GLAZED LINK EXTENSIONS

When connecting one part of your house to another, an extension in glass can make a stunning addition to your home, but there are vital structural and design factors that you need to bear in mind

- WORDS: NATASHA BRINSMEAD AND SARAH HARLEY WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY DARREN BRAY

Adding a glass link extension can be a seamless way of creating a striking design feature that also serves a practical purpose – as opposed to a normal glass extension, its main purpose is to provide a connection between two different buildings. But whether you’re linking a detached garage, an outbuilding or a barn conversion to an existing property, designing a link that seamlessly stitches two structures together is no easy task. Here’s what the experts advise regarding the design, structural and practical implications so you can make sure your glass link extension is a sparkling success.

GETTING THE DIRECTION RIGHT

Although the structure, fixings and type of glass all play a major role, it’s also important to remember the role of orientation when it comes to getting glass link extensions right.

‘If the glazed link is south facing and fully exposed to the sun, solar control glass should be considered to reduce solar gain thus reducing power consumption for cooling,’ says Rebecca Clayton, director of IQ Glass. Shading can be achieved using structural features such as overhangs and you’ll also need to bear in mind the type of glass you use to ensure thermal efficiency.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT FRAME

To get a glazed link extension right you need to consider how it will be installed. Many homeowners prefer a solution that allows you to conceal the link’s supporting frame so that the glass appears to be the only thing present, but this is not always possible.

‘A glass link or glass box extension can be designed to be independent of the existing walls, fully supported by them or it can be partially restrained to stop horizontal movement,’ explains Dave Heeley, associate director at Design4Structures.