Bi-fold doors are a popular choice for home extensions as they maximise space, light and create a seamless connection to the outdoors. Whether you’re building an extension to create a light-filled kitchen/dining area or you want to bring more of the outdoors in, an extension with bi-fold doors can make your home feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting.
Why choose bi-fold doors for extensions?
Let’s the light in. One of the reasons you may want to build an extension with bi-fold doors is to add more light into your property. This can be a challenge if you’re extending the rear of your home. The beauty of bi-fold doors is that they feature large glass panels with slim frames, which allow natural light to flood the interior space and make the room feel warm and inviting all year round.
Effortless style. Bi-fold doors have a sleek, modern design that creates a clean, elegant addition to any extension. They come in a variety of finishes and colours, which means they blend well with both contemporary and traditional homes.
Bringing the outdoors in. If you’re looking to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces, an extension with bi-fold doors can open up an entire wall to merge your living area with your garden or patio and then fold away when not in use. It’s a great solution for entertaining or simply getting better connected to nature.
Enhanced security. Schüco bi-fold doors feature enhanced built-in securityfeature enhanced built-in security features that help keep your home secure and give you great peace of mind. Constructed from high-quality aluminium, the doors are fitted with a robust, six-point mechanism and anti-burglar hinges tested to rigorous PAS 24 and RC2 standards for great security.
Configurating to your space
Whatever the size or style of your extension with bi-fold doors, the design can be customised to fit your space. Schüco bi-fold doors are available in a variety of configurations to suit your requirements and preferences. They can be designed with two to 10 or more panels, opening inwards or outwards. Configurations also include open corner designs and the ability to stack panels to the left, right, or even both.
Depending on the size of your extension, and if you have an odd number of panels, you can even specify a traffic door which allows convenient access without having to open all the panels. Traffic doors feature high-quality catches, which ensures your door stays securely open. Schüco bi-fold doors can be fitted with or without a traffic door.
For a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors, Schüco bi-fold doors are also available with a level threshold option. This allows for step-free access and emphasises that seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. It’s important that this is considered at the early design stages, speak to your architect about threshold options.
Do I need planning permission for my extension?
In many cases, you won’t need planning permission to build an extension with bi-fold doors. An extension can be classed as a ‘permitted development,’ if it meets specific criteria. You should always check with your local authority whether you need planning permission, especially if your house is in a conservation area or if the house is a listed building. If you’re looking for more information, the government planning portal has all the latest guidance.
Beautiful extensions with bi-fold doors
Whether you’re looking to create a light and airy open-plan kitchen that flows out into the garden, or you simply want to expand the footprint of your home, extensions with bi-fold doors can totally transform your property. Need some inspiration? Take a look at these stunning extensions.
Schüco bi-fold doors were installed as part of a huge extension of a family home in Northamptonshire, helping to transform a once neglected country cottage into a stunning contemporary property. The bi-fold doors maximise light and space, providing sweeping views of the garden and the landscape beyond. The sleek frames and generous glazing complement the traditional features of the house and rural setting, blending modern interior living and the outdoors beautifully.
In the Chilterns, Schüco bi-fold doors were installed in a timber-framed extension which helped reimagine a former gamekeeper’s lodge into a light-filled family home. With their floor to ceiling height, the doors flood the interior with natural light and offer uninterrupted views across the garden. In addition, Schüco bi-fold doors deliver thermal efficiency, preventing the extension from overheating in the summer and making it cosy and warm in the winter.
Extensions with bi-fold doors are not just for the country. A period home in Notting Hill, London was also transformed using Schüco bi-fold doors. They formed the centrepiece of a new glazed kitchen extension, creating a flawless transition to the garden. The bi-fold doors maximised natural light in the interior space, simultaneously enhancing the modern layout and preserving the elegant character of the home.
Finding your perfect solution
If you need guidance on finding the perfect bi-fold door for your extension, why not speak to an expert? Find your local Schüco Partner and discover the right system for your project.
