On trend colour choice

The owners of a refurbishment in Whitstable Kent were right on trend when they chose the colours for the Aluk windows and doors which have been installed throughout.

Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow have been declared the Pantone Colours of the Year for 2021, and that grey and yellow combination was used to create a striking contrast with the contemporary cladding and render.

The owners had installed Aluk products in their previous property and had been impressed with the quality, style and durability, particularly for a coastal location. They had no hesitation in choosing them again this time around, and worked with Aluk fabricator Rhino Aluminium and installer SG Installations to complete the design and installation.

The house had been standing empty for two years before work started, and had been water damaged during that time, so all but a couple of walls were demolished as part of a complete, nine-month refurbishment. The aim was to make the most of the sizeable plot without having too much impact on the surrounding properties.

Using the architect’s drawings, Rhino Aluminium recommended windows in Aluk’s slim sightline 58BW system throughout; four BSF70 bifolding doors; and a structurally bonded aluminium panel front door in a suited Aluk 58BD frame. This specification enabled the owners to optimise the light coming into the house and garden room and open up the rear as much as possible to make the most of the garden.

The large expanses of glass meant the thermal efficiency of the Aluk windows and doors was paramount to ensure that the house could comply with Part L1A of the Building Regs. Double glazed, the BRE Green Guide A rated 58BW windows and BSF70 bi-folds achieved U-values of 1.4W/m²K.

Andrew McCann from Rhino Aluminium said: “We worked with the owners from a very early stage in the project so that they could manage the project and the budget as effectively as possible. One key recommendation we made was to upgrade the entrance door powder coating to a textured finish. The entrance to any property is the focal point of the exterior and particularly in this stunning yellow, so a textured finish Rhino door added a touch of distinctive elegance.”