The Ridgeway

Contemporary Glass Box Extension in Hertfordshire

This stunning Hertfordshire home was transformed with the addition of a modern glass box extension, significantly increasing usable living space while enhancing the property's connection to the outdoors. Designed to maximise natural light and create a seamless flow between inside and outside, the contemporary rear extension combines advanced glazing technology with elegant architectural design.

At the heart of the project is a glass box extension featuring slim framed sliding glass doors in an innovative open-corner configuration. This design creates a striking floating corner effect, removing visual barriers and opening the living space directly onto the landscaped garden. With ultra-slim sightlines of just 19mm, the sliding doors deliver uninterrupted views and allow daylight to flood the interior throughout the day.

Products Used

Project Partners

Architects: Leandro Rotundi 

Builder: Rodney McNamee

 

Location

Hertfordshire, UK

Seamless Glazing Design Throughout the Extension

To maintain a cohesive aesthetic, minimal framed sliding windows were installed alongside the large sliding glass doors. Finished in the same design style and colour, these systems create a consistent architectural appearance throughout the highly glazed living area while maximising natural light and garden views.

Complementing these installations are slim framed aluminium casement windows, specified across both levels of the home. Their matching finish ensures visual continuity across the rear elevation while providing excellent thermal performance and ventilation.

Maximising Natural Light with Frameless Rooflights

Natural light was a key driver of the design, leading to the integration of several frameless rooflights above the living and dining spaces. These rooflights draw daylight deep into the home, creating bright and inviting interiors while offering uninterrupted sky views.

An automated opening rooflight was also included within the extension design, providing discreet natural ventilation without compromising the clean, minimalist appearance of the roof structure.

Indoor-Outdoor Living Around the Pool and Gym

Adjacent to the glass extension, a dedicated home gym and swimming pool area further embraces the concept of indoor-outdoor living. This space features ultra-slim aluminium bifold doors, which can be fully opened to create a completely unobstructed transition between the indoor pool area and the surrounding garden.

Additional slim framed sliding doors connect the main living spaces with the pool zone, maintaining clear sightlines and allowing natural light to flow freely throughout the property. Thanks to their thermally broken aluminium profiles, the doors effectively separate different internal environments while maintaining excellent energy efficiency.

Given the demanding conditions of a pool environment, all glazing systems within this area were specified with a marine-grade finish. This specialist treatment protects the aluminium frames from corrosion and ensures long-term performance and durability.

internal view of frameless glass rooflights and slim framed sliding doors
bifolding doors and sliding doors to indoor swimming pool area

Connecting Traditional Architecture with Contemporary Design

Where the extension meets the original structure, clerestory windows were installed to bridge varying ceiling heights and enhance the transition between old and new. These high-level glazed elements introduce additional daylight while helping to visually integrate the contemporary extension with the existing home.

On the first floor, further slim framed sliding doors provide access to a private balcony. Finished in the same colour and specification as the surrounding window systems, they contribute to a unified architectural appearance across the rear façade.

Technical Details:

  • Slim framed Sliding Glass doors ( Three track 9630mm x2475mm)
  • Inviso roof glazing 1500mm x2000mm
  • RAL Colour 7016,7021,7024 and 9005
  • Glass Specification : Double -glazed insulated glass
  • Low E coating to improve glaizng performance
  • Toughened safetly glass
  • Solar control coating
  • Safelty laminiated glass utilised in rooflight glaizng
  • Marine Grade finished, provided within pool environmen
  • Glass Box Extension
  • Slim Framed Sliding Doors (Open Corner)
  • Minimal Framed Sliding Windows
  • Slim Framed Aluminium Casement Window
  • Frameless Rooflights
  • Automated Opening Roofligh
  • Ultra-Slim Aluminium Bifold Doors
  • Clerestory Windows
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

High-Performance Glazing for Year-Round Comfort

This Hertfordshire renovation demonstrates how modern glazing systems can transform traditional homes without compromising their original character. From slim framed sliding doors and bifold doors to frameless rooflights, every glazing element was carefully selected to improve natural light, enhance garden connections and elevate everyday living.

All systems feature thermally broken aluminium profiles, helping to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year while delivering exceptional energy efficiency and long-term performance.

Looking to create brighter, more spacious living areas with seamless connections to your garden? Contact our expert team who specialise in designing and delivering high-performance glazing solutions tailored to your home and lifestyle.

Associated Products

Aluminium windows

Aluminium Windows

Aluminium windows are versatile and durable, with applications in residential and commercial buildings. They are energy efficient, low maintenance, and available in a range of colours and styles.
Automated venting rooflight from IQ Glass

A.R.E.S.®

A venting rooflight system designed to open on hinges with concealed actuators for a fully minimal aesthetic

Clerestory Windows by Invisio®

Clerestory windows are installed near the roofline to provide natural light and ventilation. They are common in commercial and residential architecture and can enhance energy efficiency and aesthetics.

Ultra Slim Bifold Doors

Ultra Slim Bifold Doors are ideal for creating seamless indoor/outdoor transitions, maximising natural light and ventilation, and creating an open, modern feel in homes, commercial buildings, and other spaces.
luxury new build home with minimal glass facade

Slim Framed Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding doors with ultra-slim sightlines, offering only the highest levels of performance and durability.

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