Bi fold doors with removable corner post

[MidsMatt]

Hi,

I am looking to do a 7m width, 3m depth single story extension. In one corner of the extension i plan to have bi folding doors (3m x 3m) with a removable post to create an effect similar to this picture. Has anyone had any experience with this? I am hoping to support the structure I could avoid an expensive steel frame around the entire extension. Any advice gratefully recieved - i am really stuck on this one.

Thanks

Untitled

• MidsMatt
• 13 Apr 2013
• 1

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

it needs some cantilevered steels or similar, you're gonna need a structural engineer, some deep pockets for you're bi-fold and some even deeper pockets for your structure.

 

[MidsMatt]

Thanks Freddie,

I think that i may need one set of cantilevered steels - any idea where i can get a rough idea how much they will cost?

I don't really want to fork out for a structural engineer at this stage to find out that it will be too expensive.

If too expensive i may need to build a brick pillar in the corner instead.

Cheers

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I posted from my crap phone earlier and looking more closely the thing is that doesn't look like an extension so assuming its a new build its a hellova lot easier to insert some steels to cantilever out in a new build than in an extensions as clearly the steels would have to start some way back inside the first floor within the existing house. You can cantilever about a third of any length of steel within reason so if the cantilever is 2m you're gonna need a 6m steel, 4m within the existing. Why not just do a slim steel column instead, no need for a masonry column.

 

[MidsMatt]

Thanks Freddie,

Really appreciate the help. It is an extension as we are knocking through the kitchen and dinner and then adding something similar on the end. I would need to cantilever 3m so that would mean the steel starting way back in the house. Sounds expensive.

I like the idea of the column but I have not seen a slim steel column used like this before - any ideas where i could get one and see pics of them?

Thanks again

 

[^woody^]

There are lots - google " sliding folding doors around corners "

I'll be doing some later in the year, so have done the research but not decided on any yet

The cantilever could be an issue, as you will need a long section of wall to bear the beam on. It will be OK if you are just coming off the corners of the house

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Your column, sized as small as possible by your SE, with a little insulation wrapped around the external corner just sits inside a corner mullion supplied by the bi-fold door suppliers so it just looks like a chunky mullion.

Anything is possible with enough cash thrown at it but really you could probably go on a seriously swanky holiday for the cost of avoiding a column.

 

[noseall]

Think that room has enough down-lights?!

Also there doesn't seem to be any walls under the sliding doors, rather just some superimposed paving sets and a part functioning step.

 

[MidsMatt]

Thanks Freddie,

I think you are right - this looks like a similar effect for a much more reasonable cost.

Any idea how the roof is supported above the bifold doors for a 3m span either side of the mullion? Is it a simple as two lintels?

Cheers Matt

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

A steel each side connected to the column and perched on the masonry at the other ends.

 

[noseall]

This exact scenario has been built at a job in Stone, Staffs. I wasn't involved but was invited to look at other work at the property.

I don't know if the drawings can be brought up on-line but the project went through all the usual channels i.e. b.c, planning etc.

Absolutely stunning is the only way to describe the house although in a comparatively 'modest' location.

 

[MidsMatt]

Thanks Noseall,

Any idea when the project was completed? I might be able to find it online then.

Appreciate the help,

Matt

 

[noseall]

Probably completed sometime 2011 and was in Pirehill Lane, Stone, Staffs.