Add a sense of space and light with sliding glass doors - Grand Designs magazine

Add a sense of space and light with sliding glass doors

Whether you’re extending, self-building or improving, discover how sliding glass doors can create a sense of space and flood your home with natural light

By Jennifer Turner |

Discover the benefits of installing sliding glass doors in your home.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

When Huw Thomas and Enid Rowand’s grown-up children flew the nest of their converted barn in North Wales, the couple decided to renovate the next-door derelict engine shed into a contemporary house for two. With the help of award winning architect Jeremy Young, they designed a light filled home and kitchen extension using sliding glass doors. Read on to discover more…

view of extension from garden showing Shüco sliding glass doors and pitched roofs

Image: Brotherton Lock

Max out on light

To meet the brief of adding more living space while making the most of the breathtaking views, architect Jeremy from Featherstone Young worked with sliding doors specialist Schüco systems. Its durable aluminium sliding doors would be the best way to maximise the natural light while connecting the living space with the outdoors. ‘The back of the house has a fantastic southern view over hills and the idea was to open up the building to enable Huw and Enid to live with that lovely backdrop,’ says Jeremy.

view of extension from garden showing Shüco sliding glass doors and pitched roofs copy

Image: Brotherton Lock

The design comprises two main elements. First, the roofs are pitched at an angle to accommodate large walls of glazing. Second, an open plan extension over two levels gives each area a separate sense of space.

The upper level connects to the dining room and kitchen, while the sunken lower section links the living room to the garden. Generous Schüco sliding glass doors with single panels of glass above them blur the boundaries between the interior and garden, allowing light to flood into the home.

Discover the benefits of installing sliding glass doors in your home.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

When Huw Thomas and Enid Rowand’s grown-up children flew the nest of their converted barn in North Wales, the couple decided to renovate the next-door derelict engine shed into a contemporary house for two. With the help of award winning architect Jeremy Young, they designed a light filled home and kitchen extension using sliding glass doors. Read on to discover more…

view of extension from garden showing Shüco sliding glass doors and pitched roofs

Image: Brotherton Lock

Max out on light

To meet the brief of adding more living space while making the most of the breathtaking views, architect Jeremy from Featherstone Young worked with sliding doors specialist Schüco systems. Its durable aluminium sliding doors would be the best way to maximise the natural light while connecting the living space with the outdoors. ‘The back of the house has a fantastic southern view over hills and the idea was to open up the building to enable Huw and Enid to live with that lovely backdrop,’ says Jeremy.

view of extension from garden showing Shüco sliding glass doors and pitched roofs copy

Image: Brotherton Lock

The design comprises two main elements. First, the roofs are pitched at an angle to accommodate large walls of glazing. Second, an open plan extension over two levels gives each area a separate sense of space.

The upper level connects to the dining room and kitchen, while the sunken lower section links the living room to the garden. Generous Schüco sliding glass doors with single panels of glass above them blur the boundaries between the interior and garden, allowing light to flood into the home.

Image: Brotherton Lock

More than a view

Jeremy had another trick to add light and appreciate those beautiful views. This involved installing Schüco arrow slit windows into a dry stone wall that bookends the extension. The couple also added an art workshop/greenhouse for Enid which features more Schüco glazing so Enid can view her stone wall through from the other end of the house.

Enid says: ‘Wherever I am in the house, the amount of glass means I feel connected to nature and the outdoors. Schüco sliding doors create an amazing outlook.’

side view of Shüco sliding glass doors linking living room and garden

Image: Brotherton Lock

Experience life without walls

Schüco has been designing quality bespoke doors, windows and facades for over 70 years. Specialising in sliding glass doors that add a sleek, contemporary edge, the durable aluminium frames are available in 200 colours and a myriad of designs including panoramic sliding doors with slim profiles for expansive, uninterrupted views.

close up of extension with pitched roof and full height Shüco aluminium sliding doors

Image: Brotherton Lock

Plus, each Schüco solution has a smooth, quiet sliding door mechanism, effortless open and close, invisible fittings and excellent thermal efficiency.

‘We love our new extension,’ continues Enid, ‘it has totally transformed the house. We wanted it to go with the feel of the old building but not pretend to be a part of it. This is where Schüco’s sliding doors come in – we couldn’t have carried out our vision without that harmonious blend of aluminium and glass.’

side view of dry stone wall with arrow window slits of Shüco glazing

Image: Brotherton Lock

For more information on Schüco windows, facades and sliding glass doors, visit www.schueco.uk/view

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