A dynamic glass side return extension in Highgate, London
Highgate, in the North-Eastern corner of Hampstead Heath, is one of the most opulent London suburbs largely filled with Georgian architecture. Until late Victorian times, Highgate was part of a village outside London which is now within the wider Conservation Area that protects Highgate and much of Hampstead Heath. Highgate sits upon a hill providing residents with outstanding views across the UK’s capital.
Montenotte Road, a dark and disconnected family home, was the subject of a fairly typical brief for a renovation and side return infill extension of a London townhouse. The renovation, filled with natural tones, is the work of emerging London architecture practice Lloyd Reading.
The architects took care in working with the existing property to redefine the natural flow from the existing property through the new extension and out into the garden – a dynamic yet organic transition through the interior design was imperative.
The highly glazed side return kitchen extension uses a Sieger aluminium bifold door which has a flush threshold, allowing for a smooth transition between the internal and external living space. The extension was designed to be a lightweight and elegant structure that protruded from the side of the house to enhance the kitchen space and increase the level of natural light within this existing space.
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Sieger® Systems were commissioned to design and install the glazing for this project to create a bright and welcoming addition to the family home. The structure for the extension was meticulously engineered to create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces by installing modern glazing systems.
The existing bay window was previously the main connection to the garden which protruded out into the patio, creating a window seat to view the garden. Although the window was relatively small, it was the family’s favourite spot in the house, therefore this aspect of the existing property was maintained. The idea for a side return extension was inspired by this bay window. The homeowners wanted to recreate this protruding glass concept featuring slim framed aluminium glazing systems which contained a kitchen extension and new dining area.
Sieger® installed a three-pane bifolding door, alongside a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which lead out onto the rear patio and terraced garden. The wall of glass was designed with light-toned wooden framing which gave the side extension a natural feel which built on the connection to the garden.
Many natural materials were used within the extension including natural oak, slate and larch to give a lightweight atmosphere to the interior design. The natural tones internally are complemented by the contrast of the black aluminium frames of both the bifolding doors and the slim framed aluminium windows. This contrast in tone and texture results in a contemporary design that is warm, calming and inviting – a tranquil transition from indoors to the natural environment.
The architects used the property’s existing form to shape the extension and roofscape of the side return extension kitchen, layering the old with the new. The roof of the new extension beautifully lines up with the top of the external exposed brickwork that coats the ground floor level. Finished with aluminium pressings, the external façade of the extension offers clean lines that slot in perfectly with the original architecture.
The side return extension met the clients brief exactly, providing an additional well-lit living space that brightens up the existing kitchen. The homeowners now have a larger protruding glass area to enjoy the views of the surrounding environment and watch the sunset over London.
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The Sieger 120 Bifolding Door and Sieger slim Casement Windows are both available to view in the Sieger showroom, located in Amersham (Buckinghamshire). To arrange a one-to-one showroom visit where you can discuss your project requirements with our technical advisors and view the systems in person just email [email protected] or call 01494 722 882.
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