Divide and conquer

Luke Wood, editor of Glass Times magazine, catches up with Ian Bousfield, marketing manager at Made For Trade, to talk about the new Korniche Glass Partition internal door system that was unveiled at the recent FIT Show.

A stand out product at the 2025 FIT Show at Birmingham’s NEC was the official launch of the Korniche Glass Partition internal door system from Made For Trade.

In recent years, homeowners have moved beyond the open-plan living trend towards what’s now known as ‘broken plan living.’ This design concept divides interior spaces to create zones for work, relaxation, or dining, without compromising the flow of natural light or the sense of openness. The Korniche Glass Partition system taps perfectly into this trend, offering a Crittall-inspired aesthetic with all the benefits of modern materials and engineering.

Ian Bousfield, Marketing Manager at Made For Trade, commented. “We’ve seen the demand for internal glazing solutions grow rapidly over the past few years.

“Homeowners are no longer just looking for functional doors – they want design-led solutions that enhance their living spaces. With the Korniche Glass Partition, we’ve combined that classic steel look with the precision engineering Korniche is known for.”

And it’s not just about looks. The system has been engineered for ease of installation, with Made For Trade’s proprietary SpeedBead system and an integrated coupler profile. Installers will no doubt appreciate the time savings this offers, allowing for quick and hassle-free fitting with minimal risk of damage or error. As Ian put it: “We wanted to make sure this system wasn’t just beautiful, but practical too. The SpeedBead system means installers can secure glass and panels quickly and even remove and refit beads without any fuss.”

The system is crafted from premium 6063-T6 aluminium, making it lighter and more corrosion-resistant than traditional steel alternatives. Available as standard in a sophisticated RAL 9005 matt black finish, it can also be specified in bespoke colours and anodised finishes for a truly personalised touch. Customers can choose from 4mm toughened glass, 6.8mm laminated, or even acoustic-rated panels, with optional privacy features – all designed to boost both style and performance.

What’s particularly impressive is the level of flexibility the system offers. Single doors up to 900mm wide, French doors up to 2,000mm, and fixed frames stretching up to 3,000mm high can all be configured to suit a range of residential applications. The door system also includes a discreet magnetic locking mechanism, alongside stylish, contemporary lift-to-lock handles inspired by the original steel systems. For the French door option, the precision-engineered lift lever handle and shoot bolt gearbox ensure smooth, secure operation.

Acoustic performance has been carefully considered too. With the option to upgrade to 6.8mm acoustic laminate, the system isn’t just visually striking – it’s a genuinely functional solution for home offices and personal spaces where sound insulation is key.

From an installer’s point of view, the modular nature of the Korniche system is a real game-changer. As Ian explained, “We wanted to make sure the system was as straightforward to install as flat-pack furniture – no additional drilling or measuring required. That’s what the integrated coupler profile allows. It’s modular, it’s precise, and it saves time on site.”

Of course, no system is complete without attention to detail, and Korniche has delivered here as well. The hinges, for example, are a subtle nod to heritage design but are engineered using modern materials to ensure lasting performance. It’s this thoughtful blend of past and present that really sets the Korniche Glass Partition apart.

With its combination of striking aesthetics, intelligent engineering, and installer-friendly design, it is well positioned to become a go-to choice for window and door companies across the UK.