In conversation with Citi Homes Windows

We were delighted to be asked by Citi Homes Windows to share our thoughts on aluminium glazing systems for contemporary London homes and extensions. Our architect Liv Staff was on hand to answer their questions, and we think it covers some genuinely useful ground. Whether you’re planning an extension in London, considering a renovation or simply weighing up your glazing options, we hope you find it a worthwhile read. Full Q & A below.

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Why aluminium windows and doors have taken over the home designs of London

Aluminium glazing systems have become the defining choice for contemporary London home extensions and
renovations, valued for their durability, thermal performance, slim sightlines and the way they connect interior
spaces to the garden. But choosing the right system involves more than picking a product. It requires thoughtful
design decisions about light, scale, heritage and long-term value. To explore how architects approach these choices, we talked with Liv Staff, architect at Pencil and Brick, a design-and-build architect practice in London specialising in creative, sustainable home renovations. From slimline profiles and conservation areas to hardware details and sustainable specification, here is what she had to say.

How important is glazing when designing a contemporary London home or extension?

Pencil and Brick: Glazing is such an important aspect of a contemporary London home extension, as it allows
the outside in. It is a functional solution that provides ventilation, light and a view out beyond the room, but it also
enables a change to create interest in the elevation through defining voids and massing with carefully sized and
placed openings. In our work, we consider this so that a window or door isn’t just functional but adds beauty and
continuity to the whole scheme.

How does floor-to-ceiling glazing change the perceived size of a home?

Pencil and Brick: How large a space feels doesn’t necessarily need to align with how large it actually is in square
metres. As architects, we know that how a space feels depends on many aspects, some of which can come
about through creating optical illusions, using contrasts of scale and careful consideration of light. Large glazed
units can make a space feel bigger in a similar way to a mirror can; they extend your home out beyond the walls
into the garden, making the house feel spacious without necessarily having the additional square metres.

Why has aluminium moved from commercial buildings to London homes?

Pencil and Brick: Although commercial and residential properties function very differently, the reason is perhaps
the same: durability and quality. Commercial clients realised aluminium could provide a solution that would be
long lasting, provide a clean and simple aesthetic and could handle the occasional knock or scuff without
requiring constant repainting (timber) or cleaning (uPVC). Many homeowners nowadays want the same thing:
something that will last, looks high quality and requires minimal maintenance, something many of us don’t like to
admit that we are willing to pay that bit more for the privilege of not having to worry about.

What are the design advantages of slimline aluminium windows, and why have they become so popular?

Pencil and Brick: Slimline aluminium frames allow the expanse of glazing to take centre stage and allow for
uninterrupted views out. They are also the right choice when installing in metal‑clad facades, a material which is
also used more and more on contemporary London extensions. When matching finishes and colours, this can
create a seamless transition from wall to window.

How do slimline profiles work with period properties and conservation areas?

Pencil and Brick: I was once told by a conservation officer that large areas of glazing on extensions to period
properties, particularly glazed links, are generally deemed appropriate because glazing is effectively “invisible”
and therefore something you can’t see can’t cause harm. This doesn’t mean everyone should add large glazed
boxes to the rear of their property, but it does mean glazing allows you to create optical illusions, playing with
solids and voids. The thinner the frames, the more this illusion is achieved.

Are larger glazing systems worth the investment?

Pencil and Brick: Glazing is often one of the more expensive aspects of a build; it’s also an aspect which can
most clearly show the care and consideration applied to the design and make the biggest impact on the overall
design and feel of a home.

Why does the black frame aesthetic feel so timeless?

Pencil and Brick: Outside of glazing, both interior and architectural trends have seen black metal feature more
and more recently, but as can be seen in fashion with the little black dress, black is timeless and doesn’t easi
lend itself towards trends. It also has more character and depth than white, an option which uPVC has ingrained
in our minds as the basic, unimaginative option.

Beyond anthracite grey: which colours and finishes are exciting right now?

Pencil and Brick: Personally, I’m not much of a fan of grey, and I think anthracite is on the verge of being overused, though this comes from having seen many examples when the colour is used on cheaper‑looking,
thick frames. I’m still on board with black frames as I think black has an elegant timelessness, though I do feel
like there is a resurgence in warmer, earthy tones such as greens and terracottas, as well as more vibrant, fun
colours. If your personality lends itself to it, people shouldn’t be afraid to make a statement with a bold window
frame colour. It’s your home to be made your own, and it should say something about you, which includes your
windows.

How does hardware change the day-to-day feel of a home?

Pencil and Brick: Often, the things that have the biggest impact on how we feel are the culmination of lots of
little things that irritate us. This is also true with details such as hardware. If every day when you go to open your back door, you have to fight a sticking handle or a sliding glass door that resists you, that daily annoyance stays with you. Remove that and couple it with hardware that not only functions as it should, but looks beautiful, and you have something which makes you glad you focused on the small details. Sometimes the small things really do make a difference.

What do you tell clients worried about maintaining large glass and metal frames?

Pencil and Brick: The biggest consideration with metal‑framed glazing units is cleaning. Timber window frames
often require much more maintenance, with re‑staining or painting required regularly, and uPVC equally requires
cleaning, but standard white units can become stained over time. Like with everything in the home, it depends on
how clean you want it to be and how often. People often don’t question the maintenance of cleaning hard floor
surfaces, but many people with them have a much larger area than they ever would with glazing. Personally, I
think if you want to invest in large glazed units, it’s probably also worth investing in a good local window cleaner!

When should homeowners involve a specialist glazing installer?

Pencil and Brick: Once you have a vision for the kind of glazing system you want, the earlier the better. We believe in getting down to the details early with our way of working as a design and build practice. The earlier
conversations are had and decisions made, the earlier you know where you stand with things, and the sooner
you can have the reality of a home you love. The earlier conversations are had, the earlier you also know the
feasibility in regard to cost. We prioritise early detailed pricing, which allows for much earlier certainty, and we
don’t leave you longing after a glazing system you could never afford till the last minute.

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