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Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of premium aluminium windows and doors, shares his insights into how internal glazing can help appeal to modern home buyers.
In an uncertain property market characterised by plummeting house prices and mortgage instability, 2023 is predicted to mark a decade-low in property buying. This poses a formidable challenge for professional builders actively engaged in new projects. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to ensure that new developments align with what modern homeowners want.
Reinventing Floorplans
First popularised in the 1970s, open-plan living concepts have been loved by homeowners for decades, for the sense of space and connection they create. Open-plan living spaces are also often full of unhindered natural light which is appreciated by homeowners.
However, the lasting effects of the global pandemic have reshaped how families see their homes, and how they need them to work. Families increasingly require separate zones that can perform different functions to suit their lifestyle. This can include an entertaining space, a home office, or even a gym. As a result, open-plan living which was once the most desired floorplan is now being ditched in favour of broken-plan concepts.
The Appeal of Broken-Plan Living
Broken-plan living creates spaces that are versatile with flexible layouts, allowing the footprint of a home to be divided into separate, private zones that can be opened easily to create extra space. A broken-plan approach can come with risks though. Whilst dividing the footprint of a home into lots of separate rooms will provide functionality, it can also create dark and uninviting spaces.
A great solution to this is using internal glazing, such as glass doors or partitions. These offer the privacy that home buyers are looking for without blocking natural light like solid walls do and are growing in popularity due to their style and flexibility.
Google search data shows that internal doors have become the most sought-after door type over the past three years, with searches soaring by 35% in the last year alone. Moreover, the Origin Internal Door webpage has consistently ranked as the most visited product page since its launch in June 2022.
The Potential of Internal Glazing
The Origin Internal Door (OI-30) can be specified in various configurations to meet all property needs. For example, the OI-30 can be specified as a single or French door, or a combination can be coupled with a corner post to create an entirely new room.
The doors can also be used as a fixed screen, replacing the need for nib walls. Together, this helps create separate zones within a home that can be used for a variety of functions, from a home office to a playroom or a formal dining space, whilst still retaining the natural light that homeowners love.
Furthermore, the OI-30 can accommodate clear glass as well as reeded or frosted glass, providing additional privacy and extending its applicability to rooms such as bathrooms and utility rooms.
Beyond their functional capabilities, internal glazed doors offer a sophisticated and stylish aesthetic that home buyers adore and that never goes out of style. The OI-30 combines high-grade aluminium with precision engineering, creating a product that seamlessly blends durability with stunning aesthetics. The use of aluminium ensures that the OI-30 offers a cost-effective solution compared to steel alternatives, all while preserving a sleek and modern appearance.
The option to incorporate Georgian bars, coupled with a diverse range of hardware and colour choices, helps create various aesthetics, from heritage to industrial, to match the style of any new build project. The OI-30 is truly a builder’s dream product.
In Summary
As professional builders navigate a turbulent property market, it is vital that new developments not only meet, but exceed the functional needs of modern living to appeal to home buyers. Staying on trend with internal glazing not only provides a solution to this challenge, but is a way to stand out in the competitive market.
For more information on Origin’s range of glazing systems, please visit https://origin-global.com/.
