Glass extension ideas to transform a home
The great glass expanders
As a way to make a bold design statement and add square footage to your home, a glazed addition is a quick win. Part of the 'don't move, improve' philosophy, we look at ways to add light and space into a traditional home with glass extensions.
The infill extension
Rather than a full box, this extension utilises space by using glass to infill the area between the house and its neighbour. The large glass panels with minimal framing put the materials in the spotlight, with the exposed brick wall becoming a focal point in the design.
The infill extension
The ground floor has been opened-up and extended to allow the spaces to flow into each other, creating a light and unified space. The project won NLA's Don't Move Improve Award in 2009.
The glass kitchen extension
The floor-to-ceiling glass on this extension provides the kitchen with a lovely open feel. It has doors on both sides, meaning that you can be completely open to the elements or protected from the weather.
The glass box extension
This impressive house has been modernised with a new glass box extension. The frameless design doesn't take away from the period architecture and the glass seamlessly joins with the swimming pool making it feel like they flow into one another.
The glass extension with a view
With nothing to block the sightlines, the views across the pool are spectacular. Note the use of the Perspex dining table and chairs, they make the space feel more open rather than blocking it up with colour.
A shaded glass extension
The positioning of this glass extension means that it is shaded from the sun by the original building, so it won't overheat in warmer weather.
A shaded glass extension
The layout in the kitchen/dining area has been designed to benefit from the volume of light allowed into the living spaces. The use of white and reflective surfaces only enhance any brightness coming through.
The contemporary glass extension
This design has been slotted into the original C-shape of the building, which has created a seamless relationship between the inside and outside space.
A family room extension
Enlarging an open-plan kitchen, this glass extension has served to create a communal space for the family who live here to relax and spend time together. The glass panels mirror the shape of the original building and are big enough not to block any views out into the garden.
A family room extension
Glass has also been introduced as skylights into the sloping ceiling sections, to illuminate the far wall and create an affinity between the old structure and the new.
The contemporary glass extension
Having previously been the servants quarters, the glass has reinvented the space into a modern and contemporary architectural intervention. The wide doors open up to the garden by smoothly sliding into panels to create a seamless design.
The extension with pivoting glass doors
Even though this extension isn't 360 degree glass, the design has opened up this townhouse to a similar effect. The rear glass extension brings it up to date, and with the largest pivoting windows in the world at three by six metres, there is no shortage of light.
The extension with pivoting glass doors
The interior is flooded with light and space, with the huge windows providing easy access to the garden for the residents. The polished concrete floor flows throughout the property, providing a seamless feel.
The thermally-efficient extension
This extension incorporates locally sourced stone, the pitch of the roof and the slate colour of the existing building to bring together an uncluttered, modern room. It's designed to be thermally efficient so even during the harshest winters, the residents remain warm inside.
The glass roof extension
The new addition of a glass roof extension in this penthouse has achieved a contemporary look that is still in keeping with the original building. It follows the geometry of the existing roof and has achieved a contemporary look that matches the interior. It's the perfect suntrap for those sunny winter afternoons.
A glass infill
A quick solution for a glass extension is an infill. The owners of this home have used their spare space to create a small glazed living area. The design incorporates the original brick walls so it works with the garden and overall look of the house
The two-storey glass box
Standing at over five metres tall, this glass box has been made into a double storey extension to illuminate two levels of this family home. Structural support comes from the triple-laminated low iron glass fin and beam combination.
A glass extension for a family
This 9ft x 9ft extension uses a glass roof to flood the family room with light. Without beams or structural supports running through the glass the building flows in its design.
A glass extension for a family
The aluminium sliding doors provide views into the garden where a growing wall provides a calm oasis.
Bay window glass extensions
This shows how glass can work with any type of property. The contemporary extension makes a great addition to this period cottage in Wales. The additional bay windows, which have been added around the side, help to pull light into what used to be a dim interior.
bulthaup by Kitchen Architecture
A thatched cottage with an extension
This traditional thatched cottage is the perfect example of how a glass box extension can enhance a contrasting architectural style. Chosen to house a kitchen, the positioning makes the cottage into an L-shape, which beautifully frames the garden and patio.
A glass extension with alfresco dining
Like many others we have seen, this extension helps to blend the inside with the outside. The dark flooring continues into the outdoor area to make it seem like one space. It's a good idea to consider using a lightweight table and chairs that can be moved outside on warmer days for alfresco dining.
A dining area glass extension
This glass is used to striking effect with sliding glass doors and a modern glass ceiling. The wraparound structure allows the dining end of this room to be flooded with extra natural light. The use of the mirror also helps to open up the space and reflect the greenery from outside.
A farmhouse glass extension
This extension in Buckinghamshire extends out from an old farmhouse to provide a dining and seating area. The patio has been shaped around the new build to help frame it in the garden.
A farmhouse glass extension
Unlike some of the frameless designs we've seen, this extension uses glass panels to bring light into the dining area. This helps the building to be slightly more traditional, matching the farmhouse style.
A reflective glass box extension
The designers of this glass box have used slightly mirrored materials. This helps to keep people from looking in, but also aids heat control in the summer.
A glass extension that lights up the basement
This above-ground extension has added a glazed floor area to help solve the problem of building over a basement. What would have ended up as a gloomy room below, will now be flooded with natural light.
A contemporary kitchen extension
These residents have fitted a kitchen into their glass box addition. The back wall is fitted with cabinetry, so the extension opens out on either side to give an abundance of light and fresh air.
A small kitchen extension
This new design has reclaimed the side of a room where space is at a minimum. The extensive glazing expands the space and allows a view of the small leafy garden.