Letting the Light In: The Joys and Challenges of Bi-fold Doors
As I stand in the middle of my new open-plan kitchen and living room, I can’t help but be in awe of the stunning panoramic view that greets me through the expansive bi-fold doors. The lush green hills and valleys of rural Aberdeenshire stretch out before me, bathing the space in a warm, golden glow. It’s a view that never gets old, and one that I’m incredibly grateful to have as the centerpiece of my home.
Of course, getting to this point wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. When my husband and I first decided to tackle a major home renovation, incorporating bi-fold doors was high on our priority list. We’d seen so many gorgeous examples online and in home design magazines, and the idea of bringing the outdoors in through a seamless indoor-outdoor transition was immensely appealing. But as we quickly discovered, there were a few challenges that came along with our bi-fold door dreams.
The Heat is On: Dealing with Thermal Gain
One of the first issues we ran into was the impact of all that gorgeous natural light streaming in through the bi-fold doors. While the view was unbeatable, the sheer amount of heat gain we experienced during the warmer months was almost unbearable. Our once cozy and comfortable open-plan living space became a sauna, forcing us to retreat to the cooler corners of the house.
As garden designers have experienced, this is a common problem that many homeowners face when incorporating bi-fold doors into their open-plan designs. The expansive glazing may offer unparalleled views, but it also allows an onslaught of relentless sunlight to pour in, turning the room into an uncomfortably hot space.
Determined to find a solution, I reached out to Jonathan Airey, the CEO of Rase Outdoor Living. “The glazing is gorgeous but our kitchen/dining room was almost unusable in the hot summer of 2022,” he told me, echoing the frustrations I’d felt firsthand. “We also find the low winter sun an issue which made us reach for the window blinds too frequently. We needed to find a way to make it cooler and more usable without obscuring our lovely views.”
Aluminium Pergolas: The Saviors of Thermal Gain
Jonathan’s response was both practical and insightful. He recommended incorporating an aluminum pergola structure above the bi-fold doors as a way to mitigate the heat gain issue. “By reflecting a significant portion of the sunlight away, they curb the intensity of heat entering your living space, offering a more comfortable and temperate indoor environment,” he explained.
As the team at Cool Gardens Landscaping Associates (CGLA) noted, these pergolas can be custom-designed to fit the specific needs of a property, with spans of up to 7 meters. And beyond just providing shading, they can be outfitted with additional features like lighting, heating, and even sound systems, turning the outdoor space into a true extension of the home.
“The synergy between large bi-folding doors and aluminum pergolas contributes to a more energy-efficient home,” Jonathan continued. “By managing thermal gain effectively, homeowners reduce the need for excessive air conditioning, leading to energy savings and a diminished environmental footprint.”
Eager to put this solution into practice, my husband and I worked closely with the team at Rase Outdoor Living to design a custom pergola that would complement the aesthetic of our home while also addressing the heat gain issue. The result was nothing short of transformative. Not only did the pergola provide much-needed shade and relief from the sun’s glare, but it also seamlessly integrated with the bi-fold doors, creating a cohesive and visually striking outdoor living space.
Controlling the Light: Adjustable Louvers and Retractable Screens
One of the standout features of our new pergola system is the adjustable louvers, which allow us to precisely control the amount of sunlight streaming into the house. “With adjustable louvers, homeowners gain precise control over the amount of sunlight streaming through,” Jonathan explained. “This dynamic control not only optimizes natural light levels but allows for the strategic management of thermal gain.”
As the CGLA team mentioned, the louvers can even be closed entirely to provide a rain-proof shelter, while retractable screens can be added to the sides to offer flexible wind, sun, and weather protection – something that traditional retractable blinds simply can’t match.
This level of customization and control has been a game-changer for us. Now, we can fine-tune the amount of light and air flow in our open-plan living space, ensuring that it remains comfortable and usable no matter the weather conditions outside.
Balancing Light, Views, and Comfort
Of course, as with any major home renovation project, there were a few compromises and trade-offs along the way. While we were determined to maintain the stunning views that had drawn us to this property in the first place, we also knew that we needed to find a way to manage the thermal challenges that came with the expansive glazing.
Like the homeowners featured in Sophie Robinson’s article, we didn’t want to resort to relying on window blinds or curtains, which would have ultimately obscured the very views we were trying to showcase.
In the end, the addition of the aluminum pergola structure proved to be the perfect solution. By strategically positioning it above the bi-fold doors, we were able to strike a balance between letting in ample natural light, maintaining unobstructed vistas, and creating a comfortable, temperate living environment.
Embracing the Outdoors, Indoors
As I sit here in my open-plan living room, gazing out at the rolling hills beyond, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The journey to get to this point wasn’t always easy, but the end result has been more than worth it.
By incorporating the aluminum pergola structure, we’ve not only solved the thermal gain issue but also enhanced the overall functionality and aesthetic of our home. The outdoor living space now seamlessly blends with the indoor, creating a truly cohesive and harmonious environment that celebrates the natural beauty of our surroundings.
And while the initial investment in the pergola system was significant, we’ve found that it’s been a worthwhile trade-off. Not only has it improved the comfort and livability of our home, but it’s also added real value to the property – something that will undoubtedly pay dividends down the line.
So, if you’re considering incorporating bi-fold doors into your own open-plan living space, I’d highly recommend exploring the option of an aluminum pergola. It’s a solution that can truly transform the way you experience your home, allowing you to embrace the outdoors, indoors, while maintaining the perfect balance of light, comfort, and stunning views.
