Modern housing in 2026 is all about the connection between inside and outside. Where we used to see a strict separation between the house and the garden, homeowners are now looking for ways to merge these worlds. The combination of a traditional extension with a veranda or a full glass structure (conservatory) is the ultimate solution for this. It not only offers extra square meters, but also creates a unique lighting atmosphere that promotes the well-being of residents.
However, realising such a project requires choices. Are you looking for a fully isolated space that serves as an extension of the living room, or are you looking for the charm of a transparent winter garden? In this article, we dive deep into the possibilities, costs and technical innovations that will be the standard for high-quality home extensions in the Netherlands in 2026.
Choice between extension and conservatory
The first step in any renovation process is to define the need. Do you want an extra bedroom, a larger kitchen, or a bright place to relax? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are fundamental differences between an architectural extension and a glass conservatory. Understanding these differences is crucial to making an investment that matches your lifestyle and the Dutch climate.
Extension or conservatory: what to choose
The trade-off between an extension or conservatory depends primarily on the desired insulation value and the purpose of use. A traditional extension is a structure with closed walls and a flat or sloped roof that fully complies with the Building Decree for residential functions. This means that the room has the same indoor temperature as the rest of the house all year round, with no additional heating costs. It is the best choice if you are building in a function-oriented way, for example for a kitchen or bathroom.
A conservatory, on the other hand, is a structure that mainly consists of glass. In 2026, although greenhouses will be much better insulated than before, they will retain their unique character as a transition zone. A conservatory heats up quickly because of the sun, which is great in the winter, but requires good sun protection in the summer. Do you opt for atmosphere, light and a panoramic view of the garden? Then the conservatory often prevails over the closed extension.
Conservatory or extension: pros and cons
When we make the comparison between a conservatory or extension, we mainly look at the integration with the existing home. An extension (enlarging an existing space) breaks open the rear façade and seamlessly extends the floor. This ensures a physical enlargement of the living space. The disadvantage may be that the middle of the house becomes darker, because the windows will be further away.
A conservatory is often placed against the façade, sometimes while retaining the original garden doors. The big advantage is the huge amount of daylight. However, if you really want to use the conservatory as a fully-fledged living room, you should invest in high-quality HR+++ glass and floor heating. Here are the key points to consider:
- Privacy: An extension with walls offers more privacy than a glass conservatory.
- Construction speed: A prefab greenhouse is often up and running within a few days, while a brick extension can take weeks.
- Light: A conservatory guarantees maximum light, which is a big plus in the dark winter months.
Costs and constructive features
Budget is a deciding factor for many homeowners. It is important to note that the costs of an extension vary considerably depending on the choice of materials, the foundation and the finish. In 2026, we will see that the prices for glass and aluminum have stabilized, while labour-intensive masonry has become more expensive. This makes glass structures increasingly financially attractive.
Costs of an extension with a conservatory
Determining the exact construction costs for greenhouses is tailor-made, but there are guidelines to provide. The price consists of three main elements: the foundation (often piles in Dutch soft soil), the construction itself (aluminum, wood or plastic) and the glazing. A simple glass extension starts at lower amounts than a fully insulated stone extension, simply because the construction is lighter and requires less finishing (stucco, painting).
However, you should not save on essential parts. Cheap profiles can lead to drafts and condensation. In 2026, we always recommend budgeting for:
- Foundation: Essential to prevent the glass structure from sagging.
- Ventilation: Automatic grilles or skylights are necessary to keep the indoor climate healthy.
- Sun protection: Integrated screens are not a luxury, but a necessity to prevent overheating in the summer.
An investment in quality pays off in a higher home value and lower energy costs.
Conservatory extension with sliding doors
One of the most popular elements in modern housing is the sliding door. A conservatory extension with sliding doors provides the ultimate connection between inside and outside. In contrast to French doors, which take up space on the terrace or in the room, a sliding door glides smoothly to the side without forming obstacles.
In 2026, we will see frequent use of “slim” profiles, with the aluminum frame almost invisible in the floor and ceiling. This creates a glass wall that can be fully opened when the weather is nice. This makes the conservatory a luxurious canopy in the summer and a warm, light garden room in winter. The mechanism of these modern windows is so sophisticated that even heavy triple glazing can be operated with one finger.
Glass conservatory as an extension
For those who want to take maximum advantage of natural light, opting for a full glass construction is the best option. A glass conservatory extension transforms the dynamism of the entire house. The daylight penetrates deeper into the home, which has a positive effect on your biorhythm and energy. It is also an architectural statement; the contrast between the existing stone façade and the transparent glass gives the home a modern and exclusive look.
In a project with a greenhouse glass extension, the orientation of the garden is very important. In a south-facing garden, heat-resistant glass is essential, while in a northern location, glass with a high insulation value should be chosen to keep the heat in. The 2026 technology makes it possible to use glass that keeps itself clean and changes hue depending on the sun's power. These kinds of innovations make the glass extension a comfortable, low-maintenance and future-proof addition to your living pleasure.
