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Alfresco

6 alfresco enclosure ideas for Melbourne homes

Practical alfresco enclosure ideas for Melbourne weather, from stacking glass doors to glass roofs, with what each option suits and what to plan for.

By Glassy Slide teamPublished 2 min read

A glass-enclosed alfresco area with aluminium frames and a glass roof beside a Melbourne home

Melbourne is famous for four seasons in one day. That is exactly why so many alfresco areas sit empty for half the year. Enclosing the space with aluminium-framed glass keeps the light and the view, and keeps out wind, rain and the evening chill. Here are six ideas that work well in Melbourne homes.

For typical costs, see our alfresco enclosure guide: cost, styles and tips.

1. Stacking glass doors on the open side

Stacking doors slide past each other and park at one end, so you can open almost the whole wall on a warm day and close it completely when the wind picks up. They suit wide openings and are the most popular choice for alfresco areas that face the garden.

2. A glass roof for all-year light

A glass or twin-wall roof over the alfresco stops rain without darkening the kitchen or living room behind it. Laminated safety glass is the standard choice overhead. Ask about toned or Low-E glass if the area faces north or west, to keep summer heat down.

3. Fixed glass on the weather side

Most alfresco areas have one side that takes the prevailing wind. A fixed glass panel on that side blocks the weather for good and costs less than an opening door.

4. Converting an open back porch

A small back porch can become a usable room. On one of our jobs, an open porch with a kitchenette was enclosed with aluminium-framed glass so it could be used in any weather.

A back porch enclosed with aluminium-framed glass
A real Glassy Slide job in Melbourne: an open porch enclosed with aluminium-framed glass.

5. Match the frames to the house

Aluminium frames come in a range of powder-coat colours. Matching the existing windows makes the enclosure look like part of the original house rather than an add-on.

6. Plan for heating, cooling and drainage

A glass room needs air flow in summer and some warmth in winter. Plan openings for cross-ventilation, a spot for a heater, and gutters that carry roof water away cleanly.

Before you start

  • Check permits with your council or a building surveyor.
  • Measure how you actually use the space: dining, a lounge, a play area.
  • Decide which sides need to open and which can stay fixed.
  • Get a quote that lists glass type, frame system, roof and drainage.

Our earlier article on alfresco glass patios: pros, cons and real insights covers the trade-offs in more detail.

Questions

Do I need a permit to enclose my alfresco?

Often, yes. Enclosing an existing covered area can change how it is classified, so check with your council or a building surveyor before work starts. We can point you in the right direction when we quote.

Can an enclosed alfresco still feel outdoors?

Yes. Stacking or sliding glass doors open most of the wall in summer, and a glass roof keeps the light and sky above you.

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#alfresco enclosure#patio enclosure#glass roof#sliding doors

Glassy Slide team

We supply and install double-glazed aluminium windows and doors, alfresco enclosures and glass partitions, and repair timber windows across Melbourne from our base in Bundoora. 5.0 ★ on Google.

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