Advice on Glass Extension Design
Advice on Glass Extension Design
Advice on Glass Extension Design
Today there many possibilities for designing a modern extension, however the cost of any addition should ideally relate to the overall value of your home so as a rule of thumb an extension at the cost of 5% of the value of your home makes sense for a potential long term investment.
It goes without saying that a proposed glass feature must relate well to the style of your property and ideally, the space should be linked to the house, not shut off with external-style doors, or it will be classed as a garden room and won't add value to your home. Ensure the floor levels and finishes are tied in with the house, and that the area is heated.
The Extension:
To get permission to build an entire glass extension to the rear of your property, very much depends on your local planning department and what precedent has been set by your neighbours. In terms of style of the extension, frameless is ideal and the bigger the glazing panels the better. If you do use frames avoid PVCu as it makes it appear bulky so try and use more discreet frames made from hardwood or metal.
Alternatives to The Extension:
If you can't accommodate the space for a full-size extension, you can let light in with additions such as a glazed side return or a glass roof. If you have a regular single door you can consider widening this entry space by either installing French doors or using Concertina doors however the later is more costly and will need additional structural works.
Find An Architect:
A single storey extension is perfect to appoint a young architect. Although it may appear a better option is to go for a large firm of architects this isn't always the best idea because their large costs and overheads will make a small project very expensive additionally they probably won't give the project the time it deserves. Whereas a young architect will invest alot of time and will be more eager to creating the best project possible.
A good architect will be able to advise you on planning issues, and put forward an application on your behalf; they'll help with building regulations, and hire a glazer to do the job properly. You'll find a comprehensive list of reputable glazing and glass firms at www.ggf.org.uk.
Planning Regulations:
Depending on the scale of your extension it may fall under Permitted Development rights or otherwise you may have to apply for planning permission and follow building regulations, however in both cases gain confirmation from your local planning department before starting any works.
If your glass extension can be closed off from the rest of the house by a door, and has a glass roof, it will be deemed a conservatory and you shouldn't need permission, but, as always, check with your local authority's Building Control service and go to the Government's Planning Portal for comprehensive information.
Temperature Control:
Modern glass extensions have measures to reduce heat loss, one method is coating the class in a metal oxide that allows heat and light to pass through, while stopping heat from leaving; and, naturally, the more layers of glazing the better. If your project has a large glazed panel you should consider installing underfloor heating, or trench radiators that lie flush to the floor.
Blinds are import to maintain a degree of privacy and to keep the space cool in the summer months. Glass extension specialist GlasSpace supplies a blind system that fits in between the glazed panels, or you can get a special window film that reflects the sun's heat and UV penetration (go to www.abodewindowfilms.co.uk). Structural solutions include overhanging roofs that will look super-cool and provide a nice bit of shading, and you should consider installing air conditioning, too (go to www.air-conditioning-company.co.uk.
Flooring:
As this space opens up into the garden, its beneficial to go for hard-wearing, low-maintenance flooring such as slate, concrete, stone and limestone which will all look good and natural, and particularly if you lay the same (or similar) stone outside on the patio area.
The Furniture:
If your extension opens out into the garden, you should consider buying furniture that can be taken outside to enjoy the summer months. Weather-proofed furniture which can be used for this dual use is available form companies such as Pangea Home.
In terms of colour schemes, make the most of all that increased natural light by sticking to pale shades - but do double-check how well it will deal with fading before you buy.
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