February 12, 2016

Bricks and Mortar - The Latest Extension Designs

Written by Rebecca Clayton

Square glass extensions are still being designed and constructed but architects are beginning to think outside the box. With moving costs high and a dearth of stock on the market, the desire to stay put and make the most of what you have remains strong, particularly because it is possible to make significant alterations to your home without the need for permission, after the relaxation of planning legislation and implementation of Permitted Development Rights.

The need for more space is the driving force behind these changes – and the UK’s leading architects are finding new ways to work. The ‘straight’ glass boxes are being challenged with new innovative and daring designs.

How to create the latest designs for contemporary extensions

Bricks and Mortar featured a project using a concertina roof design connecting the home more with nature and more natural light. Maximising natural light is harder in built up city locations like London, nevertheless it is at the key to these new extension trends.

Frameless rooflights on the inspirational ‘pleated’ ceiling above the kitchen featured in Bricks and Mortar below maximises the views in addition to driving the natural light into the middle of the property.

Bricks and Mortar, The Times - Crouch End, North London

Bricks and Mortar, The Times - Crouch End, North London

Slim frame sliding glass doors stretch across this ‘urban foxes’ shaped extension with bespoke ‘porthole window’ as the animals eye. The bespoke window allows the natural light to penetrate through into the second floor of home.

Bricks and Mortar, The Times – Sanderson House, Islington, North London

 IQ’s project, Sheldon Avenue was a contemporary glass extension designed with interesting, non-orthogonal angles across the whole rear face. This clever architectural glass design uses structural glazing and slim frame sliding glass doors at a non 90-degree angle pushing architectural glazing to the limits. The largely glazed extension fills the open plan living spaces with natural light featuring ceilings folded like a concertina for a design ‘outside the box’.

IQ Glass UK – Sheldon Avenue, London

Another project completed by IQ, Killiser Avenue illustrates clever architectural glazing design. By using structural glazing, large frameless rooflights and modern patio doors designed to be opened on all the corners for dynamic movement through the open-plan space. The staggered design of the extension gives a simple extension a more architectural design, creating bright, light-filled living space.

IQ Glass UK – Killiser Avenue, London

All of these traditional London homes needed a clever design, in order to achieve the need for additional space and the added bespoke, architectural extension desired. These prove that designs really can go ‘outside the box’ even to traditional London terrace homes.

Contact IQ Glass for more information about the products mentioned above or for help designing your glass extension. View our Pinterest Board for more inspiration on glass extension designs.