Envy-inducing rear extension ideas
16 July 2020
Following a change in local authority planning rules in May 2019, many homeowners are making the most of the opportunity to extend their homes with a rear extension.
The change in rules allows larger extensions without the need for a full planning permission, saving months of waiting time for approvals.
Planning your rear extension
Whilst the change in rules is positive, it doesn’t mean you should scrimp on the research and planning phase of your extension. As the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin so aptly says ‘by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.’ And we couldn’t agree more!
By researching everything from design and materials to suppliers and finishes, you’ll save yourself time, money and stress as you progress your project.
Some of our favourite rear extensions are featured below to help you with your research. Our Project Managers have spent many years honing their architectural glazing expertise to provide valuable insight and advice for your project. If you’re ready to get started, email us your plans and arrange a call to discuss your needs.
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Combining door, roof and bespoke glazing styles
Our clients in New Malden added an L shaped rear extension to their home, creating a new kitchen, dining and lounge area.
If your extension features multiple glazing, such as doors, windows and roof glazing, you’re going to want to choose glazing systems which are achieve perfect performance. You’re also going to want to make sure that they have a complementary design to create a well thought out and cohesive new area.
The beautiful clean lines and anthracite grey internal frame of the Pure Glass Roof Lantern positioned above the new kitchen, works in perfect harmony with the two sets of Glide S Sliding Doors and bespoke aluminium windows. The real pièce de résistance of this extension is the Pure Glass Bespoke Ridge Light, which crowns the new lounge area. A ridge light is fixed glazing installed into the apex of the roof providing glazing on both returns. Alternatively, you could choose to feature flat roof lights on either side of the apex.
Discover Pure Glass Ridge Lights
Blurring the lines of indoor and outdoor living
Working with architects One World Design, we created the ultimate indoor-outdoor living space by combining bespoke windows to sit under the eaves of the extension, as well as an expanse of near-frameless sliding doors – softening the disconnect of the two areas to create one harmonious and serene space.
As well as an ultra-thin frame (just a 35mm interlock), the VIIU Sliding Door chosen for this project is designed to allow you to achieve a 99% glass to 1% frame ratio, so whether you’re inside or outside, your view is almost uninterrupted. Choosing black frames for all of the glazing systems creates a subtle and contemporary overall design, which both frames and blurs the view.
Discover the VIIU sliding door
Form and function for the family
Adding a rear extension to your home can completely change the look, feel and use of your home. A survey commission by TSB Bank found that over 40% of homeowners would choose to extend rather than move house. So, if you’re thinking of listing your home, it might be worth some time researching the options to add an extension instead.
Our clients in Milford loved their home but needed more space to meet the increasing demands of a growing family. Their new extension added an open plan kitchen, casual dining and living space – and is now where the family spend most of their time.
The combination of FD85® Bifold Doors and a contemporary Aluminium Roof Lantern in matching anthracite grey floods the area with light. The choice of bifold doors means the whole glazed wall opens up to create uninterrupted and easy access to the patio and garden area.
Flush threshold and inspiring views
Having lived in their home for many years, our clients in Upton Grey decided it was time to add a rear extension so that they could make the most of the ever-changing beautiful views of the Hampshire countryside.
With views like this, the glazing needed to feature minimal sightlines so Glide S Sliding Doors were the perfect choice to span the large area. Sliding doors continue to grow in popularity as the slim frames and versatility of the design provides a fantastic alternative to bifold doors.
The Glide S sliding door is one of our systems that allows you to achieve a flush threshold. With a flush threshold, the internal and external floor finishes perfectly meet the face of the sliding door frame, creating step-free, seamless access between the home and outdoor space. Achieving a flush threshold takes meticulous planning and excellent communication between the onsite teams so, if you’d like to incorporate a flush threshold in your rear extension, get us involved with your architect and builder at the early stages to avoid any issues later on in the project.
With views out to the Hampshire countryside achieved, the addition of a Pure Glass Roof Lantern with a matching anthracite grey internal frame creates a tranquil, light and airy space.
Find out more about flush thresholds
Floating corner perfection
A floating corner takes an extension to a whole new level! Our clients in Colchester added a rear extension creating a new dining and living space. With a beautiful garden and extended outdoor entertaining space to enjoy, the unique design of the CP130 Sliding Door system allows you to achieve sliding panels up to 2650mm wide, as well as the floating corner.
A ‘floating corner’ or ‘corner configuration’ is where two sets of sliding doors (or could be bifold doors if you prefer), meet and instead of having an ugly and intrusive fixed corner element, the doors completely open up.
By combining their CP130 sliding door floating corner with a large aluminium picture window and aluminium lantern, the new extension is a light, contemporary and harmonious space to enjoy.
Discover the CP130 sliding door
Ready to get your rear extension under way?
This is a small selection of our projects to inspire you and help with your research. To find out more about these and our other projects, visit our case studies.
If you’d like to find out more about how we work and what you can expect from us, read our recent article.
Our Project Managers are eager to hear about your plans and work with you to achieve the vision for your home. Why not visit our Liphook showroom, open by appointment only, for a socially distant appointment and talk to one of our Project Managers?
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