Edinburgh City House is a contemporary glass extension in Edinburgh, designed by Zone Architects and constructed by main contractor Mackenzie Hughes to create a light filled living space at the rear of a 19th century property. IQ Glass supplied and installed a bespoke architectural glazing package comprising ultra slim sliding glass doors and Invisio® structural glazing. The extension provides additional living space, improves the connection to the garden and introduces abundant natural light into the period home.
Project Partners
Contractor: Mackenzie Hughes
Architect: Zone Architects
Edinburgh Property photography
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
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Adding a Contemporary Glass Extension to an Edinburgh Period Home
The homeowners wanted to create more usable living space with a simple connection to the patio and garden. Natural light, comfort and easy movement between inside and outside were central to the brief, requiring a glazed extension that felt open and contemporary while responding sensitively to the original property.
The new structure combines architectural glazing with a modern zinc roof and Witton Fell stone, creating a considered relationship between contemporary and traditional materials. For architects and private clients considering a glass extension in Edinburgh, the project demonstrates how structural glass and slim sliding doors can create a distinct modern addition that remains sympathetic to a period home.
Creating a Wide Opening onto the Garden
One of the main challenges was creating the widest possible opening between the new living space and the garden. Conventional framed doors would have interrupted the rear elevation and limited the sense of connection between the interior, patio and landscaped outdoor space.
The glazing therefore needed to combine large glass panels with slim profiles and an opening corner configuration. This would allow the extension to open from two sides while maintaining clear views and a minimal architectural appearance when the doors were closed.
Connecting the Kitchen to the Living Space
A second challenge was bringing natural light into the connection between the existing kitchen dining area and the new living room. The glazed junction needed to work alongside the zinc roof, stone facade and central chimney while maintaining a clear transition between the original house and extension.
This required a bespoke structural glazing arrangement that could continue from the vertical elevation into the roof. The junctions needed to remain visually light while providing the strength, weather protection and drainage required for a glazed link of this scale.
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Open Corner Sliding Doors and Structural Glass for a Light Filled Extension
IQ Glass installed two ultra slim sliding door systems in a bi-parting open corner configuration, creating a generous transition onto the patio. Large glass panels, slim framing and a flush threshold connect the new living space seamlessly with the garden. The frames were finished in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey with a marine grade finish for the coastal environment, complementing the extension’s zinc and stone materials.
An Invisio® structural glass link was installed between the existing kitchen dining area and the new living room. The vertical glass connects directly to the roof glazing above through a structural silicone glass-to-glass junction, creating the distinctive up-and-over glazed form. A fixed structural glass panel was also positioned on the opposite side of the chimney breast, continuing the transparent appearance of the extension. Together, these elements show how a glass extension in Edinburgh can combine wide garden openings, overhead daylight and carefully coordinated material junctions within a period property.
Technical Glazing Summary
- Two ultra slim sliding door systems combined to create a bi-parting open corner configuration.
- Clear toughened double glazed glass with Low E coating.
- Frames finished in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey matt with a marine grade finish for the coastal environment.
- Invisio® structural glass link formed from vertical glazing and fixed roof glass with a silicone glass-to-glass connection.
- Structural roof glass approximately 5219mm long x 1285mm wide, with a 3 degree fall for drainage.
- Structural glazing specified with clear toughened 34mm double glazed units and a laminated interlayer.
Speak to IQ Glass About a Glass Extension in Edinburgh
Edinburgh City House demonstrates how structural glazing and ultra slim sliding doors can add light, space and garden access to a period property. For architects, developers and private clients planning a glass extension in Edinburgh, early specialist input can help resolve open corner configurations, structural glass junctions, drainage and integration with existing materials.
Speak to IQ Glass about structural glazing, slim sliding glass doors and bespoke glazing packages for period property renovations and contemporary residential extensions.
