Design & Build

The design stage establishes how the new structure will work with the existing house.

South Lakes Windows considers the available plot, orientation, existing roofline, windows, doors, garden and access. We also look at how the proposed extension will connect with the rooms already inside the property.

This is particularly important for kitchen and dining extensions.

A new extension may provide enough room for a kitchen island, dining table and seating area, but those features need to be considered before deciding where to put the windows and doors. Large areas of glazing can provide excellent garden views, but the room still needs enough wall space for kitchen units, appliances, storage and furniture.

A home office extension has different requirements. Desk positions, computer screens, storage and privacy may have a greater influence on the window layout.

Designing around the intended use of the room helps make better use of the available floor space.

Our design and build service also covers new conservatories.

South Lakes Windows can help homeowners choose between traditional and more contemporary conservatory styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, gable fronted and lean-to conservatories.

The roof can then be selected according to the property and how the room will be used.

A glass roof provides extensive overhead daylight, while a solid or tiled roof can create a more enclosed internal appearance. Hybrid designs can combine solid insulated roof areas with selected sections of glass.

We can also discuss replacing an older conservatory where the existing structure no longer provides the type of space you need.

In some cases, upgrading the roof, windows or doors may provide a suitable solution. In others, replacing the existing conservatory provides the opportunity to reconsider the complete design.

Adding more floor space can change the way daylight enters the existing house.

A rear extension moves the external windows and doors further away from the original interior. Without careful planning, this can make parts of the existing kitchen, dining room or living area darker.

Our design process considers daylight before the roof and glazing specification is finalised.

Large windows and glazed doors can bring light through the external elevations. Overhead glazing can help daylight reach areas further inside the property.

For suitable projects, an UltraSKY Flat Skylight can be incorporated into a flat roof. An UltraSKY Lantern creates a raised glazed section and can work particularly well over a kitchen island, dining area or central part of a larger room.

LivinROOF provides another option by combining insulated solid roof sections with selected areas of glazing.

The right arrangement depends on the individual house, its orientation and surrounding buildings or trees.

South Lakes Windows can incorporate several roof types into a design and build project.

A solid insulated roof provides a conventional internal ceiling and can help the new space feel closely connected with the original house.

For suitable extensions and conservatories, Ultraframe UltraRoof provides an insulated lightweight roof with a tiled external finish.

Flat roofs are another option, particularly for contemporary extensions or properties where available height influences the design. A lantern or skylight can then introduce overhead daylight.

Glass and hybrid roofs provide further choices for conservatories and glazed extensions.

Existing first-floor windows, eaves, gutters and rooflines all affect what can be installed. Considering these details during the design stage helps identify a suitable roof before building work begins.

Windows are an important part of any extension or conservatory, but their position should be determined by more than external appearance.

South Lakes Windows can supply and install UPVC, aluminium and timber windows as part of the project.

Aluminium can provide slimmer frames for projects where larger areas of glass are wanted. Timber can suit many traditional and period properties, while UPVC provides a wide choice of window styles and finishes.

The configuration can include opening and fixed sections according to the requirements of the room.

Glazing can also be specified according to its location. Modern double glazing provides the starting point for many projects, while other glass types can be considered where solar control, noise reduction, privacy or additional safety needs to be addressed.

Planning the windows during the main design stage means openings can be incorporated into the structure at the correct size and position.

For many extension projects, creating better access to the garden is one of the main objectives.

South Lakes Windows can incorporate different external door systems into the design.

Bi-folding doors allow multiple panels to fold together, creating a wide opening onto a garden or patio. Sliding doors provide large glazed panels and wide views without requiring space for doors to swing.

Lift and slide and triple track doors can provide options for larger openings.

French doors can work well where a smaller opening or more traditional appearance is preferred.

Door positions are considered alongside the internal layout. A wide glazed opening may look impressive, but it still needs to leave enough room for furniture, kitchen units and clear routes through the extension.

Once the design and relevant approvals have been addressed, the project can move into the building stage.

The work required depends on the design and site. This can include ground preparation, foundations, floor construction, walls, structural openings, insulation and roof construction before the windows and doors are installed.

Where an extension connects directly with an existing room, alterations may also be required to the original external wall.

For example, a kitchen and dining extension may use a wide structural opening to create a larger open-plan space. Appropriate structural support needs to be determined for the individual project.

Building each stage around an agreed design also means the openings for windows, doors, lanterns and other glazed features can be planned before those products arrive on site.

Planning requirements should be considered early in the design and build process.

Some home extensions and conservatories may fall within permitted development rights if the proposed work and property meet the relevant conditions. Other projects require planning permission.

Listed buildings, conservation areas and properties with restricted permitted development rights may require additional approvals.

Building Regulations can also apply to the structure, insulation, glazing, ventilation, drainage and other elements of an extension.

These considerations are particularly relevant across the South Lakes and Cumbria, where traditional properties, listed buildings and conservation areas are common.

The requirements depend on the individual property and proposed work, so they need to be considered as part of the project rather than assumed from one house to another.