Using glass
An extensive national survey showed that we are interested in using more glass in our homes than ever before and in more inventive ways. Why? Well I think we live in an age where we have a better understanding of good contemporary design and glass can play an exciting part in creating that. 81% of those surveyed said they preferred lighter, brighter homes, 66% would like some form of glass extension and over 80% said they are more interested in incorporating glass into their homes than they were 5 years ago.
I love using glass. It allows you to connect to the world outside when used in external walls and allows dramatic architectural spaces when used inside in walls, floors and as staircase balustrading.
Glass can also be an incredibly good environmentally friendly material. Most glazing today is made from a large amount of recycled material and after its use in years to come it can be recycled again and again.
Ok, when making decisions about glass you have to be careful to avoid solar gain (too much direct sunlight getting into your home, dramatically increasing the internal temperature to the point where it is uncomfortable which may then have to be mechanically ventilated back out again) and you don’t want to annoy your neighbours at night by causing too much light pollution when all of your indoor lights are on, but this is no excuse for not using glass. Good design can avoid these problems.
On my new place I’ve gone to town. The glazing contractor is installing huge bi-folding glass doors to my dining area so the space opens out directly onto my garden, a glass roof over my kitchen, glass balustrades up the staircase, a clear glass panel within part of the first floor to get natural light down to the darkest part of the ground floor, glass doors to bathrooms, a 6-metre long frosted glass walkway to access the loft bedroom and we have installed huge Velux (www.velux.co.uk) skylights in roof.
Budget
I know it sounds expensive but it isn’t. All of the glass in the house is costing less than 8% of my overall budget, which is fantastic value for money.
Glass can transform an ordinary house into a spectacular house. So, well before your builders start on site, if I were you I’d start making some
Amanda Collinson
on Jun 21st, 2009
@ 6:52 pm:
HiYa George
Our house is modern 4bd det and was built in 2000, we live in Dunstable area.
We used huge sheets of light green glass around our bath instead of using tiles, it cost around 2k and had a company fit it, we had to knock the ceiling out above the stairs to get the glass up there, (My idea) because there was no way it was going back and it looks wicked. Only thing I wished I didn’t use the Bathstore for the sink, toilet etc, not as good quality as you think.
Moving on to the en-suite next so will probably follow a similar design but would love a wet room don’t know how practical it would be….Just need to paint downstairs first!
Keep up the good work, we love your show…Amanda x
George Clarke
on Jun 27th, 2009
@ 8:08 am:
Hi Amanda…now that sounds like an impressive bathroom! Unfortunately, Bathstore are at the more ‘affordable’ end of the market and I don’t use them. The fittings aren’t good enough when you are spending so much more money in other areas to create a top spec bathroom. Its always tricky when you are juggling your budget and trying to keep in control of the costs but never compromise on cheap sanitary fittings. I always spec mid to high ranges as you need them to stand the test of time. Don’t make the same mistake on your en-suite! Good luck and thanks for watching the show. George x
Brenda
on Aug 8th, 2009
@ 11:52 am:
Hi – firstly what a briliant show. It is a must see and your ideas are absolutely fabulous!
Secondly I wonder if you could steer me in the general direction of help with a glass problem:
I have a glassed extension to my kitchen, south facing, hand made in mahogany 20 years ago (at the same time as the house). It has a a pitched glassed roof (in between wooden struts) and 2 very large sliding doors to east and west.. As you can imagine, it is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter and to avoid this I currently draw floor to ceiling curtains across the area, thus blocking off about a third of my kitchen.
I want to reglaze, but I am very confused about the options out there. I want it to be future proof (as much as poss) and have tried some of the websites quoted on the Home show website, especially to do with Worcester Park but they either seem to no longer be available or make me more confused. Can you help me please? I would be so grateful
Regards
Brenda
Fareham
Hampshire
George Clarke
on Aug 9th, 2009
@ 7:24 am:
Hi Brenda….contact a lovely guy called Dave Cummings at CSGS Glass. CSGS Limited, Studio 3, The Old Stableyard, Wood Street, Swanley Village, Kent BR8 7PA, 01322 662006. He did the glass roof at Worcester Park and I’m sure he would be happy to reglaze your extension for you. He’s one of the best in the business. George x
chris
on Jan 19th, 2010
@ 12:24 am:
when looking to use bi folding door are there any companies you would recommend? and what do we need to look for?
what is the best system sunflex?
George Clarke
on Jan 28th, 2010
@ 10:07 am:
Hi Chris, Sunflex are good…so are Sunfold Systrms…check out Expressbifolds.co.uk. All of these guys are good but prices vary. George