CASE STUDY
WINTER GARDEN
NORTH EAST
A Modern Winter Garden for Year-Round Living
In the North East of England, a growing family approached Glass House Architecture with a clear goal. They wanted a bright, open-plan space that would connect the kitchen, dining and living areas. They also wanted better access to the garden, more natural light, and a sense of flow between indoors and outdoors.
We designed a bespoke, L-shaped winter garden that replaced the corner of the property. It included structural changes, a fully glazed design, two sets of bi-folding doors, and upgraded windows.
This glass room now links seamlessly to the rear garden. Unlike a brick-built extension, the frameless glass design creates open views and lets light flood into every part of the space. This reflects why many clients choose a winter garden over a traditional brick extension.
Portfolio
Designed for Year-Round Comfort and Energy Performance
To keep the space comfortable in every season, we used performance glazing with excellent U-values and solar control properties. These help retain warmth in the winter while limiting overheating in summer. All structural elements were carefully engineered to support the home and meet thermal regulations.
For homeowners unfamiliar with these specifications, we explain the differences in more detail in our guide to U-values and solar gain. Understanding these basics is important when choosing between different glazing options for your home or commercial project.
The clean, powder-coated aluminium frames in this project were colour-matched to the property. This made the new extension feel as though it had always been part of the original house.
A Seamless Connection to the Garden
To enhance the feeling of openness, we used floor-level thresholds, concealed drainage and frameless corners. These design details help the space feel calm and clutter-free. When the large bi-folding doors are opened, the garden becomes part of the room.
This approach is something we also used in our Veranda Glass Room case study, where a slim glass roof and fixed glazed sides transformed a modest patio into an elegant outdoor living space. While verandas are partially open, winter gardens are fully enclosed and insulated, making them usable year-round.
Suitable for Homes and Commercial Use
Although this winter garden was built for a family, the same structure would suit a hospitality setting. We’ve created similar builds for restaurants and cafés that want to offer covered outdoor seating throughout the year.
For inspiration on commercial projects, visit our page on Winter Gardens for Restaurants. These structures add space, natural light and style, all while meeting modern energy standards and customer expectations.
Planning Permission and Timeline
In this case, no planning permission was required. The structure met the criteria for permitted development, which allows certain types of extensions to proceed without a full planning application. We handled all checks and approvals on the client’s behalf.
This is common with many of our residential projects. However, where planning is required, we provide full support, including drawings, structural design and liaison with local authorities.
The timeline for this winter garden followed our standard process, with construction and installation completed smoothly. If you’re planning something similar, our team will explain what to expect at every stage.
How Much Does a Winter Garden Cost?
Cost depends on the size, shape and complexity of the build. In this case, removing two external walls and rebuilding the corner of the home made it more complex than a straight-sided extension. The use of structural glazing and bespoke bi-folding doors also increased scope and budget.
For an in-depth breakdown of what affects the cost — including glazing options, access issues, and heating choices — see our article on how much winter gardens cost in 2025. Pricing can be compared to a kitchen renovation or traditional rear extension, but the benefits of a winter garden often outweigh those of brick-built alternatives.
From Family Living to Long-Term Inspiration
This project gave the homeowners more than just extra square footage. It transformed their lifestyle. Morning light now floods the kitchen. The dining area feels like a garden pavilion, even in winter. And thanks to insulated glazing and modern heating, the space performs just as well in February as it does in July.
Every project is different, but the core principles remain the same — light, comfort, connection, and lasting value. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly extension or a commercial garden structure, we design bespoke solutions that work all year round.
To explore other completed projects, have a look at:
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Veranda Glass Room — ideal for patios and compact spaces
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Dome Conservatory — with a statement glazed roof
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Hardwood Garden Room — classic style with timber framing
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Period Conservatory — with crestings, finials and heritage detailing
Let’s talk about your new glass structure
Glass House Architecture is a specialist UK winter garden builder, delivering high-end projects from concept to completion.
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