Window/door configuration on a south facing kitch extension.

[Robert1987]

Hello - I would be grateful if anyone could give any advice. I live in a bog standard 3 bed 1930's semi and currently having plans draw up to extend right across the width of the back of the house for a kitchen/diner. I had decided on a French door with side panels total length approx. 8ft wide with one vertical long narrow window - both on the back of the house. There will also be 2 skylights and access to the kitchen from a back door at the side of the house. I currently have a separate kitchen/ separate lounge at the rear and in this heat wave the lounge has been unbearably hot with just a 6ft wide patio door. So I am wondering whether I am doing wrong now with my choice. I have found that the glass can be plenitherm which apparently gives more control over the heat effect in rooms but not sure if this is a gimmick or it does make a difference. Has anyone been in a similar situation and who can give me advice on maybe what size doors/type of doors/windows to opt for. I am trying to get things right now to avoid costly mistakes later.

We've recently had an extension across the back in a 1930's semi. The back part has only recently been finished so this is our first summer. We have 3.4m bifold doors (south facing) , 4 skylights, and 2 long 2m x 0.5m windows on the western side. It's been warm but not unbearable. We're also in the south east and had 33degrees past few days. I have noticed that it is cooler when the bifold doors are shut so I do think whatever they use in them works as it really reflects the sun away - if that makes sense!

Thanks for this mummyshark and sorry I took so long to reply - new to mumsnet and was expecting an email to say I had a reply and I have struggled to find my post lol. What size are your skylights as the ones on my plan's seem huge at 1340 x 980 cm and does your long narrow windows open?

Hi,
Not sure off hand about the skylights but I would say they look around 1m x 70cm. Yes the side windows open (the top half) which I am really pleased about as it just helps circulate the air.