CASE STUDY

Defining Modern Luxury: Indoor Pool, Botanical Entrance, and Open Corner Solutions with Schüco

This Case Study describes the comprehensive implementation of a bespoke aluminium glazing package in a private residence in Radlett (Hertfordshire). The Investor’s main goal was to modernize the entire property, creating a seamless connection between the living spaces and the garden. The project required specialized solutions to accommodate a new indoor wellness wing and a botanical entrance hall, ensuring high thermal performance across the whole house.

CLINET BACKGROUND

Private Investor

The client undertook a complete renovation of their detached property. The architectural vision included two unique zones: a “wellness wing” featuring an indoor pool and jacuzzi, and an “atrium-style” entrance to house a collection of exotic cacti.

They needed a specialist partner capable of delivering a unified aesthetic for the entire home—from the bedrooms to the spa—while meeting the rigorous technical demands of a humid pool environment and a temperature-sensitive plant zone.

The project scope involved

5EC-ALU was appointed to deliver the complete bespoke glazing solution for the residence. Our role was to provide high-performance aluminium systems that would complement the modern architecture while managing the specific microclimates required for the plants and the pool.

Our specific responsibilities included:

Whole-House Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive look by matching the finish of the windows, sliding doors, and entrance across all floors.

Thermal Specification: Calculating U-values to ensure the entrance hall remained warm enough for the cacti and the pool area remained condensation-free.

Structural Engineering: Designing the support for the 90° open corner in the spa area to remove visual boundaries.

Challenges

The project presented specific environmental and structural challenges:

Botanical Requirements

The entrance area required wall-to-wall glass to maximize light for the cacti. The challenge was to prevent heat loss in winter, which could damage the delicate plants.

Pool Environment

The indoor pool generates high humidity. We needed to install large panoramic windows with exceptional insulation to prevent condensation on the glass, which would obscure the view.

The Floating Corner

The spa design called for a structural open corner near the jacuzzi. The challenge was to install the system so the doors could slide away completely without leaving a fixed post, merging the indoor pool with the garden.

Solution

To meet these rigorous demands, we curated a selection of our most advanced Schüco systems:

Spa & Living Areas: Schüco ASE 80 (Open Corner)

We installed the Schüco ASE 80 system throughout the ground floor.

In the Spa: We utilized the 90° Open Corner feature. This allows the client to open the jacuzzi area fully to the garden in summer.
Performance: The system’s high thermal insulation creates a warm barrier, essential for comfort in the pool room.
Windows (Entrance & Bedrooms): Schüco AWS 90
For the entrance hall and the rest of the house, we selected Schüco AWS 90 windows.
For the Cacti: This system offers Passive House standard insulation, maintaining a stable internal temperature for the plants.
For the Home: It ensures the entire property remains energy-efficient and quiet.
Upper Floor:
Large sliding doors were installed to open the master suite to the terrace, maintaining the same slim aesthetic as the floor below.

RESULTS

Summary and Key Takeaways

The installation has defined the character of the home. The sharp contrast of the Anthracite Grey elements against the bright interior creates a striking modern look. From the botanical entrance to the open-corner spa, the house is now a seamless, light-filled sanctuary.

Key Takeaways

Total Cohesion

By using Schüco systems throughout, we achieved a unified modern look connecting the bedroom floors, the entrance, and the wellness wing.

Climate Control

The choice of Schüco AWS 90 proved critical, providing the thermal stability needed for both the indoor pool and the exotic plants.

Seamless Connection

The Schüco ASE 80 Open Corner is the standout feature, offering an uncompromised transition between the luxury interior and the garden.