Cotswolds

Award Winning Extension to Cotswolds Cottage

The new linear extension by IQ Glass was linked to the original Grade II Listed gamekeeper's cottage within a hidden wooded valley on the edge of the Cotswolds. Planning permission was received under paragraph 80 (previously paragraph 79), which is a rare feat, only about 100 projects have been granted permission under this since its creation. 

Sustainability and the unique design of the extension were two main factors that allowed the project to go ahead under paragraph 80. Part of the next home was buried into the surrounding landscape, with nature being brought over the build to form a green, grass-covered roof. 

Externally, the same local stone that the cottage was built from has been used to create a sense of continuity across the new and old elements. The choice of stone combined with minimally framed and frameless glazing help the home complement the stunning surroundings without detracting from its beauty.

Natural ventilation is utilised with various roof glazing systems set into the slope of the ground above the rear wall of the extension that will draw air in through the south elevation and out through the vents in the rooflights. An air-source heat pump system provides hot water, heating and cooling to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional heating and air conditioning systems, resulting in an extremely low carbon footprint for the home.

Credit

Found Associates 

Location

Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

A frameless structural glass link was designed to connect the contemporary extension to the existing home, virtually transparent from afar with all fixings concealed with the light Cotswold brick. IQ Glass installed a structural glass strip rooflight along the length of the extension, to allow a vast amount of natural light to enter the long corridor.

Large sliding glass doors with a slim frame of 21mm and structural glass panes were combined along the south elevation. Whilst many may think this was to provide the internal space with clear views of the outdoors, it was actually to heat the home through solar gain. 

An extremely interesting part of this extension was how solar gain was utilised. By creating entire glass walls along the south elevation, the solar gain from the sun's rays actually acts as a heat source for the new interior space, a clever glazing solution that is not often seen or realised.

This, combined with the other sustainable elements helps to reduce the home's energy consumption significantly and is an excellent example of an environmentally friendly home, built with the future in mind.

Low iron glass was utilised to create glazing with unparalleled levels of clarity, a design choice to ensure views of the outdoors are clear and completely uninterrupted. The fully glazed slim framed wall provides a contemporary addition to the traditional brick cottage and extension without detracting from the Cotswolds charm. 

The slim framing has been combined with large glazed panels, enhancing the light ingress in the internal living space where natural light can bounce off the white interior to create a bright and spacious living area. 

Installing these sliding glass doors with a flush floor finish creates the ideal indoor-outdoor living experience for the homeowners as they are provided with step-free access to their patio area. These minimal windows sliding glass doors can be pushed back to create a completely open wall, providing maximum access space and incredible views of the surrounding areas.

For more information on paragraph 80 homes or to talk to us about how glazing can help to create a sustainable home, contact the team at IQ today

Awards: RIBA National Award 2012, Shortlisted for Manser Medal 2012