New-build family homes in Reigate by Lightfoot Windows

A shared plot and a shared vision

Nic and Sam Burchett previously lived in the property at the front of the site. Working closely with their neighbours, John and Emma Sanderson, they secured planning permission to create two new family homes within the adjoining gardens, purchasing an additional section of neighbouring land to provide suitable access. From the outset, this was a project shaped by two households making decisions together.

Planning requirements called for an architectural approach that was more traditional in character. Rather than treating that as a restriction, the team used it as a starting point, developing an Arts and Crafts-inspired concept that gave both brand-new properties an established, rather than overtly modern, look.

This more traditional design route meant the project used materials with real character and longevity like red clay roof tiles, clay brickwork, timber sash windows and genuine steel Crittall doors.

Why only authentic Crittall would do

Crittall was an important architectural choice from the beginning of the design process and formed part of the wider discussion between the owners of both properties.

The team wanted every material to fit in with the Arts and Crafts influence and choosing authentic Crittall windows and doors was central to this. The homeowners wanted slender frames and fine detailing for the glazed external doors which would sit alongside timber windows, clay brickwork and traditional roof tiles.

Kitchens designed for entertaining

The kitchen carries particular significance in Nic and Sam’s home. It is the main entertaining area, so the pair wanted their guests to move naturally from there to the bar and garden.

Sitting across two levels, careful consideration was needed when installing the Crittall doors so they were flush to the internal and external floor levels and could open the space directly onto the outside, allowing the garden to become part of the social area when the weather allows.

John and Emma’s home follows a similar layout, with the open-plan kitchen, dining room and family room connecting to two patio areas, and the Crittall doors connecting the external landscape. Their doors also mirror the interior and exterior fittings chosen throughout the house, helping the doors blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

A big consideration for this project was ensuring the homes seemed related but not identical. To establish a consistent look across the development, both households chose the key building materials (like the windows and doors) together. They then introduced subtle differences in finishes and detailing so each house had its own identity. The best example of this is the Crittall. While Nic and Sam selected a bronze finish for their home, John and Emma chose the more traditional black Crittall for the neighbouring property.

“The bronze doors are one of my favourite things in the house,” shares Nic. “Everything about this project came back to using materials that felt authentic, and genuine steel was a big part of that.”

Why this project was a Crittall House of the Year 2026 finalist

The judges recognised a project that used Crittall to meet planning requirements that demanded a more traditional design. Set next to clay brick, clay tile and timber, the Crittall steel doors perfectly complete both homes inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement – something no imitation product could credibly deliver. The bronze works with the warmer tones of Nic and Sam’s interiors, while the black next door provides a subtle difference between the connected properties.

The judges were also impressed with the precision and careful attention to detail Lightfoot Windows applied during fitting. As the kitchen was positioned above the lower bar and social area, there were several technical installation challenges the team needed to overcome to achieve the desired flush relationship between the internal and external floor levels.