For years, “open-plan living” was the gold standard for homeowners across London and Berkshire. However, as the way we use our homes has evolved: particularly with the rise of remote work: the limitations of entirely open spaces have become clear. Total openness often leads to issues with noise control, heat retention, and a lack of privacy.
The solution is a design trend known as “broken-plan living.” This approach maintains the flow of light and the feeling of space while providing physical separation between rooms. At the forefront of this movement is the Internal Glass Partition System. By utilizing a “Crittall-style” or “steel-look” aesthetic, these internal doors offer a high-performance, modern way to zone your home without compromising on daylight.
At Inspired Glazing, we specialize in the professional survey and installation of these systems for residential properties in Windsor, Ascot, Sunningdale, and throughout all 32 London boroughs.
The Crittall-Style Aesthetic: Heritage Design for the Modern Home
The “Crittall-style” look: defined by slim black frames and multiple glass panes: originates from mid-19th-century steel window designs. It has seen a massive resurgence in recent years because it balances industrial grit with architectural elegance.
The Korniche Internal Door system is designed to replicate this heritage look using high-grade aluminium. Whether you are renovating a Victorian terrace in West London or a modern property in Maidenhead, the grid-like pattern of these doors creates a striking focal point. The slim horizontal and vertical bars (mullions and transoms) provide a structured, “Art Deco” feel that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Technical Precision: The 34mm Advantage
When it comes to internal glazing, the primary goal is often to maximize the glass area and minimize the frame. This is where the technical engineering of the Korniche system excels.
Ultra-Slim Sightlines
The Korniche system features some of the narrowest sightlines on the market. The mullions, transoms, and frame profiles are as slim as 34mm. For comparison, many standard internal timber or uPVC doors have frames that are significantly bulkier, which can obstruct views and reduce the amount of light passing between rooms. By utilizing 6063 T-6 aluminium, the system maintains high structural integrity even with these slim profiles, ensuring the doors feel robust and secure during operation.
The Innovation of SpeedBead
One of the standout technical features of the Korniche system is the SpeedBead technology. In traditional glazing, the “beads” (the strips that hold the glass in place) can be difficult to fit and even harder to remove without damaging the paintwork.
The SpeedBead system allows for the glass panels to be secured into the aluminium frame in seconds. This ensures a precise fit and a clean finish with no visible fixings. Furthermore, should the glass ever need to be replaced, the beads can be released and refitted without any damage to the components, providing long-term serviceability for the homeowner.
Practical Zoning: Managing Light and Noise
Installing internal Crittall-style doors is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a functional upgrade to how your home operates.
Creating the Perfect Home Office
With more professionals working from home in areas like Ascot and Sunningdale, the need for a quiet, dedicated workspace is paramount. A solid door can make a small office feel claustrophobic, while no door at all leads to distractions.
A Korniche glass partition with a single door allows you to remain visually connected to the rest of the house while blocking out the noise of a busy household. For those requiring even greater focus, we offer 6.8mm acoustic laminate glass upgrades, which significantly enhance the sound-reduction properties of the partition.
Redefining the Kitchen-Diner
Many homeowners in Windsor choose to install French-style internal doors between their kitchen and dining areas. This setup allows you to contain cooking smells and noise within the kitchen when necessary, while still enjoying the view into the dining space. When the doors are open, they fold back to provide a wide, unobstructed thoroughfare for entertaining.
Bespoke Configurations and Hardware
Every property we visit has unique requirements. The Korniche system is highly modular, allowing for a wide range of configurations:
- Single Doors: Ideal for standard doorways or narrow home office entries.
- French Doors: Perfect for wider openings between living and dining rooms, with widths available up to 2000mm.
- Fixed Screens: These can be used alongside doors or as standalone glass walls to create “zones” in large open-plan extensions.
- Handle Finishes: To match your interior décor, handles are available in several finishes, including Matt Black for a classic industrial look or Satin Brass for a touch of luxury.
Magnetic Locking: The Feel of Quality
Standard internal doors often use mechanical latches that can be noisy and prone to wear. The Korniche system utilizes a discreet magnetic locking system. This provides a smooth, light closing action with no mechanical “click,” adding to the premium feel of the installation.
Aluminium vs. Steel: The Modern Comparison
While the original Crittall doors were made of steel, modern aluminium alternatives like the Korniche system are often a superior choice for residential homes for several reasons:
- Weight: Aluminium is significantly lighter than steel, which reduces the strain on the building’s structure and makes the doors easier to operate daily.
- Value: You can achieve the “steel-look” aesthetic at a more accessible price point without sacrificing quality or durability.
- Maintenance: Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion and does not require the frequent repainting that steel may need over time.
- Manufacturing Precision: Because aluminium can be extruded with incredible accuracy, the “precise fit” we pride ourselves on at Inspired Glazing is easier to achieve.
Why Choose Inspired Glazing for Your Installation?
At Inspired Glazing, we understand that internal partitions require a higher level of finesse than external windows. Because these doors are a central feature of your interior design, the measurement and installation must be flawless.
We provide a comprehensive Survey, Measurement & Quotation service. Our experienced surveyors ensure that every millimetre is accounted for, especially in older properties where floors and walls may not be perfectly level. We serve a 50-mile radius from our base, covering Windsor, Ascot, Sunningdale, and the broader West London area.
Our installation teams focus on clean workmanship, ensuring that your home is respected throughout the process. We don’t just “fit” doors; we integrate a high-performance glazing system into your living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does installation take?
Typically, a standard single door or French door set can be installed within a few hours. Larger partitions with multiple fixed screens may take a full day. Because of the SpeedBead system, on-site glazing is fast and tidy.
Can I have these doors in colours other than black?
While Matt Black is the most popular choice for the Crittall-style look, other RAL colours can be specified to match your existing aluminium windows.
Do the doors have a threshold on the floor?
The Korniche system can be installed with a low-profile threshold or, in certain configurations, designed to minimize trip hazards, making it a seamless transition between rooms.
Request a Survey
If you are looking to upgrade your home with a Korniche Internal Glass Partition, contact our team today. We offer clear, no-obligation quotations and expert advice on the best configuration for your space.
Call Inspired Glazing on 01753 965 005 to discuss your project or request a call back via our contact page.