Darras Hall

Slim Sliding Glass Doors in Newcastle upon Tyne

Darras Hall is a detached family home in Newcastle upon Tyne, originally built in 1953. Designed by Miller Partnership Architects, the contemporary garden extension creates an enlarged kitchen and dining area with an open aspect to the garden, improving the connection between the main living spaces and the outdoors.

The IQ Glass northern division was appointed to design, supply and install the architectural glazing for the extension. The package included a large slim sliding glass door system and Invisio® rooflights, bringing natural light into the new living space and opening the rear elevation to the garden.

Project Partners

Architects: Miller Partnership

Photography: Jill Tate

Location

Newcastle upon Tyne

Creating a Modern Extension to a 1950s Home

A central aim of the project was to adapt the existing home for contemporary family living. Alongside upgrades to the original building fabric and services, the extension created a larger kitchen and dining space, together with a utility room and WC. Its position in line with and behind the existing garage helps prevent the new structure from visually intruding on the original house when viewed from the street.

The garden extension was designed with a clear distinction between old and new while remaining sympathetic to the existing property. Red brick complements the colour of the original house, while a longer Roman brick format and subtly different detailing give the addition its own contemporary character. The glazing needed to support this approach by creating one generous opening across the garden facing elevation and introducing further daylight through the flat roof.

Slim Sliding Glass Doors Opening the Kitchen to the Garden

IQ Glass installed a two panel slim sliding glass door system across the rear of the extension. Measuring approximately 5.15m wide by 2.45m high, the system comprises one fixed pane and one sliding pane, forming a single large glazed opening within the red brick elevation.

The sliding system uses a slim 21mm interlocker to reduce visible framing between the panels and preserve views towards the garden. A flush threshold creates a clean transition at floor level, helping the kitchen and dining space feel more closely connected to the external area when the doors are open. The frames were finished in RAL 7021 Black Grey, providing a restrained contrast against the surrounding brickwork.  

These slim sliding glass doors in Newcastle upon Tyne allow daylight to enter across the full width of the main living space while providing direct garden access. The combination of large glass panels and narrow framing supports the simple architectural treatment of the extension without introducing unnecessary visual interruption.

Invisio® Rooflights for Additional Natural Light

IQ Glass also supplied three fixed Invisio® rooflights in varying sizes, with the largest measuring approximately 2428mm by 828mm. Installed within the flat roof of the extension, the rooflights bring additional natural light into the kitchen and dining area from above, complementing the daylight provided by the sliding glass doors.

The rooflights sit within the sedum planted roof, concealed behind the extension’s flat parapet line. Their fixed structural glass design maintains the clean appearance of the roof while helping daylight reach further into the interior. This was particularly important for creating a bright and comfortable space within an extension positioned behind the existing garage structure.

The rooflight glass was specified with solar control to help manage solar gain, together with a laminated interlayer for additional strength. This performance-led specification allows the roof glazing to support internal comfort while maintaining the clear, minimal finish required by the architectural design.

Glazing Performance for a Contemporary Family Home

The sliding doors were specified with double glazed clear toughened safety glass and a low E coating to support thermal performance within the extended living space. The glass was also heat soak tested, helping to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage caused by non-detectable inclusions within the body of the glass.

Together, the sliding doors and rooflights help transform the rear of the refurbished property. The glazing provides broad garden views, direct access to the outdoor space and natural light from both the rear elevation and overhead, supporting the extension’s role as the new centre of family life.

Technical Glazing Summary

IQ Glass provided the following architectural glazing for Darras Hall:

  • Two panel slim sliding glass door system measuring approximately 5150mm wide by 2450mm high, comprising one fixed and one sliding pane.
  • Slim 21mm interlocker, flush threshold and RAL 7021 Black Grey Matt frame finish.
  • Double glazed clear toughened safety glass with a low E coating and heat soak testing.
  • Three fixed Invisio® rooflights in varying sizes, with the largest measuring approximately 2428mm by 828mm.
  • Rooflight glazing with solar control, heat soak testing and a laminated interlayer for additional strength.

Speak to IQ Glass About Slim Sliding Glass Doors in Newcastle upon Tyne

Darras Hall demonstrates how slim sliding glass doors in Newcastle upon Tyne can support the refurbishment and extension of an existing family home. By combining a large garden facing opening with structural rooflights, the glazing introduces natural light, improves access to the garden and complements the clear distinction between the original house and its contemporary addition.

Early engagement with IQ Glass can support the design and specification of glazing for residential extensions and refurbishments where large openings, slim sightlines, thermal performance and carefully integrated roof glazing are key considerations. Contact our team to discuss how architectural glazing can be incorporated into your next project.