Glass extensions – Connecting the home to the outdoors
28Apr '23
Instead of the usual brick-and-mortar extensions, homeowners are opting for light and modern glass extensions. We look at the new design trend and how Kbsa member, EKCO Lifestyle, is excelling in demonstrating this luxurious home addition.
As homeowners look for new and innovative ways to add space and value to their properties, glass extensions are becoming an increasingly popular option. Aside from gaining more valuable space, glass extensions allow more natural light to flood the home as well as soften the boundaries between interiors and exteriors. By introducing a direct and much more visible route to outdoor spaces, glass extensions allow you to turn your new space into a multifunctional part of the home.
These extensions are typically made of high-quality glass panels that are reinforced with steel or aluminium frames for added strength and durability. Floor-to-ceiling windows, bi-fold doors, skylights, and orangeries can also achieve some of the benefits that glass extensions have to offer. Whether you want a bright and airy living room, a spacious dining room or a stunning kitchen, having a glass extension will create a more open and inviting living space.
Advances in glass technology offer excellent insulation properties, making it possible for larger expanses of glass and well-insulting frames to keep your new living space at a comfortable temperature all year round, without the worry of higher energy bills. Thermal heated glass and solar control glazing can be installed to achieve the temperature balance when there are variations in outdoor temperatures.
Often rear extensions can leave the centre of the house feeling dark, but with a glass extension, you can enjoy an abundance of natural light. Opening up your living space to build a greater connection to your outdoor spaces will not only leave your home feeling bigger and brighter, but uninterrupted views of the outdoors also help to improve your mood and well-being.
Further ways to transform your living space is to continue flagstones from your patio to your glass extension to create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior which works particularly well with glass-box kitchens. For properties wanting an outdoor kitchen, using similar materials to your indoor kitchen and installing the same height worktops indoors as well as outdoors make create an indoor-outdoor continuity.
EKCO Livingston has been designing and installing luxury kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, extensions and garden rooms for more than 20 years. They’ve also been successful in winning some of our Kbsa Awards including Best Kitchen Designer (under £25k), Young Designer of the Year and Bathroom Design, showcasing that they know what’s best in home designs.
Some of the glass extension work they have completed has given homeowners additional dining space as well as garden rooms, a stylish alternative to a summer house or conservatory. Some of their other projects include installing floor-to-ceiling bi-folding doors in kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms to achieve a greater connection to the outdoors.
EKCO believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, so their team of experts will work with you every step of the way to create a space you’ll love. You can rest assured that quality is evident in everything they do, to deliver a project that will give your home the wow factor.
With summer coming up, a glass extension living space would become a popular place to spend time in to soak up all the sun. But you’ll also be able to enjoy your new extension all year round, from watching the first signs of spring starting to bud to watching flowers bloom to summer. You’ll be able to watch your garden transform from shades to greens to golds in autumn and stargaze on a clear winter’s night, with the added benefit of being able to watch the stars in the warmth.
If you’re considering getting a glass extension, here are some points to discuss with your architect:
- Will I need planning permission? Check with your local planning authority before starting any work
- Talk about how your privacy could be affected
- What do you want to achieve from your new living space?
- What drainage system will need to be installed?
Find out about EKCO by visiting their website.
