A contemporary poolside extension that combines modern and traditional architecture.

Four-track sliding doors create a moving glass elevation

The principal pool-facing elevation uses slim framed sliding glass doors in a four-track configuration. Individual panes slide behind one another, allowing a substantial proportion of the elevation to open while keeping the framing visually restrained when the doors are closed.

The multiple tracks provide flexibility in how the façade is used throughout the day. The doors can remain closed to retain a fully glazed outlook, partially opened for ventilation or stacked together to create a much wider connection with the pool terrace.

A flush threshold keeps the transition between the pool house and external paving level, supporting direct movement between the internal living space and swimming pool area.

Slim bifold doors and bespoke corner detailing

The adjoining elevation uses Sieger Lux bifold doors, extending from floor to ceiling and folding into a compact stack at the side of the opening.

This configuration complements the sliding elevation by allowing a large section of the pool house to be opened completely when weather conditions allow. A separate slim aluminium casement door provides convenient everyday access without requiring either of the larger glazed elevations to be operated.

Where the sliding and bifolding systems meet, IQ Glass designed a bespoke aluminium pressing to resolve the junction cleanly. The pressing was powder coated to match the surrounding door frames, creating a controlled transition between the two systems and the adjacent timber cladding.

Technical details

• Slim framed sliding glass doors: four-track project configuration; 21mm vertical sightline; system tested with sliding panes up to 8.5m², 4m high and 500kg; typical Uw greater than 1.1 W/m²K; Air Class 4, Driving rain Class 7A, Wind Class C4/B5
• Sieger Lux bifold doors: floor-to-ceiling folding system used to the adjoining pool elevation; 30mm vent/frame profile with 74mm meeting profile; maximum leaf size 1200 × 3000mm and maximum leaf weight 100kg
• Sieger Lux performance: typical Uw from 1.6 W/m²K; Air Class 4; Water tightness Class 7A to 9A
• Aluminium casement door: separate traffic door positioned beside the oversized sliding elevation for everyday access
• Flush thresholds: specified across the principal opening systems to maintain level transitions between the pool house and external terrace
• Bespoke junction: powder-coated aluminium pressing designed where the sliding and bifolding systems meet, coordinated with the adjacent timber-clad façade.

Bourneside Farm demonstrates how a glazed pool house extension in Tonbridge can use different opening systems according to the architectural requirement of each elevation. Four-track sliding doors provide large moving glass walls, while slim bifolds create a second opening that can be folded almost completely clear.

The combination of timber, minimal aluminium framing and large areas of glass also allows the contemporary pool house to retain a material relationship with more traditional rural architecture.

Architects and specifiers developing similar pool houses, garden buildings or oversized glazing schemes can contact IQ Glass for technical advice on sliding doors, bifolding systems, flush thresholds and junction detailing.