Acid etching? These guys may be able to point your further... Landscape And Architectural Design Products PL

Thanks for all the detailed comments! A few clarifications from me.. We have done the BASIX and so, really, the window size, shape, location is determined. That wasn't clear of me, sorry, I guess I meant we can change the dimensions (within reason) to suit if a "standard size" is cheaper than the size that we have currently, which was rather arbitrary. But this way of thinking might be totally irrelevant! All the windows/doors penetrations are blocked out when they pour the concrete panels, so while we could infill or something if the penetration is too big, we are really trying to get it right now so there are no breaks in the concrete. I think we also did the BASIX with double glazing and Al frames originally (will look it up) but as we are off grid that kind of blew everything else out of the water. We have done all the shadow diagrams and spent a lot of time with placement and eaves. I think that part is OK. I am pretty set on double glazing and thermally broken frames (where aluminium). Thanks Paul for your comment of 10-15%. Our preliminary quote from out builder is certainly not that high (more like 5%) and I was having trouble seeing how we could get everything for that price. I am sure it is possible, and while we are very conscious not to over-capitalise, I don't think the most basic product is a good idea. oklouise, I share your concerns about bifolds! I don't really like them but my partner really wants them and I'm happy to give on that one. I have one quote from CedarWest which seems reasonable, but then it's the same again for an integrated screen!! Will consider other ways of doing that. So! More details: See attached the overall floor plan (floor plan attached twice, sorry!) and views. Great 270deg views (all but west as sort of dug into a hill to avoid the wind). There are 2 pods connected by an open walkway. Ignore the round window - point of contention and may change. The main pod has two large east-facing windows. A thought was gas-lift windows with the large bottom sill to serve as extra seating when open. In the E view, the verandah will not have that many posts so the view is not actually obstructed. Any ideas are greatly appreciated! I think I am just struggling with all the choice, and need to start pining down some constrains that I can work within! Thank you!!

Depending on your location you may need to confirm the BAL rating of your door, and also think if you will be using a security/flyscreen with it. The appeal of pivot doors is often lost with a hinged steel security door, but these are essential if you ever want to benefit from cross-flow ventilation on hot summer nights, or to improve your BAL rating if needed. I would be looking at the threshold to help with your decision. What is the material that you step over when coming through the door? How will it wear? Will it keep out drafts? How does it feel underfoot? Avoid anything that looks cheap as it is a really important element to the entry to your home. Don't pick the door from a brochure or the internet, visit the manufacturer's showroom and see how the threshold and how smoothly the mechanical side of the pivot door works. Best of luck with your research, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

We have just installed a new door with sidelight using translucent double glazed glass. Pretty much complete privacy unless you are leaning against the glass. Lets in lots of diffused light but not the heat. I went to the manufacturers to see all the options, the tint does not allow as much light in so it depends on what you are after. Do consider which side to open to works best for you - for us opening to the left meant we could push the door all the way open without encroaching on another doorway in the entry. New doors replaced wooden french doors with clear panes, we had them covered with frosted film pretty soon after when we realised the privacy issue. This was ok but the film shrank after a few years and left a sticky edge that caught flies and bugs - not ideal. Good luck with your choices the idea you indicate looks great.