Hi Jonathan, A nice big span like that will really open up the extension to the outdoor space and will look amazing. Crittall will provide the style and class, and with the wide span I would look at putting maybe three sets of double doors seperated by frames so on a nice day you can open all three sets of doors and get a real link to the outside. They'll be quick and easy to shut and you can adopt just the one double door as your frequent use door if the weather is unkind. See our website for more information on Crittall Doors and Windows and download the brochures. The example photo shows two sets of double doors in frames over a six meter span. Note: One more thing to consider is the lead time - Crittall has a lead time of 16-20 weeks, so if you do plan on installing Crittall, get the order in within plenty of time. Bifolding doors do not need to look so modern and (dare I say) a bit sterile - horizontal glazing bars can provide the contemporary look if you are after the Crittall style. The big advantage of bifolds is you can get a clear 95% width opening, so in good weather, you really are at one with the outdoors. You should either look to fit an odd number of doors all folding to one side so you can have one frequent use "traffic" door, or an even number of doors split in the middle so you can have two traffic doors in the middle that act like standard patio doors. (With big span like your plans show, I'd go for the latter.) To carry off the industrial look, you would need to get bifold doors with very fine sightlines, such as Sunflex SF55, with proper horizontal glazing bars (not superficial stick on bars). See the bifolding doors available on our website. If budget is a concern (big extension projects can quickly run away with costs) then you may wish to consider something like the "Heritage Aluminium" range, which matches the contemporary style of steel windows, but comes at an aluminium price. Perhaps not quite as prestige or exquisite as steel, but a very popular product with some good advantages. The YES Glazing Solutions staff will be happy advise and assist, and we can provide a no obligation quote after a few simple questions on the telephone. I wish you the very best with what will undoubtedly be a fabulous project Jonathan.

Hi Catherine E. I think your idea of going for black/dark grey frames for the new extension windows will work very well. You may then not need to replace the recently installed UPVC ones so long as they keep in good shape. The only thing I'd suggest you check is that when ordering aluminium frames you get full assurance from the manufacturer/supplier that they have adequately good thermal breaks. Aluminium frames are great because they require no maintenance, have a slimmer profile than UPVC and are very strong, however, they are not very good when it comes to losing heat. There is a good blog post about this from Glazing Vision (it talks about roof lights but essentially it's the same problem with all aluminium framed windows). It says, 'Without having thermal breaks installed it is highly likely that condensation would form on the inside of the frame due to its large surface area.' And I speak from experience - I had all my windows replaced with aluminium framed ones and have been very disappointed by the amount of condensation on the glass. I didn't ask the question about thermal breaks because I didn't think any manufacturer these days would sell windows that caused condensation. Mine is an older property (like yours by the look of it) and as such it isn't as 'dry' or as highly insulated as newer ones. I assume your big back doors will lead off a kitchen/family room so it will be creating a certain amount of moisture. It's just worth checking - get a guarantee.

I would prefer a contrast. Perhaps black.

Also had similar issues. To my mind anthracite or black windows can look good IF they are done well - they look good when they are good quality windows with modern flat profiles, fitted to a house which has had proper architectural consideration. The problem now is that all the cheaper upvc double glazing companies are doing them with thick frames and chamfered profiles, and they can look clunky and old fashioned rather than sleek and considered. Our sliding doors only came in 4 colour choices, so in the end we have gone for RAL7021 (a soft black) for those - on the modern rear extension - with RAL7006 (beige grey) aluminium composite windows elsewhere on our 1930s house. The sliding doors are in and the 7021 does look really good, almost invisible as the frames are very slim, and I think it works because it's the very modern extension. The windows aren't in yet so I can't comment on how it's all going to work together. I am keeping my fingers crossed...! Our windows will be Velfac which are alu outside, painted timber inside and you can choose different colours for interior/exterior. They weren't as expensive as I thought they were going to be, so it's worth getting a quote for aluminium composite windows before you decide.