Sternfenster explores how modern bi-fold systems have raised the bar to keep pace with the latest patio door innovations, ensuring they remain a firm favourite with homeowners.

For more than two decades, aluminium bi-fold doors have been a mainstay of the home-improvement and new-build market.

A defining feature of the rise in open-plan living since the early noughties, bi-folds continue to satisfy the appetite for lighter, brighter modern homes with their winning combination of practicality, performance and contemporary design.

“The patio door market has changed and expanded significantly over the years, with sliding options in particular becoming increasingly popular just recently,” says Nathan Court, chief sales officer at Sternfenster.

“There’s a lot more choice nowadays, and homeowner tastes are shifting. But bi-folds have evolved too – advances in performance and aesthetics mean they continue to hold their own, and it’s clear to see why.”

While fashions and trends come and go, the enduring popularity of bi-fold styles reflects the high value consumers still place on flexible living spaces, natural light and a stronger connection with the garden – qualities that bi-folds are well-known for.

“A lot of consumers are increasingly focused on the connection between their home and their garden, due to the positive impact that can have on their wellbeing,” explains Nathan.

“It was something that particularly came to the fore during Covid, and it hasn’t really gone away. Being able to fold the doors right back, as you can with bi-folds, helps to remove the barrier between house and garden. It’s an extremely effective way to achieve that sense of bringing the outside in, which is still very much in demand among consumers.”

That demand has naturally driven product development, with modern aluminium bi-fold systems such as Sternfenster’s Visofold 1000 Slim bi-fold door range offering narrower sightlines than previous bi-fold generations, while maintaining the structural strength needed for larger glazed areas.

“Homeowners want contemporary styling with clean, slim profiles, but they also expect durability,” adds Nathan. “Modern aluminium bi-fold systems like our Visofold 1000 Slim range deliver both. The result is a very versatile product that’s suitable for everything from straightforward home improvements to design-orientated architectural or commercial projects.”

Available in a wide range of opening configurations, the Visofold 1000 Slim range also features low thresholds for improved accessibility and a polyamide thermal break to enhance thermal performance. In addition, a wide colour choice gives homeowners the opportunity to personalise their doors to their taste.

From an installation perspective, Sternfenster’s Quickglaze knock-in bead technology helps simplify the glazing process for a faster fit. By incorporating co-extruded gaskets directly into the glazing bead, the system removes the need for separate gasket installation, significantly reducing fitting time while delivering a clean, consistent finish.

With security also high on homeowners’ list of priorities, Sternfenster’s bi-fold offering incorporates multipoint locking, hook bolt mechanisms and shootbolts on floating mullions, all housed within a strong aluminium frame. Combined with stainless steel rollers that provide smooth operation and optional magnetic door clips, bi-fold products are designed to perform reliably throughout years of regular use.

“Door trends will come and go, but products that have the potential to improve the everyday living experience will never go out of fashion,” he says.

“Ultimately, bi-folds are a great way to create stylish, secure and flexible spaces that maximise natural light. That’s why they’re still popular after all these years, and despite some worthy challenges from a host of other door products, I can’t see that changing any time soon.”