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Winter Garden Extension and other case study from glasshousearchitecture.co.uk

CASE STUDY

WINTER GARDEN

NORTH EAST

 

 

Case Study - Winter Garden

 

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.

Open Front Winter Garden

 

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.

Winter Garden With Dining Room and Garden View

 

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.

Breakfast Table in Winter Garden

 

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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Contact

Glass House Architecture is a specialist UK winter garden builder, delivering high-end projects from concept to completion.

 

Fill in the form, or contact us using our information below, and our team will be in touch as soon as possible.

Showroom York Rd, York YO26 8DH

We’ll review your enquiry and aim to respond within one working day. No obligation. Your details are never shared.


Why Choose Glass House Architecture for your project
 

Expert installation of luxury conservatories, orangeries, and bespoke glass house extensions — built to the highest standards from start to finish.

Every glass extension and conservatory comes with a 10-year warranty for peace of mind, long-term durability, and structural performance.

We offer outstanding value on all high-end glass extensions without compromising on design, materials, or craftsmanship.

From planning permission amd building regulations to final detailing, our experienced team handles everything with care and precision.

Request a brochure or speak to our experts to explore options like frameless glass structures, structural glazing, and bespoke winter gardens.

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P: 0113 518 3766

E: info@glasshousearchitecture.co.uk

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Registered in England and Wales.

Company Registration Number 11941423

 

Showroom

York Rd,

Kirk Hammerton,

York

YO26 8DH

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