Darras Hall is a detached family home in Newcastle upon Tyne, originally built in 1953. Miller Partnership Architects designed a comprehensive refurbishment and modern garden extension to improve the building fabric, update its services and create a stronger connection between the principal living spaces and the garden.
IQ Glass was appointed to design, supply and install the architectural glazing for the extension. The package comprised a large slim sliding glass door system across the rear elevation and three fixed Invisio® rooflights within the flat roof, introducing natural light from the garden and overhead.
Design Drivers: Contemporary Living, Daylight and Garden Connection
The refurbishment was designed to adapt the original house for contemporary family living. A new extension provides an enlarged kitchen and dining area alongside a utility room and WC, creating a central social space with an open aspect towards the garden.
The extension is positioned behind and in line with the existing garage, preventing it from visually intruding on the original house when viewed from the street. Its simple form establishes a clear distinction between the existing property and the new addition. Red brick complements the colour of the original building, while a longer Roman brick format and subtly different detailing give the extension its own contemporary identity.
Glazing was central to creating a bright and open interior. A single large glazed opening was required across the garden elevation, while rooflights were incorporated above to bring daylight further into the kitchen and dining space.
Slim Sliding Glass Doors
A two panel slim sliding glass door system spans approximately 5.15 metres across the rear of the extension and reaches a height of 2.45 metres. Comprising one fixed and one sliding pane, the system creates a broad glazed elevation within the surrounding brickwork. Each glass panel weighs approximately 177kg.
A slim 21mm interlocker reduces the visible framing between the panels and preserves views towards the garden. The flush threshold creates a level transition between the kitchen and the external space, strengthening the relationship between inside and outside when the door is open.
The aluminium frame is finished in RAL 7021 Black Grey Matt, providing a restrained contrast against the red brick. A Type 4 Euro cylinder lock with optional slot aeration combines security with controlled background ventilation.
Invisio® Rooflights and Glazing Performance
Three fixed Invisio® rooflights of varying sizes were integrated into the flat roof of the extension. Positioned within the sedum planted roof and concealed behind the parapet, the rooflights maintain the simple roofline while introducing additional daylight from above.
The rooflights use double glazed clear toughened safety glass with solar control to help manage heat gain. Heat soak testing reduces the risk of spontaneous breakage associated with undetectable inclusions in toughened glass, while a laminated interlayer provides additional strength and safety.
The sliding doors are also formed from heat soak tested, double glazed clear toughened safety glass. A low emissivity coating supports thermal performance within the extended living space without reducing the transparency required by the architectural design.
Project Details
Project Type: Contemporary garden extension to a detached family home
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Architect: Miller Partnership Architects
Glazing Contractor: IQ Glass
Primary Systems: minimal windows® sliding glass doors; fixed Invisio® rooflights
Glazing Specification: Double glazed clear toughened safety glass with low emissivity coating and heat soak testing to the sliding doors; solar control glass, heat soak testing and laminated interlayers to the rooflights
Key Elements: Two panel sliding glass door system measuring approximately 5150mm wide × 2450mm high; one fixed and one sliding pane; 21mm interlocker; flush threshold; three fixed rooflights
Finish: Aluminium framing in RAL 7021 Black Grey Matt
Outcome
The Darras Hall extension demonstrates how a focused architectural glazing package can transform the relationship between an existing family home and its garden. The large sliding opening introduces broad views and direct external access, while the fixed rooflights bring natural light deeper into the new kitchen and dining area.
Together, the slim sliding doors and roof glazing support the extension’s simple contemporary character while complementing the materials and scale of the original 1950s house.
