Schüco barrier free – creating accessible and stylish homes

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Nick Dardalis

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Windows and doors are essential to any building, whether it’s your home or a commercial project. With the increasing demand for accessibility and convenience, Schüco Barrier Free is a selection of doors for homeowners, architects and developers, creating a better solution for accessibility with improved aesthetics for any door. Schüco Barrier Free are advanced sliding or hinged doors all benefitting from a flush yet weather-protected track or threshold. In this article, we explain the barrier free concept, the benefits and the types of products available with this feature.

What is Schüco Barrier-Free?

schüco barrier free doors with hinged and sliding door in the schüco milton keynes showroom
Inclusive design, accessible living, breaking barriers and better doors with Schüco Barrier Free.

Schüco Barrier Free is a collection of highly-engineered Schüco doors, sliding and hinged, also including some specific window designs, intended to create a smooth, fluid and uninterrupted transition when using the door. Barrier free involves setting the door track on a sliding door or threshold on a hinged design, entirely flat and smooth. At the same time, there is no loss of weather protection or security.

Designed to work better for homeowners and building occupiers in public buildings, Schüco Barrier Free provides optimum accessibility and ease of use, removing any physical step, no matter how small, from the bottom of the door set. By removing physical barriers in the building’s design, Schüco ensures that everyone can move freely and comfortably without any restrictions.

The concept of no physical barrier doesn’t just meet the needs of disabled users, parents with pushchairs, or helping young children transition over the threshold. The design of Schüco Barrier Free also creates the smooth and flush track that is always popular, especially with large glass doors, creating improved aesthetics such as lining through the internal flooring with the external decking or slabs. The multiple-user benefits make this design concept ideal for any homeowner or architect.

Why the Schüco Barrier Free design matters in your choice of doors

schüco barrier free doors showing flat floor and partially open door
Schüco residential door with barrier-free threshold design, opening inwards.

The concept of accessibility in public buildings is not new, and there are even specific building regulations relating to accessibility under Approved Document M (also including BS8300 and the Equality Act, previously known and referred to as the Disability Discrimination Act, or DDA) for dwellings and non-dwellings.

Schüco has taken the concept further with a collection of products under the Schüco Barrier Free concept to highlight doors with the same incredible design and quality you get with Schüco windows and doors and create a more prominent and prominent and visible contribution to inclusivity and accessibility.

Moreover, whilst accessibility is important, doors and windows must also look stylish and desirable. All Schüco products within this concept are incredibly well designed with the best possible styling and sightlines, excellent energy efficiency, top-end security and excellent weather protection.

As a result, Schüco is demonstrating a clear commitment to quality products with cutting-edge design while contributing to inclusivity and accessibility with exactly the right comfort features and design quality-conscious homeowners, architects, or developers demand.

The benefits of incorporating accessibility and comfort with Schüco Barrier Free

You and your family many not consider accessibility as an important requirement in your choice of new doors for your building project or new extension. However, there are other advantages to considering Schüco Barrier Free doors and incorporating its benefits into your property project .

Universal Design

The universal design of flush tracks and thresholds caters to people of all ages. The benefit, therefore, is creating a home that benefits users both now and in the future.

Doors that are always easy to use

Minimising the physical step for your patio doors means creating doors that are always easy to use and especially for visitors to your home that are not immediately familiar with how your doors work.

Future-proofing your home

As our population ages and the need for accessible living spaces increases, investing in barrier-free solutions now ensures that your home or project remains suitable and comfortable for years to come.

Making your home more desirable for buyers

All the benefits of Schüco Barrier Free are equally appealing to prospective buyers in the future. You demonstrate foresight in how you’ve designed your home, making your property suitable for a wider market.

The Schüco Barrier-Free Product Range

schüco front door with barrier-free low threshold
Front doors, patio doors and windows all come with the barrier free design.

Schüco offers a diverse range of barrier-free products designed to suit various architectural styles and requirements. The product range includes balcony French or single doors, all manner of patio doors, tilt-and-turn windows and horizontal sliding windows.

The flat thresholds are complemented by other accessible features such as lower-set window and doors handles and with the option of using additional comfort features such as automatic locking, door closing devices, or even automatic sliding door operators.

Schüco Barrier Free – Conclusion

Schüco barrier-free solutions are a game-changer for homeowners and architects who prioritize accessibility, comfort, and safety in their designs. By incorporating Schüco’s innovative range of windows and doors, you can create an inclusive environment that benefits everyone while enhancing the value and appeal of your property. Contact us for more information about Schüco windows and doors, how to plan them in your project, where to buy and local Schüco specialist suppliers and installers.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
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