1. GLASS BOX REAR ADDITIONS
Depending on the size and complexity, a glass box addition can be costly and will require a designer, manufacturer and contractor to advice on glazed walls, roofs and door systems.
It’s best to employ a project manager for a complex glazed extension, to prevent the horror stories of homeowners getting the calculations wrong and ordering the wrong size glazing with disastrous – and expensive - results.
2. GLASS ROOF ADDITIONS
Adding a glass roof addition or roof lights can give the illusion of a glazed extension and bring in much needed light but doesn’t compromise on wall space, and can be installed on almost any type of property. Roof lights, skylights or lanterns can be made to fit any size or shape of roof and many take the theory of an automated home to its uppermost limits - literally - with a ventilation system that can be opened or closed by remote control.
Are another way of bringing in light and are often used to create a design statement entrance. They are essentially a large open-air, skylight-covered space surrounded by a building, and can be made in all styles, contemporary or traditional and can be sometimes used on historic buildings.
4. GLASS ORANGERY ADDITIONS
Traditionally, a sunroom was a building attached to the main house and was a place to grow plants, whereas orangeries were grand buildings used to grow orange trees in period homes. Nowadays, sunrooms and orangeries are pretty much the same thing - an extension of the main house to provide an extra room. In fact, the kitchen orangery is a big trend. The official definition is that it is a building with at least 50% side walls and 75% roof area. Sunrooms and orangeries come under permitted development, so there is usually no need for planning permission.
5. GLASS BALCONY ADDITIONS
For a stunning design feature, a glass balcony on the first floor will bring in light and ventilation to a bedroom or first floor living room and would make the most of any views. There could even be space for a table and chairs.
6. GLASS LINK ADDITIONS
Linking the main house to an extension, outbuilding or other structure offers a weatherproof connection and makes the linked space more usable. Using frameless glass makes it ‘disappear’ and brings in light. These designs work particularly well in listed or historic buildings as they are unobtrusive. They can also be usable spaces in their own right, as a seating area for example.