Modern kitchen and dining area with large glass doors open to a lush garden; features a living wall, integrated appliances, and a wooden dining table with chairs.

Chiswick red brick extension with seamless garden connection

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Aluminium bifold doors

Set within a leafy residential street on the edge of Chiswick, this striking rear extension project transforms a traditional red brick property into a contemporary, light-filled living space that effortlessly connects with its compact courtyard garden.

Located within the Bedford Park Conservation area the single storey side-return and rear extension was designed by West Scott Architects to allow for a fully open-plan kitchen and dining area that broke down the boundaries between inside and out.

Choosing the right door system

A key objective for the homeowners was to maximise the connection with the garden and the extension achieves this. During the design process, the homeowners explored a range of glazing options, including theEDGE2.0 ultra-slim sliding doors. While the minimal sightlines of sliders were appealing, the decision ultimately came down to how the doors would function in everyday life. The brief called not only for letting in natural light but also for the ability to fully open the space during warmer months.

IDSystems worked closely with the clients to evaluate the options, leading to the selection of SF75eco aluminium bifold doors. The chosen configuration, a five-panel set, allows the entire width of the aperture to be opened, delivering a completely unobstructed transition between the kitchen-dining area and the garden.

Seamless threshold, engineered performance

A standout feature of the installation is the low-threshold track, designed to create a near-flush finish between the internal flooring and the external patio. Visually, the threshold appears almost invisible however, beneath this minimal appearance lies a carefully engineered detail. The system incorporates a subtle 14mm upstand within the track, against which the bifold door panels close. This ensures the installation remains fully weather-tight, protecting against drafts and water ingress without compromising on aesthetics.

Modern living, inside and out

Internally, the extension is characterised by stylish open-plan kitchen designed and installed by Osborne Interiors. The sleek white cabinetry, large kitchen island, green wall and tiled flooring that runs throughout, further enhancing the connection to the garden.

As a wraparound extension there was no scope to incorporate flat rooflights into the main core of the room, so the flat roof design incorporates recessed lighting whilst the full width glazing floods the interior with daylight. When the bifold doors are open, the courtyard garden effectively becomes an extension of the living space – ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of home.

Attention to detail

The SF75eco system also brings subtle yet important functional benefits. The lead door is secured in place when closed using the exclusive antiSLAM patch catch technology, preventing movement caused by wind or accidental knocks.

The slender, square edged aluminium frames provide a contemporary finish that complements the modern extension, while still sitting comfortably alongside the character of the original red brick structure.

A cohesive transformation

Being in a conservation area meant careful consideration was required in the planning stage, but the project is a strong example of how thoughtful design, and the right glazing solution can redefine a home. By opting for a bifold system that prioritises full opening capability without sacrificing thermal performance or weather protection, the homeowners have achieved a space that is both visually striking and highly liveable.

With the expertise of IDSystems and the performance of the German designed SF75eco bifold doors, the result is a seamless connection between architecture and landscape – transforming a modest garden into an integral part of everyday living.

Location: Chiswick, South West London
Architects: West Scott Architects
Interior Design & Kitchen: Osborne Interiors
Photos: Hawkeye Photography

Gallery

Modern kitchen and dining area with a large wooden table, chairs, and open folding glass doors leading to a garden with lush greenery.
Modern kitchen with a white island, built-in hob, dining table, large green wall art, and open doors leading to a lush garden with ferns.
Modern kitchen with white worktops, induction hob, coffee machine, glass vase, and large sliding doors opening to a garden with lush greenery.
Modern kitchen with a large white island, bar stools, wall art, green feature wall, and sliding glass doors opening to an outdoor area.
Modern open-plan kitchen and dining area with an island, bar stools, large table with chairs, wall art, and bi-fold doors opening to an outdoor space.
Modern kitchen with white cupboards, large island, glass doors open to a garden, dining area with wooden table, and a green plant wall featured on the left.
Modern kitchen with white island, induction hob, vase of flowers, sliding glass doors, and a green wall leading to a garden patio.
Modern dining area with a wooden table, grey chairs, green plant wall, and large open doors leading to a lush garden.
Modern kitchen with white cupboards, built-in double ovens, a coffee machine, sink, toaster, kettle, and a glass splashback under a skylight.
Modern kitchen and dining area with a large wooden table, chairs, and open folding glass doors leading to a garden with lush greenery.
Modern kitchen with a white island, built-in hob, dining table, large green wall art, and open doors leading to a lush garden with ferns.
Modern kitchen with white worktops, induction hob, coffee machine, glass vase, and large sliding doors opening to a garden with lush greenery.
Modern kitchen with a large white island, bar stools, wall art, green feature wall, and sliding glass doors opening to an outdoor area.
Modern open-plan kitchen and dining area with an island, bar stools, large table with chairs, wall art, and bi-fold doors opening to an outdoor space.
Modern kitchen with white cupboards, large island, glass doors open to a garden, dining area with wooden table, and a green plant wall featured on the left.
Modern kitchen with white island, induction hob, vase of flowers, sliding glass doors, and a green wall leading to a garden patio.
Modern dining area with a wooden table, grey chairs, green plant wall, and large open doors leading to a lush garden.
Modern kitchen with white cupboards, built-in double ovens, a coffee machine, sink, toaster, kettle, and a glass splashback under a skylight.

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