Not many people know the difference between architectural/ planning drawings and building regulation drawings. In fact, it’s a frequently asked question. So this blog will give you all the answers.
Planning drawings –
Firstly, planning drawings are architectural designs. They are for planning purposes only and require manipulation when it comes to the building stage.
They have no reference to the construction methods used. So, they contain no detail on how the building will be constructed.
Building regulations drawings –
These are a set of detailed plans and construction details. They are submitted to the local building control department. The designs go into much more detail than the planning application ones.
They incorporate structural information from the engineer, insulation calculations. And proof of compliance with all the relevant parts of the building regulations.
Here is an example of planning drawings –
Different hatches distinguish exiting and new works
Overall room dimensions only
Simplified graphics
No detailed information
Walls illustrated as a solid hatch (no build-up information)
As well as examples of building regs drawings –
Fully dimensioned plans
Detailed specification notes
Complete construction information
Full building reg compliance information
Wall build-ups confirmed and illustrated
Product specific details incorporated
References made to other drawings
firstly, building regulation approval is not the same as planning permission. Even though, planning permission and building regs approval (building control) are two separate pieces of legislation. Sometimes you may need both; sometimes you may need only one; or none at all.
Most structural work, whether it’s for a new house or flats, alterations, extensions, or change of use, requires building regulations approval.
In addition, building control is used to guarantee that any new building work complies with the building regulations. This happens by looking over plans and submitting an application. And then inspecting the construction works as it progresses on site.
If you’ve had work done and the trader has caused a problem, you should be able to get it fixed or get some of your money back.
Whatever the problem is, you’ll need to talk to the trader and come to an agreement.
What to do if you need to complain:
Communication about the work –
Under the consumer rights act. A customer who has a contract for goods and services can expect these to be supplied with reasonable care and skill.
What is the consumer rights act?
The consumer rights act protects you in almost all purchases you make. It sets out your rights when you’re buying products, services, and digital content.
Firstly, whatever the situation is, you should always try and communicate with the trader or company. You should let them know what you’re entitled to. When you communicate with them explain the problem, how they can resolve it, and give them a realistic timescale.
If you talk to the trader or installer on the phone or face-to-face you should always get the conversation in writing. If you have a dispute, try and use email instead of text because it is an official record.
You need to make it clear to them in the beginning that the work should be finished on the date you agreed. And if they fail to meet the deadline, you should ask someone else to do it. Then you can claim back the costs from them.
You can request that the traders fix their work otherwise you can look for estimates from other traders or installers.
Start a formal complaint procedure about the work –
Secondly, if resolving things peacefully hasn’t worked you can ask for the trader or company’s complaint procedure. You’ll have to provide evidence that you have tried to resolve the issue first. if they have a complaints procedure you will need to prove that you have used it.
Try and get the money back –
If you made a payment using PayPal or a finance agreement, you might be able to complain and get your money back through the financial ombudsman service.
If none of this works then it may be time to seek legal action. You will need to provide evidence in court such as photographs and emails of the poor workmanship. An independent report on the work will be needed. You and the builder need to agree on who provides the report. Because you need someone with the expertise to assess the issue and advise on what’s necessary to put them right.
A Uk architecture degree in University will focus on the design and mechanics behind the construction of buildings. Architecture study takes in the areas of technology, design, and theory.
1. University of Cambridge – Cambridge, London
Firstly, the department of architecture at Cambridge is an exciting place to study. In fact, it is one of the leading architecture schools in the world. The students at the school study under the guidance of world-renowned researchers and ground-breaking practitioners.
Their design program is balanced with teaching the history and philosophy of architecture. Also, the contemporary culture and urbanism construction, structural design, and environmental design.
Similarly, in 2021 the tuition fees will be around £9,250 for the year.
University of Cambridge
2. University college London – London
Secondly, as an architecture student, you will be spending your time in the studio and the workshop. And with approximately 70% of the program taught and assessed through your portfolio. Generally, at this university, the design teaching is delivered by leading practitioners, specialists, and academics in small groups or one-to-one tutorials.
The tuition fees for undergraduate entry will be £9,250.
University College London
3. University of Bath – Bath, England
The university of bath combines periods of professional work experience within its courses. Which gives you the opportunity to benefit from a combination of academic and practical study.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop design skills and learn cultural, historic, and economic factors. They also let you work with civil engineering students to develop your understanding of the technical aspects of designing structures.
The tuition fee for a full-time campus-based course will be £9,250. And for MArch Architecture year 1 is £5,550
University of Bath
4. Cardiff University – Cardiff, Wales
This school of architecture has the reputation of being one of the best in the UK. They teach a full range of skills that you need to become an architect. For example creative design, building construction and performance, environmental design, matters of professional responsibility, and the duties of an architect. And they have an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of architecture and urban design.
Likewise, the tuition fee in 2021 was £9,000.
Cardiff University
5. University of Nottingham – Nottingham, England
Their courses will give students the knowledge needed to design spaces that improve their surroundings. They also look at how to create new o improve existing buildings through environmental design.
Furthermore, with a mixture of teaching through workshops, fieldwork trips, and working with real customers on projects, their course gives you the skills that the architectural industry looks for.
The tuition fee per year is £9,250. However, you should factor additional costs into your budget. This School gives you the option to go to South Africa for a live build field trip.
University of Nottingham
6. Queens University Belfast – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Queen’s University is one of the best places to study, it ranked 6th overall in the UK for studying architecture. With students supported by a diverse group of academic staff and external tutors engaged in international, award-winning research and practice. In like fashion, over 75% of students graduate with a 1st class or 2.1 degrees.
Queens University Belfast
7. University of Strathclyde – Glasgow, Scotland
In fact, Strathclyde is ranked number 1 in Scotland and number 3 in the Uk for architecture.
As a result, you will be taught in a studio-based environment taught by some of the best.
To list, they offer three types of architectural programs: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs, specialist postgraduate taught programs, and research degrees
University of Strathclyde
8. Oxford brooks University – Oxford, England
The university is located in the historical and culturally diverse city of oxford. Their undergraduate programs include a RIBS part 1 BA architecture, ARB and LAM accredited course, and a BA interior architecture course. In addition, these courses give you the opportunity to challenge, explore and develop not only you as an individual but also your portfolio.
Oxford brooks University
9. Manchester school of architecture – Manchester, England
Nevertheless, they are currently known as being one of the top fifteen architecture schools in the world. Being a student at MSA gives you the unique advantage of studying at two of Manchester’s universities.
“We profit from access to an unparalleled number of workshops, libraries, and studios across both campuses, and benefit from superior tuition and facilities” – Benjamin Carter, architecture graduate.
Manchester School of Architecture
10. University of Sheffield – Sheffield, England
Finally, their degree provides a balance of theory, design work, and professional experience. You will learn how to lead on projects, solve complex problems and communicate your ideas while thinking about the wider responsibilities of the architect.
Most importantly, the standard tuition fee in 2021 is £9,250. However, if you have a scholarship, you can pay £1,200 each year. You would also need additional costs to fund field trips and anything else you might need.
Firstly Gehry was a Canadian-born American architect and designer. A number of his buildings have become world-renowned attractions. So, in 2010 vanity fair labelled him as “the most important architect of our age”. Furthermore, some of his most famous works include the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, the museum of pop culture in Seattle. The dancing house in Prague, the Walt Disney concert hall in Los Angeles, and many more amazing and popular buildings. And he has been assessed as someone who “produced buildings that are fun, sculpturally exciting and a good experience”.
Frank Gehry and his design
2. Frank Lloyd Wright architect (08/06/1867 – 09/04/1959) –
Secondly, Wright was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator. In fact, he has designed more than 1000 structures over a period of 70 years. Wright believed in designing in harmony with humanity and the environment. As a result the philosophy he called organic architecture. This philosophy was exemplified in Fallingwater (1935). Which has been called “the best all-time work of American architecture”. Some of his most famous work includes the imperial hotel in Tokyo, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Robie House in Chicago. In addition, he was known as one of the pioneers of modernist architecture.
Frank Lloyd Wright
3.Leoh Ming Pei (26/04/ 1917 – 16/05/2019) –
Thirdly, Pei was a Chinese-American architect who was raised in Shanghai and moved to America in 1935. After he graduated from university in Pennsylvania, then he enrolled in the Harvard Graduate school of design. His major recognition came with the Mesa Laboratory in Colorado and became chief architect for the John F Kennedy Library in Massachusetts. Then he also designed one of the most popular landmarks to this day, the Louvre in Paris. in Addition, Pei found the pyramid shape best suited for stable transparency. Therefore considered it “most compatible with the architecture of the Louvre, especially with the faceted planes of its roofs”
Leoh Ming Pei and the louvre
4. Zaha Hadid (31/10/1950 – 31/03/2016) –
Fourthly, Hadid was a British Iraqi architect, artist, and designer. However, she was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize. And in 2010 and 2011 she won the UK’s most prestigious architectural award. Some of her main works include the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, the broad art museum, Rome’s MAXXI Museum and the Guangzhou Opera House. As a result, she was made dame by Queen Elizabeth ll for services to architecture.
Zhah Hadid
5. Philip Johnson (08/07/1906 – 25/01/2005) –
Johnson was an American architect. Was best known for his works of modern and postmodern architecture. In 1978 he was awarded an American Institute of architect gold medal. And in 1979 he won the first Pritzker architecture prize. Some of his most well-known designs are his glasshouse in Connecticut and the postmodern 550 Madison Avenue in New York. Also, the one Detroit centre in New York. In 1993 Johnson came out as gay. And nonetheless, was known as “the best-known openly gay architect in America”.
Philip Johnson infront of his Glasshouse
6. Tom Wright (18/07/1957) –
Wright qualified as an architect the same year he was accepted as a member of the Royal Institute of British architects. Wright then became a design director in Dubai and wanted to create an icon for the city. Much like the Eiffel tower in Paris. Wright created the Burj Al Arab, and it has become one of the tallest hotels in the world.
Tom wright with the Burj
7. Ludwig Meis Van Der Rohe (27/03/1886 – 17/08/1969) –
Meis was a German-American architect. In addition, he was known as a pioneer of modernist architecture. Furthermore, after Nazism’s rise to power, with its opposition to modernism, Mies emigrated to the US. Meis strove toward architecture with minimal framework and freedom of unobstructed free-flowing open space. Some of his well-known work includes Crown Hall in Chicago, the Seagram building in New York, and the Barcelona pavilion.
Ludwig Meis Van Der Rohe
8. Renzo Piano (14/09/1937) –
Piano is an Italian architect. In fact, his notable buildings include the shard in London, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. And the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Athens. Piano also won the Pritzker Architectural Prize in 1998. The jury citation compared Piano to Michelangelo and Da Vinci and credited him with “redefining modern and postmodern architecture”.
Renzo Piano
9. Jean Nouvel (12/08/1945) –
Nouvel is a French architect. Therefore, he has obtained a number of prestigious awards over the course of his career. Including the Ago Khan award for architecture, the wolf prize in arts, and the Pritzker Prize. Some of his notable works include the Arab world Institute in France, the Torre Agbar in Spain, and the Doha Tower in Qatar. And also, the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Jean Nouvel
10. Moshe Safdie (14/07/1938) –
Finally, Safdie is an Israeli, Canadian and American architect. And, his projects include cultural, educational, and civic institutions. Also, Safdie has had projects in North and south America, the Middle East, and Asia. As a result, he is most identified with designing Marina Bay sands, Jewel Chani Airport. And as well as his debut project Habitat 67. He was awarded a Gold Medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Also the American Institute of Architects, and the Wolf Prize in Architecture.
Many people say older homes are of better quality than new homes. This is because in an older home they are probably with plaster and lathe. Whereas, the modern newer homes are often made out of drywall which is a weaker material.
What is the difference between a new builds and an old builds?
New build houses are homes that have recently been build and have never had anyone live in them. Whereas, an older house has had at least one person living inside and has been built for a couple of years.
There are many pros and cons for both types of houses for example:
Pros for a new build:
Energy efficient – newer and modern buildings have become super insulated, they have double glazing and have heating and cooling systems.
Builder’s warranty – usually new builds have a warranty for around 10 years, and if anything goes wrong the builders will fix it.
More personalisation – you get to have more of a say in the design element. For example, you can choose the carpets, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms.
Everything is brand new – because everything is new it will all be less maintenance than an older home.
Cons for a new build:
Space – new homes are often a lot more crammed and they seem to suffer with parking.
Smaller rooms – new builds are often smaller and you would need to think more about internal space.
Premium prices – the houses are brand new which means everything is new so it will become more expensive.
Build delays – if you buy the house before its actually built you can experience delays. It can also have a knock-on effect on your mortgage offer.
Pros for an old build:
Character – if character and history is important to you an old build is perfect. They often have decorative windows, fireplaces and flooring.
Size – older houses tend to have more internal and external space. And houses that were built around 1920 – 1930 often have large gardens and high ceilings.
See issues – with these houses’ problems are usually visible and if you are purchasing you can pull out of the deal if you like.
Adds value – you are able to renovate the house to how you like and add on to it. However, it’s hard to add value to a new build because everything is new.
Cons for and old build:
High maintenance – the houses have been standing longer and could have had a lot of owners. You also need to keep it looking good and structurally sound.
Poor energy efficiency – the energy bills may be higher because the houses are bigger and less insulated.
Renovations costs – the houses are less likely to be suited to you and they could be run down from previous owners. It could cost you money to repair it.
Deciding on which houses are better is completely down to people’s opinions and there is no right or wrong answer.
A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. And in other words, the features that make it unique. So conservation areas protect all the natural resources that are critical to people on earth. The protected areas provide for life’s essentials.
To build a property and/or make adjustments to your property on a conservation area you would need a wildlife assessment check. This assessment is a free online tool that identifies protected or priority wildlife species in the location where proposed works take place.
The trees are automatically protected from being cut down. This is because the trees may contribute to the special character of the conservation area.
You can check with your local planning authority to see if your proposed work is in the area. And planning authorities designate the conservation areas.
Generally, you need planning permission for relevant demolition and alterations to the house in a conservation area to do the following:
Demolition –
Demolish a building with a volume of 115 cubic meters or more.
To demolish any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure with: A height of one meter or more if next to a motorway, footpath, waterway or open space. And a height of two meters or more elsewhere.
Alterations to the house –
Any type of extension.
Additions, alterations or extension to roofs.
Cladding any part of the house with stone, render, timber, and another material.
The construction of buildings (sheds) containers (tanks) and enclosures (swimming pools)
The installation of chimneys, flues and vents on the main elevation of a house.
Installation of satellite dishes or antennae on a chimney, wall or roof slope.
Alterations to windows and doors, and painting the outside of the house do not require planning permission.
It might be more expensive to have work done in a conservation area. This is because there are a lot of restrictions, especially on materials. And paperwork has to be completed
A conservation area is likely to boost the value of your home, due to the fact that that the neighborhood is attractive and will remain so.
A listed building is one that has been placed on one of the four statutory lists maintained by Historic England, historic environment Scottland, and in Wales and historic Northern Ireland. A listed building may not be demolished, extended, or altered without special permission from the local planning authority.
There are three types of listed buildings and they are:
A Grade l – Buildings of exceptional interest.
Grade ll* – Particularly important building of more than special interest.
Grade ll – Buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.
How to know if your buildings are listed?
You are able to check if the property is listed by viewing the national heritage list for England.
If you are planning to buy a listed building, a full building survey (RICS level 3) is recommended. And these surveys are tailored to each individual property and cover everything that is possible to access and assess.
When building on a listed property you will firstly need to get both planning permission and consent. So you will then need patience, stamina, and a good architect. This is because there’s a lot that goes into building on a listed property.
What happens if you don’t get consent?
Carrying out building works to a listed building or changing it in any way without consent can result in court action and legal penalties. And it is also illegal to fail to comply with an enforcement notice.
Because of how much more work it is renovating or trying to get permission, it can cost between 30-50% more to make changes to a listed building than a normal one.
Listed buildings account for about 2% of English building stock. And in March 2010, there were about 374,000 list entries, of which 92% were grade ll, 5.5% were grade ll* and 2.5% were grade l. So it’s estimated that there are about 500,000 actual listed buildings in England.
If your house is Grade I or Grade II* listed it may be appropriate to use traditional paints with white lead pigment or high solvent content. However, their toxicity means they are restricted by environmental legislation and their use permitted only under licence.
Compared to other types, Mansard Loft Conversion requires more construction work. However, it provides a great deal of extra living space in your house. It does not matter which type of home you have; it is suitable for all kinds of properties.
What is A Mansard Loft Conversion?
This type of conversion is named after a French architect, Francois Mansart. You can say that it is an extension that covers the entire roof of the property. Typically, this conversion can be found at the rear side of the house, which requires changes to the sloping side of the roof. The roof of the flat is flat, and windows fitted in small dormers.
Planning Permission for Mansard Loft Conversion
Unlike other types of conversion, this specific type requires planning permission. The reason is that it creates maximum living space in the home. It adds an entirely new storey to your property. That is why; it requires changes in the shape and structure of the roof and hence needed planning permission from the local authority.
How Much Does It Cost?
A mansard loft conversion costs more than other types such as hip-to-gableor dormer loft conversion. The main reason is that it provides a great deal of space by significantly changing the structure of the roof. Hence, it requires more work to be done to convert the loft. You can say that it provides more space compared to other types and therefore more expensive. After you get what you pay for, to get a more specific estimate, you can visit the cost of loft conversion.
Is a Mansard Loft Conversion Suitable for Your Property?
Well, the mansard roofs are very common in urban areas and London. You can even notice a house with mansard roof across whole rows of terraced properties. On the other hand, dormer flat roof extensions are more common in suburban areas. The reason is that they are cheaper and easy to build.
In short, a mansard loft conversion is suitable for any type of property including terraced, detached, semi-detached houses as well as bungalow, and chalets. If we talk about the aesthetics, mansard walls have brickwork, clad or rendered whichever best suits you.
Pros
A mansard conversion provides more living space compared to other options
Suitable for almost any type of property
The finishes can be done in different ways to match the style of the existing building
Cons
A mansard loft conversion does require planning permission
It requires changes in the structure of the roof and hence more expensive
More construction work is required for this conversion
Can Your Home Handle the Weight of a Loft Conversion?
It is obvious that a loft conversion puts more weight to your house and hence requires some work on the structure of the property. To make sure, you need to examine the foundation of the property. A building control officer also needs to consider these elements by digging a hole to expose the foundation. If your house required changes in the foundation, then the cost will increase.
Enough Head Height for The Conversion
You need to ask the architectural services provider about the headroom you will have after the conversion. Typically, it ends up in less headroom which is a disappointment for the homeowners. Furthermore, you need to keep in mind that you need a loft conversion staircase. It is essential that the staircase rise above the old one. It should not rise above in a bedroom. Otherwise, you will end up losing an entire room.
If you are going to convert the entire space, then you need to move the water and heating system elsewhere. You need to consider such things before planning a mansard loft conversion.
Loft Fire Safety
Fire safety of the home has little effect on bungalows. You need to make sure that windows in the loft are large enough to escape out of. A new floor requires 30 minutes of fire protection, and a fire door should separate the attic. For this, you can use skylight windows which are made explicitly with this in mind.
Loft Conversion Insulation
You also need to consider the energy efficiency standards. Installing insulation in the loft is complicated, but you can do this while replacing the tiles at the same time, which can achieve good airtightness. If you are not replacing the roofs, then you can install insulation cut between the rafters. We will recommend you to use high-quality insulation to meet high energy efficiency standards.
Storage Space
Converting your loft means, you are going to lose some storage space in the house. You need to deal with this problem by using the eaves behind the ashlaring. Furthermore, you can make the storage space warm by insulating the rafter line. You can also use built-in wardrobes in the bedrooms to store your valuable belongings.
Many clients who want to build a new kitchen ask, “How much does a new kitchen cost?”. Well, there are various factors involved that determine the cost of building a new kitchen. In this article, we are going to break down these expenses and will help you build a kitchen within your budget. Most of the people do not know that they can cut down the costs while designing a new kitchen. In this guide, we are going to get in details and will start with the amount you should expect to pay with different types of kitchens.
We have gathered essential advice from ProArkitects experts to show how you can get the best kitchen within your budget. Well, the tips we are going to share does not involve low-quality material, that won’t last. It also means that your budget can go further than you have anticipated. However, in the long run, you will have a kitchen that meets all your expectations. So, follow this guide to your money in designing a new kitchen wisely.
Cost of A New Kitchen
Building a new one can cost more than a kitchen extension. You should expect to spend as little as £3,000 for building an entirely new kitchen in the house. However, for this kind of budget, you need to shop smartly at a DIY store for some suitable quality units. This amount does not include any appliances and fittings.
Cost of Open Plan Kitchen
The cost of an open plan kitchen depends on the space you have in your house. Furthermore, are you going to break downs walls or adding new doors or windows? These are the kind of things which can affect the cost of your budget. Sometimes, they are expensive than the kitchen itself.
But, if you are planning to renovate an existing kitchen, then the cost will be anywhere from £3,000 or more. You need to keep in mind that an open-kitchen requires more space than an average kitchen.
Cost of Kitchen Extensions
“How much does a new kitchen extension cost?” is another question asked by our clients. Well, the cost of extending an existing kitchen depends on the design as well as the professional fee, and build costs. Other expenses that add up to the price are the planning permission and building regulations approval. You also need to include the cost of flooring and decoration to your budget.
A single-storey extensioncosts around £1,500 per square meter for a basic build. But if you are planning to upgrade doors and windows too, then it will cost you between £1,900 to £2,300 per square meter.
Ways to Cut Down the Cost of New Kitchen
After all, you have decided to build a new kitchen and start finding kitchens inspirations online. Why not just start from Pinterest by creating a board with all the kitchen showroom in the country. After deciding, you finally receive a quote from the building. Now, you need to do planning to cut some cost of kitchen remodelling. There are the following simple ways to do it:
Reuse Materials
When we talk about renovations, it means you have an old kitchen, and there is a lot of material that you can reuse. In most of the cases; you can use the carcasses with some work and new doors. Do not worry; they will look still new with some renovation. If these are quartz or sold, then you can save hundreds of pounds by cutting them. On the other hand, if you have few, then use them on one wall, or you can buy more.
Reduce Wastage
Maybe you do not like the old kitchen, but still, there are things that you can use. If you opt to use the new materials such as doors, units, radiators, floorboards etc. then you can sale them. Furthermore, reducing wastage is an excellent idea as you will not need to pay for disposal. Well, you can dispose of them at your local council for free.
Be Selective
We will also recommend you to be selective about expensive things. We know that buying costly and premium material for your kitchen is overwhelming, but it also increases the cost of your project.
If your budget does not allow you to buy new units, then consider buying central feature such kitchen island and use standard units for the rest of the kitchen.
Rethink
Do you know that reusing the existing space can save you from frustration? Even modern rooms can be satisfied by using the existing space. So, it is better to rethink the existing kitchen space.
Avoid Moving Services and Utility Meters
If you do not need to alter the usability or orientation, then it is good to keep them in the same position. It can considerably cut down the cost, and you can save money on gas, plumbing and electrical work.
There is no doubt that glass extensions are beautiful things, but on the other side, it can be challenging to create. This type of extension requires a high level of creativity, coordination, and precision.
What You Need to Know About Planning Rules
You need to submit an application for planning permission before extending your home. Permitted development can be subjective when it comes to glass extensions. Hence, it is essential to apply for a lawful development certificate from the local authority. If you want to ask for planning permission, then you must read the guidance from the local authority. You also need to keep in mind that the requirements for planning permission can vary from one region to another. We will advise you to apply for a lawful development certificate even if you do not need planning permission so that you can have proof in the future. Local authorities often allow such extensions.
Building Regulations
It is challenging to comply with building regulations. The reason is that large areas of glazing can conflict with these regulations. Furthermore, you need to adhere to the energy efficiency of the extension. However, some rules allow you to use an alternative method in compliance with the regulations. One of the ways to achieve this is by increasing the thermal resistance of exposed elements, such as roof, walls, and floor. If it is not enough for the glass extensions, then you need to use high-performance glass. Another way is to carry out a Standard Assessment Procedure. You need to make sure that the CO2 emission from the extension is no more than a conventional extension or home of the same size. You can quickly achieve this by making improvements to your existing house by insulating the loft or by installing an efficient boiler or hot-water system. If one of the options does not work for you, then you can combine them to comply with the regulations.
Pros and Cons of Glazed Roof
Well, adding a glass roof can naturally illuminate the space and add a modern feel to it. However, it is challenging to control the amount of sunlight entering the room. So, it is essential to decide the room orientation accordingly before the designing process. The glass can let more light inside the room than vertical glazing- so keep this in mind. To cope with this situation, consider a north-facing glass extension.
In most of the situations, we advise our clients to consider a reliable roof, which is well-insulated and can conceal structure, services, and lighting.
How to Ensure Privacy
You can add blinds within the glazing units, which you can control automatically or manually. You can add these blinds or curtains inside the glazing, so when you open, nothing is visible inside. However, privacy can be a significant issue at night, because the reflections make it difficult to see through glazing. TO cope with this issue, you can consider planting. However, make sure that it does not block the view.
How to Keep Glass Extensions Ventilated?
There are various ways to keep the glass extension well-ventilated. But as an architectural services provider, we believe in using natural methods where possible. We will recommend you to ensure that the roof space has acoustic and thermal ventilation. If you have openable roof lights, then it can cause cross ventilation (The colder air can come inside, and warmer air can vent out at a higher level. Because when the air becomes warms, it rises. So, consider trickle ventilators inside the frame of your glazing. It can be an effective way to ventilate the space without opening a door.
How to Keep Glass Extensions Warm?
If the underfloor heating is not working properly, then glass extension can become chilly on cold days. Hence, it is essential to consider the position of your thermostats. You also need to consider both underfloor and trench heating depending on the size of the space. Another thing that you need to consider is the quality of glazing. If you are using high-performance glazing, then the heat loss will be low.
Do Their Other Ways to Regulate Light?
Nowadays, there is glass available with different levels of solar and thermal performance. Modern double-glazed glass can limit heat loss. They have argon-filled cavities, which can limit solar gain. However, these coatings can affect the colour and transparency of the glass. Have you heard about the fritted glass which has an opaque print? Well, this type of glass can reduce solar gain. However, blinds or curtains are the most cost-effective solution right now.
How to Light Glass Extensions
Incorporating light in a glass extension is often tricky compared to a conventional glazed extension. You can also solve the problem of lighting with roof lights. You can consider LED, but make sure that the strips are not reflected in the glass at night.
