Transforming a Raised Terrace into a Year-Round Living Space
When our clients approached us, their goal was clear:
To turn their raised garden decking into a bright, elegant, weather-protected outdoor living space that felt fully integrated with their home.
They didn’t want a heavy extension or bulky conservatory. They wanted something contemporary, architectural and engineered properly, a space they could use comfortably throughout the year.
A bespoke PRIME Glass Room provided the perfect solution.
The Challenge: A Site with Hidden Complexity
While the concept appeared straightforward, our detailed site survey revealed significant structural and geometric challenges:
- A 140mm height discrepancy across the rear mounting wall
- Angled front and rear elevations
- A raked boundary line
- Raised timber decking as the finished floor level
- Existing chimney stack and SVP downpipe intersecting the roof line
The 140mm variation meant the wall onto which the structure would mount was not level across its full 6.5m span, a critical issue for a precision-engineered glass roof system.
When production drawings were reviewed, concerns were raised about whether the geometry would suit the system without altering the wall.
An easier solution was suggested: build up the lower wall section to make it level.
Instead, we engineered around it.
Precision Engineering Without Compromise
Rather than modify the client’s property, we worked closely with the manufacturing engineers to retain the original architectural intent.
This required:
- Custom ring beam and rafter adjustments to follow the true wall geometry
- CNC-manufactured trapezoidal glazing panels
- Adjustable structural posts for millimetre-perfect alignment
- A calculated 7° roof pitch to maintain proportion and drainage
Every connection was recalculated.
Every tolerance was reviewed.
Every panel was purpose-made.
The finished structure appears visually straight and balanced, despite the 140mm variation beneath it.
No infill build-up, no reduced head height and no visible correction.
Structural Foundations Beneath Raised Decking
The existing terrace was finished in raised timber decking. While attractive, decking alone cannot support the structural load of a laminated glass roof system.
To ensure correct load transfer and long-term stability, we:
- Carefully cut out sections of decking at each post location
- Extended structural aluminium posts below deck level
- Cast new concrete pad foundations into the ground
- Anchored posts directly into the foundations
- Reinstated the decking neatly around each column
This ensures the entire structure transfers its load into solid ground, not the decking subframe, providing full compliance with wind and snow load requirements.
From the outside, the posts appear clean and minimal. Below the surface lies proper structural engineering.
Specification Overview
The completed PRIME Glass Room includes:
Roof System
- 10.76mm laminated safety glass
- Structural aluminium framework
- Integrated downpipe system
- Anthracite grey fine-textured finish
Front Elevation
- Four-track sliding glass door system
- 10mm toughened safety glass
- Stainless steel key-locking handles
Side Elevations
- Obscure glazed privacy panel to boundary side
- Fixed bespoke glazing to suit angled geometry
Integrated Lighting
- 15 discreet LED spotlights
- Concealed wiring within structural profiles
- Remote-controlled operation
Our Specialist lifting equipment was used to install the large-format roof panels safely and accurately.
The Result
What was once an exposed raised terrace is now a refined, light-filled outdoor living extension.
The new glass room delivers:
- Shelter from wind and rain
- Maximum natural light
- Seamless architectural integration
- Privacy without heaviness
- Year-round usability
It feels intentional, balanced and part of the original home.
Why This Project Stands Out
This installation demonstrates the difference between fitting a standard system and delivering a truly bespoke glass room installation in London.
We overcame:
- A 140mm structural discrepancy
- Non-square elevations
- Raised decking constraints
- Obstacle integration around existing features
- Large-format glazing logistics
All without altering the property or compromising design.
This was not simply an installation it was a carefully engineered outdoor living solution tailored to a complex South East London site.
Considering a Glass Room Installation in London?
Every home is different. Few are perfectly square.
Our in-house survey, CAD design and structural coordination ensure your glass room is engineered correctly, not just installed attractively.
If you’re considering a bespoke glass room in London or the South East, we would be delighted to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Azure Outdoor Living can help design and install the perfect outdoor solution for your home.
Call us today on: 01362 470770
Email: info@azureoutdoorliving.com
Or visit our Norfolk showroom to see the Lusso system in action.
