Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, discusses the two leading renovation trends in 2023 and the products to help homeowners achieve their dream property.
Whilst the beginning of the year has presented a challenge for much of the construction industry and homeowners, there is positivity on the horizon as inflation rates begin to fall. Despite these challenges, homeowners consistently want to improve their properties and our data shows that they are continuing to invest in renovations. However, homeowners’ priorities for their dream renovations are changing.
The modern conservatory
Conservatories have been a mainstay extension for homeowners for decades. However, we are all too familiar with their lack of thermal efficiency.
They were preferred for their ability to let in natural light and to be constructed as a permitted development. But even this isn’t enough to entice the modern homeowner and some reports suggest that old-fashioned conservatories can diminish the value of a home by as much as £15,000.
Instead, homeowners that still want to benefit from additional living space and an abundance of natural light are turning their attention to sunrooms. A modern sunroom still adds square footage and maintains large expanses of glazing but doesn’t compromise on thermal efficiency.
A combination of sliding or bi-fold doors and large windows can create the same illusion of a conservatory but with significantly better thermal efficiency. For example, Origin’s OB-72 Bi-fold Door can achieve U-Values as low as 1.1 W/m2K, exceeding current building regulations. What’s more, the Origin OW-80 Premium Window can be upgraded to use Aerogel, the world’s best insulator, to achieve an ultra-low U-Value of 0.8 W/m2K which is far and above what any conservatory could achieve. Not only does this mean that homeowners save on their energy bills, but it also means their beautiful extension can be enjoyed all year round.
Greater flexibility
The pandemic proved to many that the open-plan way of living popularised in the 1970s is no longer a practical solution for modern living. Instead, families need ‘broken spaces’ that offer greater flexibility. For example, spaces that can be opened when entertaining, but easily shut off to create tranquil work environments or act as children’s playrooms.
Whilst homeowners want to divide their internal living spaces, they don’t want to compromise on the amount of natural light open-plan configurations afford them. Internal glazing is a great way to create separate spaces that don’t compromise on light. To respond to increasing homeowner demand, we launched our OI-30 Internal Door last year and it has been met with a fantastic response.
Made bespoke from high-grade aluminium, the OI-30 offers a more affordable alternative to traditional steel that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics. Available as a single or French door, or as a fixed screen, a combination of the two can be coupled with a corner post to create entirely new rooms as well as separate existing ones. Homeowners can also choose from over 150 RAL colours and the number of glazing bars to perfectly complement their interiors.
In summary
In 2023, homeowners want their spaces to work harder than ever before. They want conservatories they can use all year round and multi-functional spaces that accommodate the whole family’s activities. They will look to their builder for advice on how they can achieve this and at a time of low consumer trust amidst financial strain, it’s critical that professionals remain up to date on trends and the products that can provide the functionality and aesthetics required.
For more information about Origin, visit Origin Trade – Join The Leading UK Aluminium Supply Network (origin-global.com).
