The bi-fold phenomenon
With research highlighting that the global bi-fold market is set to rise by almost 30% in the next four years, Laura Richardson, director of TWR Group, looks at how the bi-fold door market has grown – and what this means for the industry moving forward.
Around years ago, a revolution in home design began to take shape. Homeowners, yearning for a seamless connection between their indoor and outdoor spaces without sacrificing valuable square footage, discovered the perfect solution: bi-fold doors.
This innovative design quickly captured the imagination of property owners and architects alike, sparking a trend that would reshape the fenestration industry.
The evolution of bi-fold doors has been nothing short of remarkable. Today’s bi-fold doors are not just about creating a visual link to the outdoors; they offer a host of advanced features that make them more appealing than ever before. From superior energy efficiency and enhanced thermal performance to cutting-edge security measures, bi-fold doors have truly come of age.
Laura Richardson, director of TWR Group, reflects on this journey: “Over the past 12 years, we’ve witnessed a dramatic evolution in the UK bi-fold market. The surge in popularity was undoubtedly fuelled by aspirational home improvement shows like Grand Designs, which showcased the seamless indoor-outdoor living that high-end aluminium bi-fold doors can provide.
“But it’s not just homeowners who have embraced this trend. The commercial sector has also recognised the potential of bi-fold doors.”
According to Laura, TWR Group’s journey in the bi-fold door market is a testament to the product’s enduring appeal and potential for growth. Since its inception as a PVC-U fabricator in 2001, TWR Group has consistently adapted to meet the changing demands of the market. A pivotal moment came in 2012 when the company partnered with Smarts, marking its entry into the aluminium bi-fold door market.
The impact was reported to be ‘immediate and impressive’. Within months of introducing aluminium bi-folding doors to its product range, TWR Group was manufacturing an impressive 100 doors per week.
Today, TWR Group is a major supplier of aluminium bi-folding doors, an offer that’s complemented by ‘top-notch’ technical support and advice.
“The aluminium side of the fenestration industry has grown and changed beyond recognition in the last decade,” continues Laura.
“The Visofold 1000 Slim perfectly embodies what today’s homeowners and commercial customers want – slimmer sightlines that maximise the glazed area for uninterrupted views. It’s a product that truly delivers on the promise of seamless indoor-outdoor living.”
Bright horizons
The outlook for bi-fold doors remains overwhelmingly positive and while recent trends have seen a rise in the popularity of aluminium sliding patio doors, thanks to their ability to accommodate larger glass panels spanning wide openings, the projected growth in the global bi-fold market suggests that these doors will continue to hold their own.
“The enduring appeal of bi-fold doors lies in their versatility,” says Laura. “Not every property can accommodate expansive glass walls or panoramic views, which is why bi-fold doors will continue to be sought-after.
“The projected 30% growth in the global market over the next four years is an exciting prospect for the whole industry. The bi-fold boom is far from over – in fact, it seems the best may be yet to come.”
