How we approach glass links & glass box roofs in Barnes
Thinking about glass links & glass box roofs in Barnes? The short answer: frameless glass links joining old and new buildings. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces with narrow side returns are typical of much of London, and a glass roof or long flat rooflight is the usual way to keep the back rooms bright once the return is built over. In Barnes, as anywhere, glass links & glass box roofs are the usual choice for joining a period house to a new extension or annexe.
We work across Greater London, including Barnes, and in neighbouring towns such as Chiswick and Putney. Access, parking and how the glass reaches the roof are all checked at the survey.
Options we can specify in Barnes
- Frameless sliding or pivot doors
- Frameless or slim-framed glass
- Structural glass beams and fins
- Solar-control and low-iron glass
- Heated glass on some systems
- Bright circulation space
- Visually light connection between buildings
What to check first
- Abutments with old masonry need careful weathering
- Thermal performance of large glass areas must be calculated
Planning and building rules for Barnes
In England a rooflight on a house is usually permitted development under Class C if it projects no more than 150 mm beyond the roof slope and sits no higher than the ridge. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
For English homes the energy rules ask for rooflights of 2.2 W/m²K or better and roof windows of 1.4 W/m²K (or WER Band B); most modern double glazed units meet both. Replacing a rooflight or roof window can be self-certified by an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme; otherwise building control approval is needed.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
Guide prices for Barnes
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Barnes, scaffold, a hoist for heavy glass, or a new structural opening can move the figure, which is why we survey first.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Fully frameless link with glass beams | £20,395 – £35,995 | £16,995 – £29,995 |
| Glass roof and glazed sides Typical | £13,195 – £20,395 | £10,995 – £16,995 |
| Glass roof between existing walls | £9,595 – £13,195 | £7,995 – £10,995 |
What happens next
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Barnes, measures and checks structure and access.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Glass links & glass box roofs near Barnes
More we do in Barnes
Glass links & glass box roofs in Barnes: questions
Is structural glass safe?
Structural glass is laminated so it stays in place if a ply breaks. The manufacturer designs it for the loads involved.
Do glass links need planning permission?
Often, yes — and listed building consent if either building is listed. We can provide drawings and product data for your application.
Who designs it?
Your architect, or we produce a survey-based design that the glass manufacturer engineers.
Can you work alongside my builder in Barnes?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Is the survey in Barnes free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
