The sliding patio door market in the UK has evolved significantly with innovative solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. Among the premium offerings, Cortizo’s sliding door systems—particularly the COR Vision and COR Vision Plus—stand out for their minimalist design and exceptional performance characteristics. This comprehensive analysis compares these two systems across multiple dimensions to help UK homeowners make informed decisions when selecting sliding patio doors.
🏆 Quick Decision Guide for COR Vision vs COR Vision Plus
| Choose COR Vision If | Choose COR Vision Plus If |
|---|---|
| Budget under £5k | Architectural statement required |
| Standard door sizes (≤3m height) | Ultra-large panels needed (up to 4m) |
| Manual operation preferred | Smart home integration desired |
| Urban noise levels | Extreme soundproofing needed |
(Durajoin Tip: Book a free design consultation to determine your ideal system)
Design Philosophy and Aesthetic Appeal
| Feature | COR Vision | COR Vision Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Sightline | 20mm | 25mm |
| Glass-to-Frame Ratio | 90% | 94% |
| Corner Solutions | 90° without mullion | 90° without mullion |
Minimalist Profile Design
The Cortizo COR Vision and COR Vision Plus systems both champion the contemporary architectural trend toward maximizing glass and minimizing visible frames. The COR Vision features an impressively slim 20mm interlock profile, while the COR Vision Plus offers a slightly wider 25mm visible section (3). This difference, though minor, affects the overall aesthetic when doors are closed. The COR Vision provides a marginally sleeker appearance at the meeting point between panels, ideal for those prioritizing the most minimal visual interruption possible.
Glass-to-Frame Ratio
Both systems dramatically increase natural light transmission through expansive glazing areas. The COR Vision maximizes glass surface area with its slim profile design, while the COR Vision Plus takes this concept even further, offering an extraordinary 94% glass surface within the total aperture (2). This near-frameless transparency creates a profoundly immersive connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, effectively blurring the boundary between home and garden.
Frame Integration
Both sliding door systems feature the innovative possibility of embedding bottom, top, and lateral frames within the wall. This architectural integration technique creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces by concealing the operational components of the door system within the building structure. The COR Vision Plus particularly excels in this area, with fully concealed track systems that enhance the frameless appearance from floor to ceiling (2).
Dimensional Capabilities and Weight Support
| Feature | COR Vision | COR Vision Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Max Panel Width | 2,500mm | 4,000mm |
| Max Panel Height | 3,000mm | 4,000mm |
| Max Weight (Manual) | 320kg | 400kg |
| Max Weight (Motorized) | N/A | 700kg |
Panel Dimensions
The most significant differentiation between these systems lies in their size capabilities. The COR Vision accommodates panels up to 2,500mm wide and 3,000mm high, which is impressive for standard residential applications. In contrast, the COR Vision Plus dramatically expands these limits to 4,000mm in both width and height (35). This substantial difference positions the COR Vision Plus as the preferred choice for ambitious architectural projects requiring exceptionally large glass panels.
Weight Capacity
The weight support capabilities further distinguish these systems:
- COR Vision supports panels weighing up to 320kg
- COR Vision Plus supports manually operated panels up to 400kg and motorized panels up to 700kg35
This enhanced weight capacity allows the COR Vision Plus to accommodate much thicker, heavier glazing units, which has significant implications for thermal and acoustic performance.
Thermal and Acoustic Performance
| Feature | COR Vision | COR Vision Plus |
|---|---|---|
| U-value Range | 1.3 W/m²K | 0.9 W/m²K |
| Glazing Thickness | 30mm Max (Double Glazing) | 56mm Max (Triple Glazing) |
| Energy Savings | 25% vs standard | 40% vs standard |
Why It Matters: The COR Vision Plus achieves Building Regulations Part L 2025 compliance effortlessly, while standard COR Vision requires additional insulation in most new builds.
Glazing Capacity
The glazing thickness capacity creates significant performance differences between these systems:
- COR Vision: Maximum glazing thickness of 30mm (suitable for double glazing)
- COR Vision Plus: Maximum glazing thickness of 56mm (accommodates triple glazing) (35)
This expanded glazing capacity in the COR Vision Plus allows for more sophisticated multi-chamber glass combinations that enhance both thermal and sound insulation.
Thermal Efficiency
The difference in thermal performance is substantial:
- COR Vision: U-value from 1.3 W/m²K
- It Blocks 30% more heat than standard doors (1.3 vs typical 2.1 U-value)
- COR Vision Plus: U-value from 0.9 W/m²K (25)
This 30% improvement in thermal efficiency makes the COR Vision Plus particularly suitable for energy-conscious homeowners and projects requiring compliance with stringent energy regulations, especially in modern, highly-insulated new builds.
Acoustic Insulation
The acoustic insulation performance also favours the COR Vision Plus:
- COR Vision: Maximum acoustic rating of Rw = 41 dB
- COR Vision Plus: Maximum acoustic rating of Rw = 43 dB
COR Vision Plus reduces traffic noise by 12dB more than standard models
While this difference may seem modest, the logarithmic nature of the decibel scale means the COR Vision Plus offers noticeably superior sound insulation, particularly valuable for urban settings or noise-sensitive environments.
Operation and Functionality
| Feature | COR Vision | COR Vision Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Manual | Manual/Motorized |
| Smart Home Integration | Limited | Full Integration |
| Drainage System | Standard | Advanced |
Opening Mechanisms
Both systems offer similar configuration possibilities with up to 6 sashes and multiple rail options (COR Vision up to 3 rails, COR Vision Plus up to 4 rails). However, the COR Vision Plus introduces motorized operation capabilities for panels up to 700kg (5). This motorized functionality can be integrated with smart home systems, allowing control via smartphone applications (2). The motorized version also allows the sash to be completely concealed within the frame when closed, enhancing the minimalist aesthetic.
Sliding Technology
The COR Vision Plus incorporates superior sliding technology with rollers placed in the frame and stainless steel reinforcement in the rolling area6. This engineering approach creates exceptionally smooth operation despite the substantial weight of large glass panels. The high-quality stainless steel runners in the bottom track further enhance durability and ease of use (2).
Corner Solutions
Both systems offer the innovative possibility of 90° corner installations without mullions (vertical frame elements), creating striking architectural features where glass panels meet at corners without visual interruption. This design element dramatically enhances spatial flow and visual continuity between different areas of a property.
Structural Integrity and Weather Performance
Profile Thickness and Construction
The COR Vision Plus uses heavier-duty profiles than the standard COR Vision:
- COR Vision: Door profile thickness of 1.7mm, frame sections 116-182mm, sash 37mm
- COR Vision Plus: Door profile thickness of 2.0mm, frame sections 180-278mm, sash 69mm
This more robust construction of the COR Vision Plus provides enhanced structural stability necessary for supporting larger, heavier glass panels.
Weather Performance
Both systems achieve excellent weather resistance ratings:
- Air permeability: Both rated Class 4 (the highest classification)
- Water tightness: COR Vision rated Class 7A; COR Vision Plus rated Class 7A or 9A depending on configuration
- Wind resistance: COR Vision rated Class C5; COR Vision Plus rated Class C3/C4 depending on configuration
Coastal Properties: Both systems withstand 70mph winds (Class C4/C5 certified)
The COR Vision appears to have a slight edge in wind resistance ratings, though both systems exceed typical requirements for residential applications in the UK climate.
Aesthetic Customization Options
Finish Options
Both systems offer identical finish possibilities:
- Dual colour systems (different colours inside and outside)
- RAL colour powder coating in various textures (mottled and rough)
- Wood effect powder coating for a traditional appearance
- Anti-bacterial powder coating for hygiene-conscious environments
- Anodized finishes for enhanced durability
These extensive finishing options allow either system to harmonize with virtually any architectural style or interior design scheme.
Cost Considerations
Price Positioning
The COR Vision represents a premium sliding door system with prices starting from approximately £3,226 for a 2-pane configuration, increasing to around £5,034 for a 3-pane setup (1). The COR Vision Plus, with its enhanced capabilities and specifications, positions at a 35% higher price point within Cortizo’s product range. While specific pricing can possible via Durajoin’s free consultation, the significant engineering advancements and larger capacity would justify a higher investment for those requiring its enhanced capabilities.
Conclusion: Selecting the Right System
The choice between these two exceptional sliding door systems ultimately depends on specific project requirements and priorities:
The COR Vision excels as a premium solution for standard residential applications, offering an excellent balance of slim aesthetics, good thermal performance, and reasonable size capabilities at a more accessible price point. It’s particularly suited to renovation projects, standard extensions, and residential settings where extreme panel sizes aren’t required.
The COR Vision Plus represents Cortizo’s ultimate expression of sliding door technology, designed for ambitious architectural projects requiring exceptionally large glass panels, superior thermal performance, and smart operation capabilities. Its enhanced specifications make it the preferred choice for high-end residential projects, architectural statements, and commercial applications where maximum light, minimal visual interruption, and superior performance justifies the higher investment.
Both systems represent the leading edge of sliding door technology, offering UK homeowners and architects solutions that dramatically enhance living spaces through innovative design and engineering excellence.
