Location: Bath, Somerset
This Bath renovation showcases the installation of VELFAC 200 windows and Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors, creating a high-performance glazing solution for a contemporary hillside home. The triple-glazed VELFAC composite windows and corner-to-corner HS330 timber-aluminium lift-sliding doors maximise natural light, improve energy efficiency and frame panoramic views across the Somerset countryside.
Set high above the historic city of Bath and embedded within the rolling Somerset hillside, this impressive detached home has been thoughtfully designed to follow the natural contours of the landscape while capturing sweeping panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
The project represents the complete transformation of an existing 1970s property, which, over the years, had undergone several unsympathetic alterations and additions. Through careful architectural planning and extensive remodelling, the house has been reimagined into a contemporary family home defined by light, space and high-performance glazing.
Designed by CaSA Architects and constructed by Donovan Construction, the project brought together a team with whom Thames Valley Windows has collaborated successfully since 2017. Thames Valley Windows was commissioned to supply a bespoke glazing solution incorporating VELFAC 200 windows and Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors, carefully tailored to complement the property’s architectural vision.
A key part of the homeowners’ brief was to maximise natural daylight throughout the house while framing uninterrupted views across the Somerset countryside.
Large areas of glazing were therefore integrated into the design, with carefully positioned VELFAC windows allowing daylight to flood the interior while maintaining clean architectural lines.
The slim profiles of the VELFAC 200 window system make it particularly suited to contemporary residential architecture. Large panes of glass maximise the view, while the refined frame design ensures the windows remain visually discreet.
The result is a glazing solution that makes the surrounding landscape an ever-present backdrop to everyday life.
The property features the VELFAC 200 ENERGY window system, which combines elegant architectural design with exceptional thermal performance.
These VELFAC composite windows incorporate advanced triple glazing, achieving Uw values as low as 0.8 W/m²K. This level of insulation helps significantly reduce heating costs while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year.
The VELFAC product range uses a composite construction of internal timber and external aluminium. The timber used in the system is FSC-certified, ensuring it comes from responsibly managed forests.
Externally, the aluminium cladding provides durability and protection from the elements. Together, these materials create a glazing system that requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for modern homes seeking long-term performance.
The system also offers a range of open functions, allowing the windows to be configured to suit different ventilation and architectural requirements throughout the house.
One of the most dramatic architectural features of the property is the installation of Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors in the main living area.
These premium timber aluminium lift sliding doors have been designed as a corner-to-corner glazing solution, allowing two walls of glass to meet seamlessly.
When closed, the glazing forms a striking architectural corner that frames the surrounding landscape. When opened, the corner of the room can be completely opened to the outside, creating a seamless transition between the interior living space and the wrap-around timber terrace.
The HS 330 timber aluminium lift system is engineered to accommodate large sliding glass panels with substantial sash weight, ensuring that even oversized glazing elements operate smoothly and effortlessly.
Using a precision lifting mechanism, the sliding panels lift slightly from the seals before gliding quietly along the track. Despite their impressive size, the doors require minimal effort to operate and can be securely locked in position at multiple points along the track.
The system has also been tested to meet PAS 24 security standards, ensuring that these large glazed openings provide excellent safety as well as aesthetic impact.
The Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors feature elegant frameless side elements, allowing the glazing to extend across the façade with minimal visual interruption.
This approach enhances the panoramic views across the valley and woodland beyond while allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces.
The glazing also strengthens the architectural relationship between the interior and the surrounding landscape. From inside the house, the terrace and gardens appear as a continuation of the living space, creating a calm and open atmosphere within the home.
The colour specification for the Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors was carefully chosen to complement both the architecture and the surrounding countryside.
Externally, the aluminium frames are finished in RAL 7013 Matt (Brown Grey). This muted earth tone works beautifully alongside the property’s drystone brickwork and timber cladding, helping the building blend naturally into the Somerset landscape.
Internally, the doors feature H9016 opaque white timber finishes, creating a bright, refined interior aesthetic that complements the natural plaster finishes and neutral colour palette throughout the house.
This combination of RAL7013 matt externally and H9016 opaque internally provides a balanced design that connects the architecture with its landscape setting while maintaining a calm and contemporary interior.
Beyond the large sliding doors, several bespoke glazing elements enhance the property’s architectural character.
A dramatic double-height glazing installation in the entrance hall creates a striking focal point that evokes light and openness.
This feature incorporates a large VELFAC 200 ENERGY triple-glazed window measuring approximately 2430mm high by 1740mm wide. The lower section includes a fixed casement window measuring approximately 1340mm wide by 1265mm high, allowing additional daylight to reach the entrance space.
Elsewhere, the kitchen and dining area features a large corner window that frames expansive views across the countryside.
These architectural glazing elements demonstrate the flexibility of the VELFAC window system, which can be adapted to a wide range of design requirements. While the project features large uninterrupted panes of glass, optional glazing bars can also be specified within the system where a more traditional aesthetic is desired.
Throughout the property, the specification of high-quality windows and doors plays a key role in both the architectural design and the building’s overall energy performance.
The combination of VELFAC 200 ENERGY windows and Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors creates a cohesive glazing strategy that balances modern design with excellent thermal efficiency.
Large glazed openings allow the home to open directly onto the terrace and gardens, creating a strong connection between interior living spaces and the surrounding countryside.
Together, the doors and sliding systems deliver exceptional functionality while maintaining the clean and minimalist aesthetic envisioned by the architects.
Externally, the glazing complements the natural materials used throughout the building, allowing the architecture to merge effortlessly with its rural surroundings.
Internally, the warm timber finishes of the VELFAC composite windows and the Internorm timber-aluminium lift-sliding doors introduce natural textures that soften the contemporary design.
Surrounded by carefully planted gardens designed to blur the boundary between architecture and landscape, the finished property celebrates the beauty of restraint and the quiet luxury of living in harmony with nature.
Throughout the project, Thames Valley Windows worked closely with the architects and builders to ensure that every glazing element was designed and installed to the highest standards.
The combination of VELFAC 200 windows, Bath, and Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors in the UK demonstrates how modern glazing technology can transform an existing property into a bright, efficient, and architecturally refined home.
This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when thoughtful design, advanced glazing systems and expert craftsmanship come together.
Yes. VELFAC 200 ENERGY triple-glazed windows can achieve Uw values as low as 0.8 W/m²K, making them suitable for low-energy and Passivhaus-style homes.
The Internorm HS330 is a premium timber-aluminium lift-and-slide door system designed for large sliding glass panels. It uses a lifting mechanism that allows heavy doors to glide smoothly along the track.
Yes. The system is tested to PAS 24 security standards, offering excellent protection while maintaining a sleek architectural design.
You can view and experience the Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors at the Thames Valley Windows showroom in Bracknell, where the system is installed and fully operational.
You may also be interested in reading our blog,’ Why Choose Internorm Windows and Doors?
SUPPLIERS:
Designer: Sales Manager: Luke Schofield
Contractor: Donovan Construction
Architects: CaSA Architects
We can provide you with full colour 3D visualisations, allowing you to explore options that you may not have considered, with complete peace of mind.
Our showroom consists of:
Thames Valley Window Company
Head Office & Showroom
44 Longshot Lane
Bracknell
Berkshire RG12 1RL
United Kingdom
Designed so you can view most of our product range, our show room will help you understand what options will work best for you and your home.
Making plans to improve your home is exciting. If you would like to download any of our product brochures, please visit our brochure download page.
