Hi Lesley, I would contact a couple of frameless glass door hardware suppliers like Feathers or C. R. Laurence and see if they have something like a clear plastic clip-on seal with an wide brush seal or fin seal. It might also be worth finding out if there is any adjustment on the door tracks which might be able to bring the sliding doors closer to the fixed panel.

Aluminium windows have come a long way. Their thermal properties are excellent and the range of colours is extensive (some companies more than others, so look around). Door hardware varies too, if this is a consideration. Timber would require more upkeep. I had timber in my previous three homes, and now have aluminium and they are the far superior product. Shop around and pay particular attention to thermal benefits as you compare. Best wishes.

This is sort of what I am trying to achieve - white timber windows ( double hung with no bars in them though) and black feature doors. My living floor plan is attached. The doors in question will open from the dining to the alfresco areas. Are black sliders here too much / do they match the white wooden windows everywhere else? Thanks

Consider your household, and who will be using the door. I am assuming you will be getting a pool safety fence between the door and the pool. Tall bi-fold doors can be heavy for kids (and some small adults) to use. The sliding doors are probably the easiest to open and close if you are going to be in and out a lot. Bi-fold doors can crush little fingers if a child tries to close the door from the hinge point. Consider how much of the outlook you will be loosing with the frame for each of your bi-fold panels. With a sliding door you only have one interruption of the view if you have one fixed panel and one sliding panel. You may also like to consider flyscreening and the costs. Flyscreening a bi-fold door is much more expensive with the sideways retracting flyscreens, than a standard sliding flyscreen for a sliding door. I am not sure if you can retrofit a flyscreen to a bi-fold door in a a neat and tidy manner. Cheapest option would be no flyscreening! Bi-fold doors look spectacular for a photoshoot when they are fully open (with no flyscreening), but for day-to day practicality I don't think you can beat the ease of a large glazed sliding door, which will give you a better view of your nice aspect on those days when it is closed. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls