Illidge Green Farm

The extension was designed around a corner glazing arrangement that maximises daylight and creates uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. A three-track minimal windows® sliding door system forms one elevation, while a complementary fixed glazed wall creates the second side of the extension.

The two glazed elevations meet at a glass-to-glass corner, allowing the extension to feel open from multiple angles. This approach creates a strong connection between the indoor living spaces and the external patio while maintaining clean architectural lines.

For architects and homeowners considering a glass extension with sliding doors in Cheshire, the project demonstrates how large-format glazing can be used to introduce contemporary design without overwhelming a traditional property.

The primary objective was to create a light-filled kitchen and dining space that could serve as the social centre of the home. The extension needed to improve natural light levels, increase visual connections to the landscape and provide direct access to the garden.

Large glazed openings were essential to achieving this outcome. By using slim framed sliding doors and a fixed glazed wall, the extension maintains transparency and openness while minimising visible framing. The emphasis remains on the surrounding landscape rather than the glazing system itself.

The result is a contemporary intervention that complements the period farmhouse whilst providing the benefits of modern living, including improved daylight, outside access and a greater sense of space.

The rear elevation incorporates a three-track minimal windows® sliding door system comprising two sliding panes and one fixed pane. Measuring approximately 5.3 metres wide, the installation creates a generous opening to the patio while maintaining slim 21mm sightlines throughout.

Alongside the sliding doors, a fixed glass wall with three structurally bonded panes forms the second glazed elevation. Structural silicone joints minimise visual interruptions, allowing the glass surfaces to appear almost continuous.

A key feature of the project is the glass-to-glass corner connection, which allows the two glazed elevations to meet. This detail is often specified in high-end residential architecture where openness and transparency are critical design objectives.

The glazing package combines minimal aesthetics with the performance requirements expected of a modern residential extension.

The sliding doors utilise double glazed clear toughened safety glass and slim aluminium framing, providing strength, thermal efficiency and durability. The system incorporates a flush threshold, ensuring a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces.

The aluminium frames are finished in RAL 7016 matt, creating a contemporary appearance that complements both the traditional farmhouse and the modern extension. Matching lever handles and multi-point locking provide secure and reliable operation.

The success of the extension relied on the precise alignment of the sliding doors, fixed glazing and glass-to-glass corner connection.

Each pane weighed approximately 123kg, requiring careful handling and accurate installation to achieve the clean sightlines and seamless corner detail.

The glazing also had to integrate with bespoke back-painted glass fascia panels positioned above the sliding doors. These details helped create a coordinated appearance across the extension while concealing supporting elements within the structure.

Through careful coordination and detailing, the final installation achieves the minimal appearance that defines the completed extension.

Illidge Green Farm demonstrates how a glass extension with sliding doors in Cheshire can transform a traditional farmhouse by introducing light, openness and stronger connections to the landscape.

The combination of slim sliding glass doors, fixed glass panes and a glass-to-glass corner delivers a contemporary living space that feels bright and expansive while remaining sympathetic to the original building.

For architects, developers and private clients seeking premium glazing solutions, the project provides a clear example of how minimal windows® systems can be used within rural residential architecture to create elegant and highly functional extensions.

• System: minimal windows® sliding door and fixed glazed wall
• Sliding door configuration: Three-track system with 2 sliding panes and 1 fixed pane
• Sliding door dimensions: Approx. 5356mm wide × 2441mm high
• Fixed glazing: One-track system with 3 fixed panes
• Corner detail: Glass-to-glass corner connection
• Glass: Double glazed clear toughened safety glass
• Pane weight: Approx. 123kg per pane
• Sightlines: 21mm interlockers
• Frame finish: RAL 7016 matt
• Threshold: Flush threshold with freeway base
• Locking: Multi-point slim Type 1 shoot bolt locking system
• Additional feature: Heat soak tested back-painted glass fascia panels finished in RAL 9005 matt