Side Extension – Contemporary Glazed Wintergarden, Reading

Location: Reading

We recently designed and installed a side extension Wintergarden on a beautiful detached property in a desirable village location in Reading.

Having been recommended by friends, our Reading homeowners contacted Thames Valley windows, to provide a modern architectural glazing solution system that would maximise light and space, while offering high security and energy-efficiency.

As part of an extensive home improvement renovation project, we also installed Evolution Windows, Solarlux SL60e Bifold doors and recently a bespoke garden studio to the Reading property.

The brief for the side extension was to create a lighter and more airy open plan living space for this growing family with a seamless transition to the garden. They wanted to open out the side of their kitchen with a new contemporary glass extension to create a modern kitchen/dining living area that could be enjoyed as a social space to relax as a family and entertain friends and family.

Our clients made an appointment our Bracknell showroom with our managing director/designer, Ryan.

After looking through the architect’s plans and discussing the brief of their project, Ryan recommended that they view the Wintergarden on display as this type of glass structure would work well as a side extension to their property.

After discussing the options with their builder and architect, the Reading homeowners decided on a bespoke Solarlux Akzent Plus Aluminium Wintergarden and submitted their planning application to the local authority.

Wintergarden is also known as Solarlux’s elegant thermally insulated glass room and are manufactured in their state -of- the art factory in Melle, Germany.

Soon after the contract was signed a Solarlux surveyor visited the Reading property install to discuss technical details and measure the apertures ensuring that the side extension Wintergarden would fit perfectly.

The Solarlux Akzent plus Wintergarden is designed with thermally broken reinforced rafters and wall connection.

The seven-panel hip end glass roof benefits from Pilkington active glass that provides constant protection to solar gain that reflects up to 65% of the sun’s heat in the summer and reduces glare by 63%

The glazing is coated with a self-cleaning finish that reacts with UV rays to generate a photocatalytic process that loosens & breaks down organic dirt on the surface of the glass. Instead of forming droplets, it attracts water to spread and forms a thin film that spreads away quickly and dries off without leaving unsightly drying spots.

There is also a motorised roof skylight for when only a small amount of ventilation is required. Lighting extension rafter covers were used to allow for spotlights to be installed for a neat concealed effect.

Our client chose a minimal framed five-panel Ecoline bi-folding door system with fixed panels at each end finished in agate grey (RAL 70138) both inside and outside.

The glazing is a tough, low E glass and despite a large amount of glass, these bifold doors and fixed windows have a low u-value of 1.1w/m²K.

Before the Wintergarden was installed there was some building work involved to remove the existing patio doors along with a large part of the sidewall of the house

The Reading homeowners also had a stylish decking area built around the kitchen and side extension, to create an uninterrupted flow between the inside and outside living spaces. We also installed a modern flush track system with a concealed drainage system, to allow for a weatherproof level floor finish inside and out.

The results of this large home renovation project are stunning, a luxury open-plan kitchen/living space with the side extension Wintergarden forming a small snug that can be used throughout the seasons, day or night.

The new living space is bathed in natural light thanks to the vast array of high thermal performance glazing within it. The bifold doors have solar-powered integral blinds situated within the glass to help protect against temperature build up in the Wintergarden on the hottest days or provide shading.

The contemporary colour of the Wintergarden frames looks fantastic against the modern interior colour scheme and more traditional exterior brickwork.

The ground floor extension has added extra space and value to the home. The larger family kitchen makes moving around more manageable for the entire family.

A traditional side return extension is popular with Edwardian and Victorian terraced houses to increase the size living space. They can often be designed as single-storey kitchen extensions and be built without planning permission, as the property may benefit from permitted development rights. As with any home extension, it is recommended to check with architects and party wall surveyors if the side extension is between two properties on the party wall act and building regulations.

The before and after images show the unused space before, and the transformation of the property after the Wintergarden being installed

Our range of Wintergardens is both contemporary and modern in style. They offer uninterrupted views of your garden and outdoor surroundings. Our designers have extensive experience in creating bespoke Wintergardento blend sympathetically with the original building style.

Our knowledgeable designers have the vision and expertise, to create homes full of light and style and design a luxury glass extension that enhances your lifestyle.

Products used:

• Solarlux Wintergardens
• Solarlux SL 60e Bi-Fold Doors
• Solarlux Akzent Plus Roof
• Solarlux Ecoline Bi-Fold Doors

You may also be interested in ready our blog, ‘What Makes Solarlux Bi-Folds Different?‘ or ‘Do I Need Planning Permission to Build a Glazed Structure?‘

Our ref: 28946 29211 29349 29350