certainly won’t be moving any time soon.”

Family entertaining is very important to the Normans. They often have big family holidays in Spain and wanted to bring that feeling of warmth and light back to their Rickmansworth home. This wonderful bi-fold extension has created the ultimate indoor/outdoor living area for the whole family to enjoy. “One of the super things about Origin bi-folding doors is that they are ‘finger safe’, my daughter has recently had a baby, and important features like ‘finger safe’ gaskets are so important,” adds Julia. The gaskets Origin uses between each door leaf are specially made to protect inquisitive little fingers.

After two years in the planning, the Normans’ house certainly has the ‘wow’ factor. As soon as you walk into their home, the light steaming through the 4185 x 2070mm five set and 2525 x 2080mm three bi-fold set immediately draws you towards their open-plan garden room.

The final word goes to Julia Norman: “Without hesitation I would recommend Origin. Their confidence in their product translates – they are the best of the best. Their customer service is second to none.”

Post by Neil Ginger, CEO, Origin Easifold Doors