From traditional conservatory to contemporary open-plan extension

When Mr & Mrs Ainger decided to transform their existing conservatory, they wanted to do much more than simply update the space. Their aim was to create additional room and open up their home to form a bright, spacious kitchen, living and social area that would completely change the way they used the property.

One of the biggest considerations when planning the project was the disruption that can come with a traditional extension. While the couple loved the idea of creating a larger open-plan space, they were keen to avoid living with a lengthy building project. This was one of the main reasons the Ultraframe hup! system stood out. Another reason the homeowner chose the Ultraframe system is the wide choice of design options available; they were able to create a contemporary extension that suited both their personal style and the character of their home.

After searching for local installers through the Ultraframe website, the homeowners were contacted by several companies for ideas and quotations. Spectrum Glazing quickly stood out because of their friendly, consultative approach and because they are accredited by the Federation of Master Builders. Mr & Mrs Ainger wanted a room they could enjoy year-round, comfortable in different seasons.

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The completed extension is almost unrecognisable from the original lean to conservatory. A sleek, contemporary hup! extension finished in white render with anthracite large bi-fold doors now opens the house out onto the garden, while inside, the new space has become a striking open-plan kitchen, living and entertaining area.

The Ultraframe Flat Roof system is strong enough to span up to 5.6m unsupported above bi-fold or sliding doors without expensive and often cumbersome additional support, bringing style and simplicity to Flat Roof extension designs. All of the structural and thermal calculations are taken care of within the specialist Ultraframe design software, which engineers the roof to the exact postcode of the property, ensuring that a hup! Flat Roof extension is equipped for the worst possible wind and snow loads at the build location.

Natural light was an important part of the design. The 2 rooflights and expansive bi-fold glazed doors allow daylight to flood deep into the room, helping the extension feel bright and spacious throughout the day.

Since completing the project, the extension has completely changed the way the family lives. The kitchen and living area have become the main hub of the property and a space where everyone naturally comes together. It has also given the homeowners the perfect setting for entertaining friends and family.

Whether hosting a party, having friends over or simply spending time together as a family, the new extension has made the home feel significantly more spacious and sociable.

The homeowners were impressed with the service and workmanship provided by Spectrum Glazing. They praised both the installation team and the contractors involved in the electrical work, plastering, rendering and finishing touches, describing the overall standard of workmanship as exceptional.

Commenting about their new living space, the couple said:

“Looking back at the project, we would happily recommend both Spectrum Glazing and Ultraframe. For anyone who loves the idea of an extension but is concerned about the disruption associated with a traditional build, hup! is well worth considering. What impressed me most was that choosing a quicker build didn’t mean compromising on the finished result. We now have a stunning, contemporary extension that feels completely integrated with the rest of our home.”

They added: “Choosing the hup! system was also one of the best decisions we made. We achieved the contemporary extension we wanted without the lengthy build time and disruption of a traditional brick extension, and the finished space is even better than we imagined. From the outset, Spectrum Glazing were incredibly easy to talk to and really listened to what I wanted. There was never any pressure or hard sell; instead, they offered helpful advice and ideas that made it much easier for me to visualise the finished design.

Finally, the couple added, “We have been particularly impressed with how comfortable the finished hup! Flat Roof extension feels in different seasons, staying cooler through the summer while retaining warmth during colder weather. The biggest benefit has been the amount of additional living space it has given us. We’ve created an amazing, spacious kitchen, living and social area that has completely transformed the way we use our home. It has become the heart of the house, and we’ve already enjoyed hosting lots of parties and get-togethers in the new space.”

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