Often associated with contemporary projects, the transparency of glass also offers an excellent way to bring down the barriers that an extension can create for a period property.
With clever and thoughtful use of a slimline sliding doors system the features of a period property can be allowed to remain highly visible while a new living area is added to a house.
Sightline Aluminium Glazing Systems was delighted to be involved in the construction of a high-end, stylish extension at The Old Manor, in Abbots Morton, Worcestershire, after being approached by the owners at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show in October 2018.
Replacing a conservatory at the rear of the historic house, the garden extension made full use of a multi-faceted slimline sliding doors system to help to create a fluid indoor/outdoor experience and to minimise disruption to the appearance of the historic exterior.
This project shows exactly what can be achieved by using glass to extend a period property.
Project requirements
The homeowners wanted to replace a wooden conservatory erected in the 1980s with a more considerate extension to create a modern living/ entertaining space that linked sympathetically to the Grade-II Listed building.
Glass was incorporated as an integral feature in the architect’s design to achieve an open aspect to the outdoors and create a light, seamless link to the house, the main part of which dates back to the 16th century.
To achieve the best results the project required slimline glass to minimise disruption to sightlines and to achieve a clean, contemporary finish.
The crux of the glazed area was a bespoke Z-shaped area that consisted of a triple-track slider that met with a glass to glass corner on one side and a slimline corner post on the other. These then linked to glazing leading off to the side, creating the Z shape.
The ultimate aim of the 50m2 extension was to create a modern open plan living area.
Why choose slimline sliding doors?
A slimline sliding doors system is a statement in modern living, enabling and encapsulating the epitome of stylish open plan design that works to create a seamless transition from indoors to outside – or from one building to another.
Where a building has a distinctive design, such as a period property, where efforts to match an extension can be especially tricky, the subtle lightweight transition of glass is an ideal solution.
A contemporary contrast can be executed extremely well with the light, classic use of a low impact slimline sliding doors system, which looks great and makes the space extremely usable by easily being pushed back to open up the space to the outdoors.
As well as giving the impression of fewer physical barriers, glass is the key to a light-filled room. When making changes to a home increasing the level of natural light is a major consideration.
The high-specification glass used in Sightline’s slimline sliding doors system maximises natural light while helping to regulate temperature and glare through solar protection glazing.
A slimline sliding doors system allows for clean lines and the freedom to open up rooms easily to make the most of the garden view and give the sense of expanding the space by melding into the outdoors.
Project outcome
Sightline provided a glass roof atrium to run across the rear of the property to allow light to flood in by installing two large rooflights (7000mm x 1300mm) to cover the span of the structure.
These were surrounded by a sedum roof to enhance the green credentials of the extension.
A triple track slider was used alongside fixed glazing to form the substance of the walls to achieve a seamless glass finish. Sightline was chosen to deliver the project due to our ability to provide large expanses of glass in an extremely slender slimline sliding doors system.
The thoughtful approach to achieving a modern yet sympathetic update to The Old Manor was supported by the conservation officer and delivered stunning results.
The project, which costs £42,000 was completed over six days in December 2018.
The benefits of slimline sliding doors
The addition of a slimline sliding doors system to your home through an upgrade project or as an integral part of a new extension will bring many benefits.
While the seamless appearance of a slimline sliding doors system has a huge aesthetic impact, this is matched by their practical use.
The benefits of a slimline sliding doors system include:
- Solar protection to help control temperature and glare
- Clear sightlines to maximise the view
- Can easily be pushed back to create an open aspect to the outside of a property
- Maximise the amount of light to the property
- Practical and stylish
- Add to a feeling of space
What to do if you want a slimline sliding doors system
Sightline’s slimline sliding doors systems make a stunning addition to any property – to discover more about our products and how they could fit into your project you can make an appointment to visit the Sightline showroom or talk to one of our representatives.
We will discuss your requirements with you and review technical specifications to give an accurate cost proposal.
Sightline can offer support through every stage of the project including design, supply and installation – working closely with project managers and construction teams throughout.
To discuss a project or to book an appointment to visit the Sightline showroom and discover more about our slimline sliding doors systems please get in touch.
