Mumsnet Talk

Has anyone had a glass extension done e.g. a 'glass box/cube' or similar? I'm trying to decide between a modern orangery with a roof lantern etc. (safe option) or a completely glazed roof and wall (we only have one wall to glaze i.e. it would only be 2 sides of the 'cube' (cool modern option!).
Any tips, recommendations or points to make for or against??
Thanks.

I'd go for a glass box. I love them. We were going to do one but the costs of the rest of the renovation escalated so it got sacrificed, sadly.

How much do your neighbours overlook you? I think glass cubes look great but our neighbours behind us have one and it's like a goldfish bowl, we can see everything they are doing (not that we watch them, honest ). An orangery type design would give them a lot more privacy.

We have neighbours with one too and they have complained constantly about it being like a greenhouse all year round - it is south facing and just too hot to be inside. I don't know if theirs was done particularly badly but they also get standing water on it. I had an architect come and visit yesterday and she told me she'd been round to their place recently as they were desperate for her to help Do Something about the glass box. Looks pretty but...

We have one - our kitchen's in it. DH's idea, designed by an architect etc. Not sure I'd do it again. It looks lovely and is amazingly light but DH won't allow me to have blinds as it would 'compromise the architectural integrity' or something! Pros: light, great views of the garden. Looks amazing. You can see the stars! Cons: despite Swedish triple glazing and e-thingummy glass it is definitely colder in winter and hotter in summer than I am happy with. Not very private, especially without blinds. Have to get the roof cleaned at least twice a year. Underfloor heating and sliding doors which open all the way in summer help some way with temperature issues. If I was doing it again I'd tell DH where to put his trendy ideas and go for a more conventional orangery design with French windows and roof lights.

Oh and the kids' paintings etc fade very quickly in the sunlight. We don't dare keep any books in there.

I think they look stunning but they are definately a case of style over substance.

I also imagine it would be hard to live a normal family life in one. You would always want it to look tidy and pristine.

We have an orangery, with roof lantern, and love it. It is the warmest part of the house in this cold weather. It is a good temperature in the Summer, but the roof lantern does attract flies.....I don't know if glass cubes have the same effect.

greyvix, did you have an architect & builders or have a company who specialises in orangeries design & make it?