Ways to Create a Micro Extension With a Projecting Window
Dreaming of more space but can’t stretch to an extension? One of these creative projecting window ideas could suit your project perfectly
Brian O'Tuama
9 February 2015
Houzz contributor and architect and founder of Brian O'Tuama Architects. This established architecture and interiors practice takes pride in innovative design solutions, whether a project is a refurbishment or a new-build, commercial or residential.
Houzz contributor and architect and founder of Brian O'Tuama Architects. This established... More
As architects, we’re always thinking about creative ways to enhance the homes we’re refurbishing for our clients. This can, of course, often involve enlarging them, but it always means looking for opportunities to improve what’s already there. Windows are a case in point: rather than just seeing them as elements that bring light, views and ventilation to a building, we like to think of them as something special, and look for the potential to make them mini spaces in themselves. A great way to exploit this potential is to modify an existing window opening – or make a new one – and add a projecting window.
Projecting windows include bay windows, which extend to the floor inside and usually the ground outside as well, and oriel windows, which are cantilevered from the wall. Both can be a fantastic and relatively low-cost way to add volume to a space, reach out towards the light and views and bring them inside, and create a place to sit and ponder. Browse these successful projecting windows for inspiration.
Projecting windows include bay windows, which extend to the floor inside and usually the ground outside as well, and oriel windows, which are cantilevered from the wall. Both can be a fantastic and relatively low-cost way to add volume to a space, reach out towards the light and views and bring them inside, and create a place to sit and ponder. Browse these successful projecting windows for inspiration.
Update a classic feature
These two bay windows with contemporary detailing are a nice counterpoint to a traditional exterior wall. Standard older bay windows can be updated with slim frames, full-height glass, right angles and glass roof panels, all of which contribute to an overall sense of lightness.
These two bay windows with contemporary detailing are a nice counterpoint to a traditional exterior wall. Standard older bay windows can be updated with slim frames, full-height glass, right angles and glass roof panels, all of which contribute to an overall sense of lightness.
Create a view in…
A frameless glass oriel window (a protruding window that does not reach the ground) added to the back wall of a Victorian house works on many levels – seen from the garden, it provides inviting views into the interior.
A frameless glass oriel window (a protruding window that does not reach the ground) added to the back wall of a Victorian house works on many levels – seen from the garden, it provides inviting views into the interior.
…and out
The same oriel window seen from the inside shows the window seat tucked into the new space. This (almost) allows you to sit in the garden without venturing outside. The timber panelling on one side incorporates a hinged window to let in a refreshing breeze and birdsong.
The colour and texture of the timber seat and side panel contrast with the pure white walls and act as a warm background for the seat and scatter cushions. These panels also suggest two sides of a picture frame around the view outside.
The same oriel window seen from the inside shows the window seat tucked into the new space. This (almost) allows you to sit in the garden without venturing outside. The timber panelling on one side incorporates a hinged window to let in a refreshing breeze and birdsong.
The colour and texture of the timber seat and side panel contrast with the pure white walls and act as a warm background for the seat and scatter cushions. These panels also suggest two sides of a picture frame around the view outside.
Think outside the box
Relatively simple design gestures can often make a big difference. This first-floor oriel window, built into an eco-friendly family house in Gloucestershire, is centred on the gable wall and roof above. However, the front has been angled so as to take best advantage of the views across to the nearby forest. It also creates more interesting shadows on the wall and makes the overall composition that little bit more special.
See the full Houzz tour of this home
Relatively simple design gestures can often make a big difference. This first-floor oriel window, built into an eco-friendly family house in Gloucestershire, is centred on the gable wall and roof above. However, the front has been angled so as to take best advantage of the views across to the nearby forest. It also creates more interesting shadows on the wall and makes the overall composition that little bit more special.
See the full Houzz tour of this home
Expand with a mini-extension
On this house refurbishment project, the kitchen was extended with a full-height cantilevered oriel window, bolted to the existing back wall of the house. As well as providing great light and views, this approach was also cost-effective, as it eliminated the need for foundation work.
On this house refurbishment project, the kitchen was extended with a full-height cantilevered oriel window, bolted to the existing back wall of the house. As well as providing great light and views, this approach was also cost-effective, as it eliminated the need for foundation work.
Extend an upper floor
A relatively small window in a first-floor living room was converted into a projecting window for visual and spatial enhancement. This now provides a comfortable new place to sit and read or to contemplate the garden, and adds visual interest to the external appearance of the house.
A relatively small window in a first-floor living room was converted into a projecting window for visual and spatial enhancement. This now provides a comfortable new place to sit and read or to contemplate the garden, and adds visual interest to the external appearance of the house.
Make an internal focal point
Here, a bay window with a built-in bench works as a backdrop to a seating group focused on a pair of elegant wing-backed chairs. As well as providing a place to relax or for guests to sit, the window here creates a living picture that will vary according to seasonal changes in light and weather.
Here, a bay window with a built-in bench works as a backdrop to a seating group focused on a pair of elegant wing-backed chairs. As well as providing a place to relax or for guests to sit, the window here creates a living picture that will vary according to seasonal changes in light and weather.
Cocoon yourself in a window alcove
Imagine yourself curled up with a good book in this cosy window alcove. The dark panelled walls and ceiling add a sumptuous richness and, by contrasting with the lighter coloured garden outside, further enhance the view.
Get more inspiration for building a wonderful window seat
Imagine yourself curled up with a good book in this cosy window alcove. The dark panelled walls and ceiling add a sumptuous richness and, by contrasting with the lighter coloured garden outside, further enhance the view.
Get more inspiration for building a wonderful window seat
Be bold with a new bay
Traditionally, most bay windows have flat fronts and angled sides. But this modern reinterpretation does away with the flat front, keeping only the angled sides. The result is an external corner with views out in two directions.
Traditionally, most bay windows have flat fronts and angled sides. But this modern reinterpretation does away with the flat front, keeping only the angled sides. The result is an external corner with views out in two directions.
Create a bedroom conservatory
Too often, conservatories can be cut off from the heart of the home and so are little used. They can also obstruct rather than celebrate a visual connection with the outside. However, putting a conservatory-like bay window in a bedroom context can greatly enhance the quality of the space.
Too often, conservatories can be cut off from the heart of the home and so are little used. They can also obstruct rather than celebrate a visual connection with the outside. However, putting a conservatory-like bay window in a bedroom context can greatly enhance the quality of the space.
Blur the edges
This extension to a Victorian cottage is essentially a bay window large enough to accommodate a window seat the size of a day bed. In warm weather, the bifold windows blur the boundary between indoors and out, allowing the owners to sit with their feet in the house and heads in the garden.
TELL US…
Have you used a projecting window to expand a room in your home? If not, where would you build one? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
This extension to a Victorian cottage is essentially a bay window large enough to accommodate a window seat the size of a day bed. In warm weather, the bifold windows blur the boundary between indoors and out, allowing the owners to sit with their feet in the house and heads in the garden.
TELL US…
Have you used a projecting window to expand a room in your home? If not, where would you build one? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
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