Fashions in architecture and interior design are constantly evolving and, working in the property industry, you get to see them first hand. One recent trend we've noticed is the rise in the use of Crittall, or steel-framed doors, windows and screens.

First developed back in the mid-1800s, Crittall features were closely associated with the Art-Deco and modernist architecture movements, but they also appear in more historic and significant buildings such as the Houses of Parliament, not to mention RMS Titanic.

Now Crittall is making a comeback. But while you’ll still find beautifully restored original examples in warehouse conversions, steel-framed features are no longer confined to an area or building with an industrial past. Innovative developers, architects and homeowners are increasingly installing modern steel-framed internal walls, doors and screens, as well as windows.

Why? Steel frames are a relatively straightforward way to add an architectural statement to a home, but they have practical benefits, too. Credited with bringing far more natural light into a building, they can also improve the sense of space by creating better connectivity between rooms and help achieve the ever popular ‘broken living’ look: defining living spaces while maintaining openness.

Steel-framed features are also very adaptable. We’ve seen them used for everything from a shower enclosure and room dividers to screens, doors and entire walls. According to manufacturers, such features are also strong and durable and offer outstanding thermal efficiency.

Battersea's Bakery Place (pictured above) brilliantly illustrates how effectively steel-framed features can be installed. The former Victorian bakery presented a challenge to its developers, who faced the prospect of dark and somewhat gloomy internal rooms. To avoid this, they ‘borrowed’ natural light from adjoining rooms with extensive use of steel-framed glass walls, allowing them to divide up spaces while maintaining a light and airy feel.