Intelligence
INTELLIGENCE: The rise of internal glazed screens in homes across the UK
A growing trend in the UK’s luxury housing market is transforming interior spaces with internal glazed screens, blending privacy with seamless design. A recent standout example is a breathtaking multi-million-pound mansion where Cotswold Casements, a longstanding member of the Steel Window Association, has meticulously integrated steel-framed glazed screens to enhance both form and function.
Nestled in a scenic valley, this five-bedroom architectural masterpiece commands sweeping views and draws inspiration from the Art Deco era. The home’s exterior, characterized by a steel-framed structure and crisp white-rendered blockwork cladding, sets the stage for the striking interior details. The lower ground floor houses essential plant rooms and a garage, while visitors are welcomed through an imposing entrance door leading to a storm lobby—framed by the first of many 3500mm-tall steel screens.
Inside, the designers have incorporated steel-framed screens throughout the expansive 16,000-square-foot home, carefully balancing transparency and privacy. Most of these screens, finished in a sleek RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey polyester powder coat, feature inset pass doors that complement the home’s modern aesthetic. The ground floor, dedicated to bedrooms and recreational spaces, utilizes W20 screens with reeded glass for shower enclosures and toilets, ensuring discretion without sacrificing light. Notably, a striking 16-meter-long screen separates a gymnasium from an adjacent lounge, emphasizing the home’s grandeur.
However, the first-floor atrium is where the steel-framed glazing truly takes center stage. A quadrangle of W20 screens envelops the staircase, offering fluid access to the home’s key living spaces—the lounge, kitchen, study, and a show-stopping cantilevered dining room. This bold design decision not only amplifies the aesthetic appeal but also maximizes the penetration of natural light into the home’s core.
Matthew Hahn, Managing Director of Cotswold Casements, highlights the functional benefits of this approach: “The property is quite deep-plan, making natural light an essential design consideration. The W20 ‘equal leg’ sections provide elegance, while reeded glass is an increasingly popular choice. Acoustic laminate was specified throughout for sound reduction and safety, and magnetic closers on most doors ensure effortless operation. Additionally, omitting threshold bars allows for seamless, level access.”
The homeowners have been equally impressed with the execution, praising Cotswold Casements’ craftsmanship and attention to detail. “The result has truly enhanced the overall design of our home. We couldn’t be happier—the finished product is both beautiful and functional,” they shared.
With demand for steel-framed internal glazing surging, this luxurious mansion exemplifies how contemporary design and architectural ingenuity can redefine living spaces for the modern era.
Why this matters: Internal glazed screens have seen widespread growth in the UK. They offer benefits to all types of houses, and this is why they are being added to the product portfolios of many glazing installers and retailers in the UK. For the trade the proposition gives them the opportunity to return to existing customers to offer a different product for their home. Added privacy is one of the main selling points, as they provide a useful division within the home while maintaining the impression of light and airy spaces.
