Everyone asks for more glass, but is more glazing always better?
“Lots of glass!” is probably one of the most common things I hear when clients describe their dream extension. Big doors onto the garden, roof lights overhead, huge windows and as much natural light as we can possibly squeeze in, and I completely understand why. Light can absolutely transform a home.
But does that mean more glass is always better? Not necessarily.
A beautifully light-filled room isn't really about how much glazing you have. It’s about putting the light in the right places. Where does the sun come from? What time of day will you use the room most? Could a roof light bring daylight into the darker middle of the house? What will you actually see through those enormous doors? And, rather importantly in summer, is the room going to become unbearably hot?
These are all things worth thinking about before simply drawing the biggest possible expanse of glass across the back of the house. There are practical things too. Kitchens need wall space for cupboards. Living rooms need somewhere for furniture (and yes, usually a television!). We need privacy, storage and cosy corners as well as beautiful views of the garden.
Sometimes one carefully positioned window can do more for a room than an entire wall of glazing. I also love thinking about how light moves through a house during the day. Morning light at the breakfast table feels completely different to that lovely warm evening light coming into a family room. If we can understand how a family uses those spaces, we can design the windows around those moments.
And for me, that's where glazing becomes really exciting. Not because there's lots of it, but because it has a reason to be there. So yes, absolutely dream about those big doors and gorgeous roof lights! Just remember that the aim isn't to create the most glass-filled extension possible. It’s to create a home that feels bright, comfortable and welcoming throughout the day and throughout the seasons. Sometimes a little restraint actually makes the light feel even more special.
Planning your own renovation?
If you're thinking about renovating but aren't quite sure where to begin, I've created How to Renovate with Confidence, a practical online course through The Renovation Academy.
It brings together the advice I regularly share with homeowners, covering planning, budgeting, design and working with professionals, to help you approach your project feeling informed and prepared.
