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Side Return Glazing
Whether on a listed building as part of the planning permissions or on a modern new build as a design feature, different elements of high specification structural glass can be expertly integrated together to create a clear, frameless link between spaces. Fixing methods can vary to suit each project need, with the option to chase all fixings into the stonework if possible, for a completely frameless look.
Side Return Extensions or Side Infill Extensions are generally used on older Victorian/Georgian style homes where extra spaces were added to the rear of the properties as housing demands increased. The left over passage to the garden area is often an underutilised and narrow space used as storage.
By extending the rear of your property to incorporate this passage into your home's envelope, you can extend your downstairs living space and kitchen and improve access to the garden. The use of glass in these small renovations is hugely important.
Glazed Side Infills
By introducing a side return or infill extension to the rear of the property, you will now need to change your access point to the garden. This is normally a great opportunity to introduce as much glass as possible to the rear elevation of the home.
These relatively small renovations and extensions can make a huge difference to how you use your home space and the introduction of clever glazing can improve the usability of the rear section of your home.
Side return extension is a modern glass-based approach to expanding your home, increasing both its value and adding essential extra space to the back of any property.
What Is A Side Return Extension?
Usually executed in the rear kitchen space of a home, a Side Return extension capitalizes on the side return—the corridor that runs along the ground level of your house. This makes an ideal foundation for building out, thus the term 'side return extensions.'
Outfitting the extension with glass roof and walls, along with sliding or folding doors, not only expands your kitchen area but also creates an airy, well-lit, open-concept living environment.
Outfitting the extension with glass roof and walls, along with sliding or folding doors, not only expands your kitchen area but also creates an airy, well-lit, open-concept living environment.
What Kind Of Glazed Addition Is Recommended?
We suggest opting for a full-glass insulating extension or one with thermally-isolated aluminum frames, commonly known in the industry as Wintergardens. These are durable, high-efficiency structures that feature narrow visual lines. For roof paneling, a retractable skylight is an excellent choice. Various models are designed to automatically adjust based on temperature, ensuring your space is always optimally ventilated. You might also want to think about specialized glazing options like solar control, which minimizes UV ray penetration, adding both comfort and protection against fading for your interior furnishings.
Which Is Better For A Kitchen Addition: Sliding Or Folding Doors?
The decision between sliding and folding doors typically hinges on the size of the exterior opening. Sliding doors function by moving one or more glass panes behind another. For broader openings, sliding doors are generally more effective, as having a stationary panel is less impactful when there's ample space. Folding doors, on the other hand, operate in a zigzagging folding action and are usually better suited for confined areas. They can be completely opened during warmer months, providing maximum ventilation.
Is Planning Approval Required For A Glass Side Return Extension?
Since regulations were updated in 2008, planning permissions have generally not been necessary from 2017 onwards, provided that the extension is solely on the ground floor and does not exceed a height of four meters. Additionally, the extension should not be wider than half the original width of your home prior to construction. Although you're likely exempt from planning permissions, you'll still need to meet building codes. Consult your project manager and building contractor for more details regarding compliance.
Structural Glass Extensions
Adding a side return or infill extension at the back of your property often necessitates a reconfiguration of your access to the outdoor area. This is usually an excellent chance to incorporate extensive glazing into the home's rear facade. Features like streamlined sliding doors or foldable glass door systems can serve as expansive visual gateways to your garden, enhancing the sense of 'indoor-outdoor' living at these junctures and further integrating your home with the outdoor space. The use of level flooring materials at these entry points further smooths the transition from interior to exterior, significantly enhancing accessibility to the garden. Even minor modifications and add-ons like these can profoundly impact the functionality and appeal of your living space, especially when smart glazing solutions are introduced to optimize the rear portion of your home.
FAQ
Side return glazing refers to the use of glass panels in a side return extension of a property. This type of extension typically fills the narrow space that runs alongside the ground floor of a home, usually stretching out towards the rear garden. The use of glass in the extension not only adds more space but also allows for more natural light, enhancing the home's overall design and functionality.
In most cases, planning permission may not be required for a ground-floor side return extension as long as it meets certain conditions, such as not exceeding a height of four meters or not being wider than half the width of the original house. However, this can vary by local authority, and you'll still need to comply with building regulations. It's advisable to consult with your local planning department and a qualified architect to confirm the specifics for your project.
The cost of a side return glazing can vary widely depending on the size of the extension, the type of glass used, labor costs, and other factors. It's advisable to get multiple quotes from qualified contractors to get an accurate estimate. Prices could range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of pounds, so budgeting and planning are essential.
The timeline for completing a side return glazing project can also vary based on several factors including the complexity of the design, weather conditions, and contractor availability. On average, you might expect the project to take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks from start to finish, although this can be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances.