Real Homes magazine recently asked Melanie Clear, founder and director of London Architects‘, Clear, for her top tips on how to plan a successful glazed extension. The article, “Glass Extensions: how to cost, plan and design a glazed extension”, is packed with advice on how to craft a scheme that oozes wow factor. It showcases many inspiring extensions, including Clear Architects’ Coborn House.
Planning know-how
According to Melanie, who regularly contributes to the magazine, glazed extensions can have a powerful impact on the whole house from a planning perspective.
She says: “Planners like glass extensions to bridge connections between architectural styles or to add to a home with a very dominant existing style. Conservation officers also like the visible difference between architecture and modern glass.”
“As long as it’s a considered extension, and not at the front of the property, getting planning permission for your glass addition will be no different to getting planning for a regular extension.”
Design expertise
Melanie also shares her top design tips for glazed extensions. She says it’s vital to consider the age of the property and how the addition will be used by occupants once complete.
She says: “For example, a south-facing glass extension will receive more sun, and so risks becoming very hot inside. A north-facing extension with underfloor heating can be a nice, light addition to a property.”
“If your glass extension is part of a kitchen remodel, make sure the units are positioned in the centre, as you won’t be able to place them against a glass wall. Using glass as a feature can be a great addition to a period property. In a 1970s-style home, a framed glass extension can work well with the expansive sections of glazing in the existing building.”
Complete transformation
An image of Coborn House, a striking conversion and restoration scheme by Clear Architects, features in the Real Homes article. Clear Architects gave this rundown warehouse-turned-office in east London a new lease of life, transforming the dilapidated building into two stylish houses.
One of the key goals of the renovation was to integrate some outdoor space. Clear Architects responded to this part of the brief by incorporating a usable roof terrace that is accessed via a glass box extension (pictured above). This glazed feature has become one of the most striking aesthetic details of the entire project.
Further inspiration
Another of Clear Architects’ extension schemes, Forest View, has been featured in an different Real Homes extensions article. “Modern extension ideas: 18 contemporary extension designs” showcases a variety of eye-catching projects, including Clear Architects’ contemporary refurbishment and expansion of a 1950s home in Chingford, Essex.
Clear Architects transformed this house by designing single and double-storey extensions, plus a significant internal remodel. On the ground floor, the garden room provides a seamless connection with the outdoors. Upstairs, the two-storey extension accommodates two bedrooms.
Ducketts Mead and Stansted Road are two examples of carefully designed extensions by Clear Architects. Visit the practice’s Process page to learn more about how the team approaches the design of each project.