-1000x1000.jpg)
-1000x1000.jpg)
The "Crittall" look takes its name from Francis Henry Crittall, an ironmonger from Essex who pioneered the manufacturing of steel windows in the late 19th century.
- The Victorian Origins: Originally designed for durability in industrial settings, these gridded windows allowed Victorian factories to have massive glass walls, flooding workspaces with light while maintaining structural strength.
- The Art Deco Era: By the 1920s and 30s, the style moved from factories to high society. It became the signature of the Art Deco and Modernist movements, featuring in everything from the Houses of Parliament to the finest London apartment blocks.
- The 21st Century Revival: Today, the style has been reclaimed as the ultimate "industrial-chic" interior feature. It bridges the gap between historical character and modern minimalism, making it as suitable for a 1930s semi-detached in Dublin as it is for a converted warehouse in Manchester.
Homeowners in the UK and Ireland are moving away from full open-plan layouts toward "broken-plan" living. Industrial-style aluminium doors (often called Crittall-style) allow for spatial zoning without losing natural light, offering a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic that enhances both home value and resident well-being.
The era of the "echo-chamber" open-plan house is over. Today, the focus is on zoning.
- Zoning Without Walls: Use glazed screens to create a home office or dining room without the mess, dust, or cost of major masonry work.
- Maximising "Borrowed Light": Slim aluminium profiles allow sunlight from external windows to reach deep into dark hallways—a concept known as "borrowed light."
- Acoustic Well-being: High-quality glazing acts as a sound barrier, reducing the stress of shared-space noise while maintaining a visual connection to the family.
Is aluminium better than steel for internal glazing? Yes. While steel offers a traditional heritage feel, aluminium is more sustainable, cost-effective, and significantly easier to install in modern residential settings.
| Feature | Aluminium (Loftstyle) | Traditional Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight yet robust - Approx 1/3 the weight of steel | Very heavy (may require structural reinforcement) |
| Installation | Fast; easy to handle on-site | Complex; requires may require welding/specialists or offsite fabrication |
| Sustainability | 100% recyclable, using minimal energy to reuse | Recyclable but requires high-carbon manufacturing |
| Maintenance | Corrosion-resistant; powder-coated | Prone to rust if chipped |
| Affordability | Budget-friendly | Expensive |
For architects, contractors, and DIY-focused homeowners, the Loftstyle range from glassparts.co.uk is the gold standard for achieving the industrial look.
Unmatched Design Versatility
- Bespoke Grid Designs: Create multiple grid configurations—from minimalist cross-bars to complex traditional patterns—with total ease.
- Stock Length Efficiency: Profiles are supplied in versatile stock lengths. This allows you to cut and install them on-site to the exact millimetre, ensuring a perfect fit even in older properties with uneven floors or walls.
- Easy Fabrication: Designed for speed, this system significantly reduces the time from delivery to a finished, installed feature.
Expert Technical Support & Drawing Services
At Glassparts, we don't just sell components; we provide an end-to-end technical partnership:
- Technical Guidance: Our team advises on glass thickness, hardware compatibility, and safety standards to ensure your partition is as safe as it is stylish.
- Professional Drawing Services: We offer dedicated drawing support to help you visualise your project and ensure every mullion is perfectly placed before you begin your build.
- UK & Ireland Logistics: We provide rapid, reliable shipping across the UK and Ireland.
Can I install Loftstyle doors in a regular door opening?
Yes. The Loftstyle system is designed to be highly adaptable. Because profiles are supplied in stock lengths, they can be tailored to fit standard UK door apertures or expansive custom openings.
Do I need special structural support for aluminium screens?
Generally, no. Because aluminium is approximately one-third the weight of steel, most standard internal walls and floors can support the system without the need for additional RSJs or structural reinforcement.
Is the glass safe for homes with children?
Absolutely. We recommend and support the use of toughened safety glass or laminated glass. Our technical team can advise on the correct glass thickness
How do I design the grid layout?
That is the best part of the Loftstyle range! You aren't stuck with a factory preset. Using our drawing services, you can experiment with different horizontal and vertical bar placements to create a look that is unique to your home.
How do I maintain aluminium frames?
Aluminium is incredibly low-maintenance. Unlike steel, which may require specialist treatment to prevent rust, our powder-coated aluminium only needs an occasional wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent to stay looking brand new.
Why is Aluminium more sustainable than steel?
Aluminum is generally considered more sustainable than steel because it is infinitely recyclable without losing quality, with recycling requiring 95% less energy than primary production. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows for lighter products, reducing transportation emissions, while its natural corrosion resistance eliminates the need for eco-harmful coatings
View the Loftstyle range at Glassparts.co.uk and discover why we are the leading choice for architectural glass hardware.