Design Context and Architectural Challenges
The house, covering approximately 10,300 square feet, is significantly larger than the surrounding properties and sits within an evolving residential area shaped by early twentieth‑century transport expansion. The brief required the transformation of a traditional, enclosed internal layout into a series of contemporary, family‑friendly living spaces with greater integration between the interior and the garden. Large sliding openings were essential to achieve this level of openness, but the home’s brick construction and existing structural arrangement required careful consideration of load paths, drainage and junction detailing.
At first‑floor level, the extension demanded a glazed form that balanced transparency with privacy while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity across both storeys. The resulting façade needed to express modernity without overwhelming the character of the original building or its greenbelt setting.
Large‑Scale Sliding Glass Doors for Modern Family Living
To enable fluid movement between interior living areas and the rear terrace, IQ Glass installed multiple sets of slim framed sliding glass doors across ground and first‑floor levels. The primary elevation features an extensive two‑track aluminium sliding system spanning 16.03m in width and 2.78m in height, configured with fixed and sliding panes arranged around a fixed glass‑to‑glass corner. This expansive opening brings daylight deep into the open plan family area while providing uninterrupted views towards the garden. Additional two‑track systems measuring 5.4m, 5.6m and 5.53m in width were installed across the remodelled façades, each designed to align cleanly with adjacent glazing and cladding elements. The consistent 21mm sightlines across all systems maintain a unified aesthetic throughout the extension.
To support internal circulation and enhance architectural functionality, a pocket sliding door measuring 1.78m by 2.55m was installed at the corner junction, enabling the panel to disappear fully into a concealed cavity. This provides a maximum opening width while maintaining a minimal appearance when closed.
Structural Glass Walls, Balustrades and Slim Aluminium Pivot Door
IQ Glass supplied structural glazing to create frameless picture windows on the remodelled first floor. Two structural glass units measuring 1.7m by 2.18m were installed to provide clear views from elevated rooms and to align with the minimal framing of the sliding doors below. These picture windows deliver high levels of daylight and contribute to the property’s contemporary architectural profile.
At first floor level, a slim aluminium pivot door measuring 0.9m by 2.18m provides access between the internal rooms and the pool area. This door uses the same 21mm sightline language as the sliding systems, ensuring continuity of detailing across both floors. Throughout the exterior terrace, frameless glass balustrades provide compliant protection while maintaining transparency and openness around the landscaped patio. Low iron glass enhances clarity and minimises visual interruption across views to the garden.
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