The Farmhouse is a contemporary kitchen extension that combines corner opening sliding doors, structural glazing and timber screening to create a highly transparent living space with strong links to the surrounding landscape. Designed by Bowen Architects, the extension replaces the traditional boundary between house and garden with large expanses of glazing, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the floorplan while maintaining a minimalist architectural appearance.
Project Partners
Architects: Bowen Architects
Photography: Peter Cook Photography
Contractor: Micks carpentry and building contracts
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Creating a Seamless Corner Opening
One of the principal design objectives for the extension was to improve connections between the kitchen dining space and the outdoor living areas. Rather than relying on conventional patio doors, the architect specified a corner opening glazing arrangement that could maximise views and provide unrestricted access to the garden.
The challenge with this type of design is maintaining structural performance while removing visible support from the corner junction. The glazing solution therefore needed to provide large opening sections with minimal framing whilst preserving the clean architectural lines of the extension.
minimal windows® Sliding Door Installation
To achieve this, IQ Glass supplied and installed two minimal windows® 4+ sliding door systems configured around a specialist corner connection. The two systems meet at the corner of the extension, creating a dramatic opening when the sliding panels are retracted.
The slim aluminium framing allows the focus to remain on the surrounding views whilst providing the thermal and weather performance expected from a contemporary residential extension. By minimising visible framework, the sliding doors deliver a consistent architectural aesthetic across the glazed façade.
When open, the corner junction effectively disappears, creating a strong relationship between the internal and the external terrace. This arrangement is particularly effective in residential extensions where uninterrupted circulation between inside and outside is a key design driver.
Integrating Timber Sliding Shutters
A distinctive element of the project is the integration of timber sliding shutters manufactured by Avino, supplied by IQ Glass. These large timber screens are positioned externally in front of the minimal windows® systems and operate on dedicated sliding tracks.
The shutters provide an additional level of privacy and solar shading whilst introducing texture and natural materials to the façade composition. This combination of engineered glazing systems and natural timber elements creates a balanced architectural language that responds to both contemporary and rural design influences.
The ability to move and position the shutters throughout the day allows occupants to regulate sunlight and privacy levels without compromising views or natural ventilation.
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Structural Glazing Link Between Old and New
Beyond the opening corner elevation, the project also incorporates a structural glazing system that links the extension back to the existing house. The glazed connection consists of an Invisio structural glass screen alongside a series of silicone-jointed structural glass panels that form part of the roof glazing design.
Using glass-to-glass connections throughout the structure reduced the need for visible framing and allowed daylight to travel through the connecting space. The result is a bright transition zone that enhances the sense of openness within the extension whilst maintaining clear sightlines through the building.
Structural glazing systems of this type are often selected where architects wish to create a highly transparent architectural feature without introducing bulky supporting elements. By carefully detailing the junctions between the structural glass components, the extension retains a lightweight and contemporary appearance.
Technical Details
The Farmhouse demonstrates how corner opening sliding doors, structural glazing and external screening can be combined to create a seamless transition between house and garden. If you are planning a similar extension project, contact IQ Glass early in the design process for technical advice, budget guidance and bespoke glazing recommendations.
Get in touch with the IQ Glass team to discuss your project requirements and explore the possibilities of minimal windows®, structural glazing and architectural glass design.
