Glass Extensions for Listed Buildings

Using modern glazing systems in listed buildings.

A building's architectural or historical importance qualifies it as a listed building for protection in the national interest. The best and most distinctive examples of the nation's rich traditional history are designated as listed buildings in order to conserve and safeguard them for upcoming generations. In England, it is illegal to make any kind of alteration to a listed building without the rigorous approval of a planning authority.

As long as minor upkeep and repairs don't detract from the building's historic charm, they are typically allowed. If someone were to proceed with making changes to a listed building without the necessary planning authority, they could face criminal charges, and the person who did the work would be responsible for paying to have it undone.

Glass extensions for listed buildings

While any renovation and/or extension works need vigorous planning for listed buildings, one of the most common projects accepted by councils are extensions that modernise the building without modifying or taking away any of its original British charm.

Glass extensions for listed buildings allow for the owners to create a brand new space with highly modern features without enduring the high costs of replicating the intricate design of the existing building.

Can you actually add glass extensions to listed buildings?

The simple answer is yes – as long as you have the correct planning permissions.

For your extension, you will require listed building consent (LBC) in addition to planning permission. Your local authorities will handle both applications, and it's usually more efficient to deal with both simultaneously.

A listed building glass extension should:

• show an understanding of the building's and its surroundings.
• minimise any damage to the heritage characteristics.
• Represent a secondary component of the overall structure.

Add value with exceptional design and craftmanship.

Glass extensions for listed buildings – Project examples

Listed building glass extension with corner opening sliding glass doors – Ansty Manor

Renovating the exquisite 16th-century manor house was necessary to highlight its historic origins as a Grade II Listed structure. A modern back expansion is part of BLA Architects' design.

An open corner layout was used for the installation of the ultra-slim sliding solution. There is a greater connection between the interior and exterior spaces thanks to the corner opening sliding glass doors. Within this listed building glass addition, all of the glass panels may move along the long elevation in a bi-parting design, making it easy for the occupants to travel from one area to another.

Glazed link with sliding doors – Shire End by IQ Glass

A glass roof addition to a Grade II listed Victorian home in an AONB with views of the Cobb and Lyme Regis' historic port. The new frameless Oriel seating glass window, which is a major social area within the new double height structural glass extension and boasts sea views through a double height glazed link that opens out via ultra slim sliding glass doors with flush threshold detail, allows for year-round enjoyment of expansive coastal views.

Glass extension with ultra slim sliders – Georgian Villa by IQ Glass

To create the new, light-filled dining room, this opulent Edinburgh home underwent a glass side infill extension with a frameless effect structural glass roof including a gable end. In order to install the structural glass roof seamlessly from wall to wall and comply with Building Regulations for this Grade II listed building in Scotland, IQ collaborated with the architects to devise a fitting solution.

The new kitchen dining glazed addition was given a dual aspect by two sets of triple glazed slim framed sliding glass doors.