"glass"

Here we installed new washrooms on two levels of this Covent Garden office and created a new staff shower and changing area. The new washroom design includes our full height Alto Kristalla glass cubicles. The rebated edge design offers an attractive flush front façade together with the contrasting wood veneer-faced pilasters and back-painted glass cubicle doors. We also installed natural stone vanities as well as our Concerto integrated duct panel system and modesty screens, both faced in toughened, back-painted glass. The shower and changing area features our exceptionally durable Forza lockers and matching benching.

Washroom created a unique ‘superloo’ design featuring Silestone vanities complete with glass upstands featuring a bespoke bronze effect hexagonal design for two adjacent properties on Cork Street in Mayfair. The self-contained superloo cubicles are the ideal way to maximise the available space. Each cubicle features Washroom's Concerto integrated duct panels, faced with back-painted toughened glass in two colours; grey behind the WCs and white underneath each vanity unit, are completed with bronze look metal vertical sections. Washroom created the staff shower and changing area featuring bespoke Legato benching and glass iLockers, back-painted to a cool grey.

The new complex of the elite boarding school “Le Rosey” in Rolle, Switzerland, houses a range of first-class facilities. Over 470 m2 of fire-resistant glass - Contraflam 30 - has been installed, including partitions, fire doors, staircases and meeting rooms. This solution - with glass sizes up to 1,800 x 3,800mm - offers supremely reliable fire resistance, 100% UV stability and, long lasting maximum transparency, keeping rooms and facades bright. Vetrotech provides large custom-made glass solutions that stand up to the demands of such iconic projects, offering uncompromised safety whilst enabling boundless design freedom for architects and constructors.

ProjectSurespan manufactured and supplied a double-glazed access hatch for use on a private residential apartment in downtown San Francisco. ProductThe 915 (36”) x 4115 (162”) hatch was electrically operated for easy operation and allowed easy access to the roof deck for Al Fresco dining in the Californian sun. “The glass hatch is one of the best features of the house.” Glazed hatches feature a frameless design eliminating water ponding. The 28.4mm sealed glazed unit comprised of Pilkington Insulight™ Therm, 6mm Optifloat™ Clear ‘T’ (toughened), 16mm Argon filled cavity, 6.4mm Pilkington Optilam™ ‘K’ Glass Laminated glass.

The ChallengeA residential development exclusively for the over 55’s, Quantock House in Taunton, Somerset features a series of contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments set over the eight-storey building. The latest development from Platinum Skies, part of the Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH), Quantock House includes a bistro, bar, activity room and private, landscaped gardens. Designed with comfort and luxury in mind, each apartment features a modern glass balcony offering stunning views over the surrounding hills.Appointed by AHH, AMI was tasked with developing a fire-rated glass balustrade solution. Working closely with Pyroguard’s technical team, this collaboration resulted in the development of AMI’s Fire-Tek Balustrade system, featuring Pyroguard Balustrade fire safety glass. The system, fully backed by site specific structural calculations, is compliant with all the latest building regulation requirements for residential buildings over 18 metres tall (11 metres in Scotland).The SolutionDesigned specifically for balcony and balustrade applications and suitable for installation on buildings over 18-metres high (the first of its kind and patent pending), Pyroguard Balustrade is a toughened fire safety glass, manufactured to classification A2-s1. In addition to its fire reaction qualities, Pyroguard Balustrade also offers excellent light transmission and is certified to the 1B1 impact resistance rating (according to EN12600) – both key factors for the application.Quantock House is one of the first UK projects to have an NHBC accepted A2-s1 glass balustrade system installed on its apartment balconies – the result of a close working partnership between fire safety glass manufacturer Pyroguard and Architectural Metalwork Installations Limited (AMI), the architectural metalwork specialist.

Contemporary Glass Structures were selected to manufacture and install a flush glazed mirror door into a 4th-floor terrace glass façade as part of extensive renovations of a commercial office building in the heart of Manchester’s professional district. Drawing on their experience in the fenestration industry Contemporary offered a bespoke solution and specified the Kestrel Aluminium residential door system as the base for the project.

Orbis OS201 Vertical Bar Infill Top FixOrbis OS210 Orbis Glass Infill Side FixOrbis OS231 Perforated Infill Top FixVista V511U Glass Infill U Profile Top FixThe £8.4m redevelopment project for Flintshire County Council has doubled the number of beds at Marleyfield House and increased communal outdoor spaces and accessibility for residents.Each room has a personal outdoor space either through a balcony, completed with Vista glass balustrades to provide an unobstructed view, or a patio area.Procured through the Scape framework, works continued during the global pandemic with innovative working practices introduced to ensure everyone’s safety on site.

Black POSIglaze Side-fix channel installed as Juliet balcony. What is a Juliet Balcony? A glass Juliet balcony (also known as a French balcony) is a type of glass balustrade that is fitted to a first floor window, directly outside a set of inward-opening French doors, as a safety feature. A Juliet balcony creates a feeling of space within the room, as well as allowing more light and fresh air into the room than could be achieved with a regular window. All within a secure and stylish translucent framework. This beautiful installation by Terry Lisgo and his G&T Design & Build Team, features two Juliet balconies on one property in Cheshire March 2022. The home owner didn’t want any handrails blocking their view, so 17.5mm toughened laminated glass has been used as this eliminates the need for the extra safety measure. Toughened laminated glass has a layer between the glass sheets which adds strength, removing the need for a handrail.To pass building regulations, the glass must be 1100mm high across these Juliet balconies. If you’ve ever been involved in a building project, you’ll know that elements must be signed off before the next building phase can begin. The black Juliet Balconies look stunning with the matching windows and French doors and have fulfilled the customer brief perfectly. POSIglaze side-fix balustrade channel is able to hold glass thickness between 12mm and 21.5mm. and is suitable for many projects and balcony styles. The cladding is the black element used to make the channel look black, simply clipped on to the channel it transforms the look from silver to black balustrade. You might be wondering why people like Juliet balconies so much when you can’t actually stand on them! Well they can actually add value to your home, they increase natural light into your room and also improve the air flow. If you love the feeling of bringing the outdoors in, then these are ideal for you as they increase your view in a safe and stylish way.  Frameless glass balustrades used for Juliet Balconies are low maintenance and cheaper than the conventional balcony design. If you are interested in having a Juliet balcony please contact our helpful technical team and they will provide guidance on how to get started, chat about your balustrade ideas and we can also let you know about installers local to you. 

Black POSIglaze Side-fix channel installed as Juliet balcony. What is a Juliet Balcony? A glass Juliet balcony (also known as a French balcony) is a type of glass balustrade that is fitted to a first floor window, directly outside a set of inward-opening French doors, as a safety feature. A Juliet balcony creates a feeling of space within the room, as well as allowing more light and fresh air into the room than could be achieved with a regular window. All within a secure and stylish translucent framework. This beautiful installation by Terry Lisgo and his G&T Design & Build Team, features two Juliet balconies on one property in Cheshire March 2022. The home owner didn’t want any handrails blocking their view, so 17.5mm toughened laminated glass has been used as this eliminates the need for the extra safety measure. Toughened laminated glass has a layer between the glass sheets which adds strength, removing the need for a handrail.To pass building regulations, the glass must be 1100mm high across these Juliet balconies. If you’ve ever been involved in a building project, you’ll know that elements must be signed off before the next building phase can begin. The black Juliet Balconies look stunning with the matching windows and French doors and have fulfilled the customer brief perfectly. POSIglaze side-fix balustrade channel is able to hold glass thickness between 12mm and 21.5mm. and is suitable for many projects and balcony styles. The cladding is the black element used to make the channel look black, simply clipped on to the channel it transforms the look from silver to black balustrade. You might be wondering why people like Juliet balconies so much when you can’t actually stand on them! Well they can actually add value to your home, they increase natural light into your room and also improve the air flow. If you love the feeling of bringing the outdoors in, then these are ideal for you as they increase your view in a safe and stylish way.  Frameless glass balustrades used for Juliet Balconies are low maintenance and cheaper than the conventional balcony design. If you are interested in having a Juliet balcony please contact our helpful technical team and they will provide guidance on how to get started, chat about your balustrade ideas and we can also let you know about installers local to you. 

Project: Knightsbridge Gate, 55-91 KnightsbridgeClient: APML EstateMain contractor: Sir Robert McAlpineArchitects: Dixon Jones Architects (lead), Richard Griffiths Architects (conservation including shopfronts design) and MSMR Architects (residential interior design)Installer: Atlantic Contracts (shopfront design and installation), Richard Gent (glazier)In the world of retail, a Knightsbridge address is about as desirable as it gets, which is why so many brands choose to locate their flagship stores on the famed central-London street.For the designers of Knightsbridge Gate, a landmark mixed-use development that occupies an entire block of the street, providing the best possible shopfronts for the retailers that will occupy the scheme’s ground floor was a top priority. So, choosing the right glazing was paramount.While most of the building has been newly constructed, the 120-metre-long Edwardian street-facing façade has been retained, along with its 17 glazed shopfronts. The glazing for each of the frontages is held in place by decorative oak frames that have been carefully re-created according to the original design.Letting window displays shineTo ensure that the units look their best, the designer selected Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW anti-reflective glass for the street-level glazing.Coatings on the outer faces of the laminated glass reduce its reflectivity to around 2%, compared with around 8% for standard, un-coated glass. The result is that views into the shopfronts are almost entirely un-interrupted by reflections, even on bright days, ensuring that retailers’ window displays are shown off to the best effect.To give further clarity, the glass is Pilkington Optiwhite™ low-iron glass that is almost entirely free from colouration.Rachel Scannell at APML Estate said: “The aim with the retail units at Knightsbridge Gate was to create spaces that the most prestigious brands in the world would be happy to choose in order to display their offerings. The glazing is, of course, a key part of this.“The anti-reflective glass from Pilkington UK is often used by galleries and museums to display priceless artworks and artifacts without compromising on detail, so the retailers that call Knightsbridge Gate home will enjoy the same benefits.”Crafted to lastAdding to the aesthetic appeal of the glazing is the complex shape of the panes that make it up, including a large, curved edge at the top of the central pane in each shopfront. Pilkington UK engineers worked closely with the carpenters to precision cut each pane of glass to ensure a perfect fit.The shop front windows are as tough as they are beautiful as they consist of two panes of glass laminated together with a strong polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. This ensures the glazing can stand up to all the forces that may be thrown at it, from wind-loading to any attempts to smash the glass.Due to the anti-reflective coating being applied at a high temperature when the glass was being made, it is highly scratch-resistant, ensuring its clean and clear appearance will last for many years to come.Peter Maj, business development manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, said: “By selecting Pilkington OptiView™ for this project, the designers have demonstrated that it is the product of choice for retail applications where the glazing will be under the utmost scrutiny and needs to look its best.”Along with the shop-fronts, Pilkington UK also supplied 300 m² of Pilkington Optiphon™ OW acoustic glass, which has been used throughout the offices and apartments on the upper five floors of the building to provide noise-reducing secondary glazing.

In the historic centre of Lecce, a renowned jewellery shop is renewed.Pilkington OptiView™ Ultra Protect anti-reflective glass was installed to guarantee an optimal view of the products on sale. This glass is characterised by minimal light reflection: in fact, it's visual light reflection is below 1%. The anti-reflective coating is able to enhance potential customers' views by reducing reflections, guaranteeing unsurpassed transparency.

Glass Lift in luxury fashion retail store in Manchester

Glazing Vision worked closely with Architect, A R C Architecture Ltd, and Contractors, Matrod Frampton Ltd, on this incredible project located in Lymington, Hampshire, where the client was looking for their new pool room extension to include a large, flat rooflight, creating a peaceful and naturally lit room, perfect for a relaxing swim. They were also looking for a rooflight within the loft area of the home to allow natural daylight and ventilation to the space.Glazing Vision’s Flushglaze Fixed Multipart Rooflight in Slate Grey Matt was specified for the roof of the pool house, which was an impressive 3800mm x 10360mm in size, which almost mirrors the size of the swimming pool below.Bespoke glass was selected for this particular project. The double-glazed outer pane was made up of heat soak tested, toughened glass which offers a greater resistance to thermal stresses and provides better protection against glass breaking, reducing risk of injury, essential with a pool directly below.Argon gas filled the space between the panes of glass which helps insulate the room and minimises the transfer of heat through the glass along with a black warm edge spacer which is an insulating plastic composite material that becomes a barrier to heat loss.The inner pane consisted of heat soak tested, toughened, PVB laminated glass which prevents glass shattering under impact by holding the shards together on the membrane so they cannot become lethal, and includes a soft coat low E rating of 1.1, helping with the energy efficiency of the room by reducing energy costs.The product was tested to class 1 in accordance with CWCT TN66/67 which is essential for rooflights which might be walked on for occasional cleaning/ maintenance activities, and which will therefore need to support both the weight of people on the glass and their equipment, which may be required on this occasion.The rooflight was supplied in 6 sections with internal back-to-back angles at the joints between each section. The 6 sections were sized to achieve an equal split when viewed from underneath.Our Skydoor Electric Hinged Access Rooflight was specified on the roof of the loft space which is ideal for ventilation and regular access, and offers natural daylight to the space below. Intelligent actuators ensure synchronized operation between the two supporting mechanisms, so the Skydoor opens to a maximum 87° in one fluid, trouble-free motion, providing you with easy access to the space above.The glass was a double-glazed unit comprising of a heat soak tested, toughened, soft coat low E (1.1) outer pane, with Argon Gas within the space between the panes and black warm edge spacer, with the inner pane consisting of heat soak tested, toughened, PVB Laminated glass, and was also tested to class 1.Both rooflights were expertly installed by our sister brand, Glazing Renovations.“Glazing Vision were helpful in explaining the two different upstands required for the different glazing systems. The installation team were helpful and carried out their work in a professional manor.” – Steve Davies, Site Manager, Matrod Frampton.

The design briefTo sensitively transform two former workshops buildings into a modern, light and airy family home, in this hidden location.ChallengeTo achieve beautiful design, to sustain health and well-being through superior craftsmanship, quality materials and intelligent use of glass.Solution3m x 2m internal walk on glass floor with glass beams seamlessly appearing out from the walls, elegantly modern design introducing light and the illusion of space. 19mm thick monolithic glass balustrade sections connect each room achieving a spacious, sharp and minimal look. The multi-panel skylight engineered to fit existing timber trusses creates a sense of large expanse and allows the flow of daylight to pass down to the lower levels, lightening up the beautiful design within.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home project; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

The StoVentec Glass rainscreen system featured on the upper part of this 84,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer store in Maidstone was specified by architects Corstorphine & Wright for this £25 million project. 900m2 of StoVentec Glass panels were manufactured on a completely bespoke basis and finished in a pre-specified RAL colour to complement the modern design of the building and the other construction materials that were used. The StoVentec Glass system was designed and installed by specialist contractor Southern Maze Ltd, using Sto’s innovative sub-construction that can be mounted onto virtually all substrates, with no visible frames, rails or fixings. The store is regarded as a flagship out-of-town project for Marks & Spencer and features a bakery and food hall alongside other retail spaces. 

Helmsman have manufactured and supplied three compartment luxury Glass Lockers that have been installed at Eos Interiors office in Birmingham. The formica storm colour against the white interior walls and Ojmar OCS combination locks give a modern finish. Special numbering plates were used to match the modern style. The Glass Lockers are floating in the middle of the wall thanks to our locker stands and cladding.

Sutton station, owned and operated by Network Rail needed refurbishment. The station was showing signs of its age, with the old timber work in need of replacing, the roof leaking and the glass roof sections in need of some TLC. Due to their age, the glass roof sections had become fragile and had subsequently broken, Also because of the difficulty in safely cleaning them, they were proving more of a light blocker, than a source of natural light.It was decided that the glass roof sections would need replacing and in order to do this, Twinfix were consulted by Network Rail and asked to offer a solution. Twinfix were mindful of the aesthetics of the station but were also very aware that they could offer something which would provide a long-term solution for the station. Utilising their Multi-Link-Panel System, Twinfix put forward a solution which would do justice to the refurbishment work, the station was receiving whilst bringing the roof up to date and delivering an outcome which would last the test of time. By replacing the old steel and glass sections with their sustainable aluminium and polycarbonate Multi-Link-Panel System, Twinfix’s proposed solution would maintain the look and feel of the old roof, but deliver something which is virtually unbreakable, doesn’t need repairing or regular replacement and would allow routine cleaning to be carried out, keeping the station flooded with light. By replacing the old glass with a slightly obscured 6mm polycarbonate, the light inside the station would be diffused rather than harsh, and significantly brighter than the current situation.The new system would not only last the rigours of time, but is made of sustainable materials. Polycarbonate has minimal impact on the environment and is fully recyclable at the end of its long life. Polycarbonate panels, used in place of glass can be manufactured to give the same look as more traditional glass with features such as Georgian wired but with a significant weight saving. This weight saving means that transportation, manual handling of lifting is easier and requires less energy, plus the structural elements can be reduced as the weight they are required to support is reduced. The result is a total saving on energy and materials needed for installation. Once installed polycarbonate is considerably stronger than glass and is unlikely to break. Depending upon the requirements and location of the installation, Twinfix manufacture a ‘non-fragile’ version which, in testing could withstand far greater impact than an equivalent glass panel. This is especially good for areas where people might accidentally step or fall onto the panels such as rail station roofs. This inherent toughness also reduces the need to replace the glazing panel as often as glass and with UV coatings the panel doesn’t yellow with age or become brittle.Aluminium is known as the ‘Green metal’ due to its ability to be recycled again and again, without degradation of its inherent properties. Recycling aluminium also saves 95% of the energy required in the production of aluminium from raw materials. Compared to traditional steel, aluminium is approximately 2.5 times lighter, strength for strength, so again there is a weight saving comparable to that associated with polycarbonate over glass. Unlike steel, aluminium will not rust, and the application of powder coating will prevent corrosion. Powder coating is a pigment encapsulated in a powdered resin and then cured in an oven to harden the paint surface.Working with the roofing contractor, G.S. Moore, and as part of the larger station refurbishment, delivered by BAM Nuttall, Twinfix were able to replace the existing damaged glass roof in the entrance, the footbridge and the platform adding up to an area over 340 metres square, bathing the covered areas in natural light.Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix, said; “It was a pleasure working with the team at Network Rail, G.S.Moore and BAM Nuttall. Sutton Station roof was in a dramatic need of replacement. We are proud of the finished product and that we were able to offer a long-term solution that delivers the aesthetic charm of the old roof, increases light levels for passengers, improves safety for all using the station and offers a sustainable, future proof outcome. We look forward to being part of delivering more excellent results for our clients in the future.”

Elegant glass partitions at Intermediate Capital Group’s new headquarters Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) has recently completed the fit-out of their new London head office. Situated in a highly sought-after spot on Ludgate Circus in the City, this asset management companies’ new office provides a stylish working environment. Used extensively throughout the building, our range of glass partitions helped create an airy and modern space. Furthermore. the integration of our innovative switchable glass partitions at ICG’s new London headquarters enhances privacy within the office. Working alongside architects HLW International and main contractor ISG we created an elegant and sleek fit-out, installing a contemporary, open design built with colleagues and clients in mind.

After the demolition of existing buildings which had been used as rehearsal and recording studios a development of flexible commercial space and residential units was approved in Lamb Walk, Bermondsey.The ChallengeThe commercial element of the approved mixed use development was on the ground floor below three floors of residential properties. Adding more light to this commercial office space would give an extra dimension.The solutionWorking with the developer we helped improve the working environment with elegant walk on units. In order to maximise the light that the office space would benefit from we combined the External Walk On Glass Floors and a range of Multi-Panel Rooflights with Glass Beam Supports. This created an eye-catching feature both internally and externally as well providing the highest level of safety from the strengthened glass used in the walk on the glass floors.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your commercial office space; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

A safety railing on the River Thames. London’s longest pier, Royal Wharf includes a 162m² viewing platform for unparalleled views along the River Thames, now surrounded by a glass balustrade safety railing. Like many river-side locations, the view is spectacular and is preserved for the enjoyment of those walking by. The glass balustrade keeps the views in tact while also providing a safety barrier and windbreak along the length of the pier. The Royal Wharf Pier opened in 2019, after a refurbishment, and now provides quick transport to and from central London by water taxi. The use of MEGAgrip keeps the view of the River Thames while providing the necessary safety feature on the pier. MEGAgrip is Pure Vista’s answer to a heavy-duty and fully adjustable balustrade system. The internal glass clamps allow for easy alignment of the glass within the channel, making this one of the most easily adjustable systems available. MEGAgrip is ideal to be used as a public space barrier in busy locations such as transport hubs or venues. A benefit to this product is that it can be upgraded, with the use of a converter kit, to become bomb-resistant. For this project, MEGAgrip provides the most suitable safety railing on the River Thames.

TRC Windows commissioned for the extensive renovationIn April 2019, TRC Windows was commissioned to deliver the supply of windows throughout this extensive renovation. Over a 14-month period, and completed in 2020, a total of 338 metal, 140 timber and 110 new heritage timber sash windows were successfully reinstated.Metal windowsIn line with the project scope, metal frames and casements were stripped of paint and rust.Weld repairs were carried out to areas of damage, with new hinges and new sections of steel used where required.A five-coat Teamac Painting System was used on all frames.New 4mm GoetheGlas* heritage glass was installed, with applied lead work replicating the original glazing layout.Timber windowsThe timber window repairs were subject to overall draughtproofing and redecoration. These were painted using a Dulux Paint System, and installed with new 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass.Heritage box sash windowsConstructed from hardwood timber, the heritage windows incorporate single-glazing with a 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass, and work via a classic weight-and-pulley mechanism. These also include individual solid bars providing the windows with genuine character. Traditional heritage putty was used externally to secure the glazing and enhance the visual aesthetic.*GoetheGlas is a colourless, drawn glass with the irregular surface characteristic of window glass common to the 18th and 19th centuries. It is used to protect precious, leaded glazing from the elements and other adverse environmental conditions.

Project: Solina observation tower and gondola stationClient: PKL and PFR GroupsThe Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, hailed the opening of a new observation tower and gondola lift in the Bieszczady Mountains as an investment that will strengthen the magnetism of Solina, a major tourist hotspot.At the opening, Morawiecki remarked how Solina is a beautiful place where nature is untouched by the human hand*. The picturesque holiday destination in South East Poland is famous for its forest-covered peaks and vast open water, home to the largest artificial lake in the country.These surroundings make Solina equally as popular with birds as it is for tourists. The area is home to 130 species of birds, including eagles, hawks, sparrowhawks, smews, black terns and songbirds; while also being located on a main migratory route.Protecting Solina’s bird population was therefore a top priority for the two groups behind the tourist attraction, the PKL Group (Polish Cableways), which provide sustainable mountain tourism services, and the PFR Group (The Polish Development Fund), a state-owned financial group which invests in sustainable social development, who paid close attention to the needs of bird species throughout the design and construction phases.They turned to specialist glass for the gondola station and the observation tower to help protect its feathered neighbours.Glass designed to protect birdsPilkington AviSafe™, an innovative glass designed to protect birds, was specified for the project’s glazing. Its unique patterned UV enhanced coating disrupts the reflection on the glass, helping birds to see a clear barrier.Jason Eggerton, UK specifications manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, explained: “Experts distinguish three effects leading to birds colliding with glass.“The mirror effect is where birds mistake the glass’ reflection as reality. Corners of buildings or narrow passageways can also lead to collisions as they allow birds to see the habitat on the other side of the building. Thirdly, the fly-through effect is where birds may also not see the transparent barrier and aim to fly into a building to a perching spot, such as within an atrium.“The gondola station and observation tower are surrounded by forests making bird collisions due to reflections of the trees a particular risk. Ultimately Pilkington AviSafe™ disrupts these reflections making the glass more visible”The coating is designed on the principle that birds see in a different light range to people, making Pilkington AviSafe™ glass more visible to birds while remaining aesthetically appealing on the exterior surface. From the inside however, it’s barely visible to the human eye.It was used in the large, modern glass facades of the gondola station in combination with Pilkington Suncool™ 70/35 and Pilkington Optilam™ glass, which ensures effective thermal insulation, solar control and safety.The Pilkington AviSafe™ glass was manufactured at the Merseyside manufacturing site of Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, in St Helens.Jason Eggerton continued: “Making buildings truly sustainable goes beyond emissions and energy efficiency. Architects and specifiers increasingly need to consider how their projects impact local wildlife too.“Pilkington AviSafe™ has clear value amidst nature reserves, forests and mountains in Solina. But many of the world’s major cities are located on bird migratory paths, where tall, glazed buildings can increase the chance of collisions.“We’re proud to support a project of such high prestige and economic significance in Poland, and to play our part helping Solina’s tourism industry to maintain its minimal impact on nature and local wildlife.”

The newly completed 122 Waterloo Street development in the centre of Glasgow offers its occupants floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout, with almost uninterrupted views thanks to the latest Schüco curtain-walling system designed, manufactured and installed by Edinburgh-based façade specialist Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd.But, impressively, the landmark building – which will be the Glasgow headquarters of global financial services firm Morgan Stanley – will also be one of the most energy efficient buildings in Scotland, thanks in part to high-performance glass coatings from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited.The scheme has been certified BREEAM Excellent, and achieved an ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the latter based on a detailed assessment of the building’s energy performance. The glazing helps to minimise this by reducing energy emitted from the building, as well as the heating effect of the sun, both of which can make maintaining a comfortable interior climate more energy-intensive.A glass for all seasonsThe scale of the building and the large area of glass used means that excessive radiation of heat from the building could lead to rapid heat loss during colder conditions, requiring an increase in heating to keep the interior warm.To mitigate this effect, the glazing features a Pilkington Optitherm ™ S1 Plus low-emissivity coating which reflects radiated heat back into the building.The second issue that can affect buildings where most of the envelope is glazed is excessive heat build-up when the sun is shining directly into the interior. This can present a challenge for building managers, often requiring high levels of energy-intensive air conditioning.To combat this, a solar-control coating has been used, reducing the amount of heat energy that is able to enter the building while maintaining high levels of transparency. Michael Metcalfe, commercial sales manager at Pilkington UK, said: “The Pilkington Suncool™ 70/35 T coating selected by the design team offers high visible light transmittance, reduced solar transmittance and excellent low-emissivity all in one product.“This means the floor space will be brightly lit by sunlight but won’t suffer from overheating on warmer days.”Clear viewsThe coatings are not the only innovative part of the glazing used in the project, as the glass is held in place by the latest structurally bonded curtain wall system from manufacturer Schüco. Each unit contains a large pane of clear glass and a smaller pane of opaque, coloured spandrel glass, creating horizontal lines across the façade between each floor of the building.Michael Metcalfe continued: “The metal carrier frames in which the glass sits are extremely low profile, so the edges of the panes of glass are very close to one another. This removes the mullions normally associated with unit-based glazing systems, creating a flush glass surface with almost uninterrupted views.”The clarity of the glazing was further improved by the use of Pilkington Optiwhite™ true low-iron glazing throughout, which significantly reduces the slight green tint that is inherent in standard float glass.On the ground floor, Pilkington Optilam™ laminated glazing was used to provide protection against manual attack and increase the security of the building.Completed in December 2017, the nine-storey building also includes 155,000 sq ft of Grade A office space.Project: 122 Waterloo Street, GlasgowClient: HFD GroupArchitect: Micahel Laird ArchitectsCurtain walling supplier: SchücoInstaller: Charles Henshaw & Sons LtdImages courtesy of S G Photography

SkyGard proved the obvious choice for this low cost canopy for one of the Nation’s biggest clients. Special bracketry was required in accordance with the architects design and strategically spaced access hatches, provide access for cleaning the box gutter. SkyGard Patent Glazing combined with laminated glass provides one of the most economical glass canopy solutions with an expected 30-35 years design life and virtually non-existent design life costs as maintenance is minimal.

This previously draughty corridor was in sore need to refurbishment at this hotel and spa just outside Manchester. Our ThermGard-R rafter glazing bars were ideal for sitting on top of the existing steel rafters and provided a robust glazing method to retain the large double glazed units. Softcoat low-e laminated and toughened glass insulating glass units provide excellent heat retention and being North facing, there was no need for the addition of solar control.

Great emphasis has been placed on the functionality of the building and on making the area outside a pleasant park. Ørestaden is a fairly new area of Copenhagen and had quickly become known for fascinating architecture. Vetrotech supplied over 1,600m2 of Contraflam Lite Structure EW30 solutions. Vetrotech's glass helped realize the stunning and light-flooded atriums of the building, which are surrounded by an impressive installation of fire-resistant glass all the way up to the 6th floor.

Over a number of phases, Clement have manufactured and installed new steel windows and doors from our EB24 range for this magnificent house in the Berkshire countryside. The original home was built in 1905 and the current owners have beautifully refurbished the whole property including the gardens. They have cleverly added a contemporary twist, but have retained all of their home’s original charm. The new slim framed steel windows and doors have opened up the views from the house to the garden and let masses of light into the home. Two different glass types were chosen: leaded light glass for the new multi point locking steel windows and G+ glass for the steel doors, and the combination works perfectly together. The larger panes of glass in the steel doors allow natural light to flow throughout the ground floor. The client said: “Clement Windows Group are a fantastic company. They have worked at my property now for the last couple of years, as the work has been carried out in phases. Throughout the whole process I have been impressed with their professional service. We are really happy with the quality of all our new windows and doors and would not hesitate to use Clement again in the future.” 

Aluminium curtain walling was used for the impressive glass extensions on the pre-existing Great Sankey Leisure Centre building in Warrington. As a part of a multiple-phase, £16 million development, the project transformed the site into a state-of-the-art leisure, health and culture facility.The transformational two-storey glass facade extension was built with 4300m2 of TECHNAL Visible Grid and Vertical Trame curtain walling at double height, incorporating glass and spandrel panels. Now known as the Great Sankey Neighborhood Hub, the centre plays host to a wealth of facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts, a sports hall, 3G football pitch, dance studios, cafe, spa, library and even a GP surgery. The entire site has been designed to be dementia friendly and over 700 locals were consulted over the plans to ensure that everyone's needs were met.

The centrepiece of the building at 80 Fenchurch Street is a stunning glass atrium that spans the entire length of the core structure, flooding the lower floors with natural light and providing a breath-taking arrival experience when entering the building’s lobby.Radii AG were commissioned to utilize their intricate knowledge of glass to produce a dynamic, multi-storey frameless glazed atrium that matched the ambitious design intent.An additional consideration was for the atrium to accommodate the stepped, angular elevation changes due to the terraced roof gardens on the top five levels.The finished atrium at EightyFen epitomises Radii AG’s core philosophy of extracting the full capabilities of glass as a building material.Structural, acoustic and fire rated performance all formed a part of the finished installation, allowing Radii AG to provide a bespoke, technical solution alongside dramatic visual aesthetics.

Contemporary architecture often uses curved profiles to create a clean architectural finish. Now, there is a growing market for domestic curved balcony balustrade.A homeowner in Cornwall approached us looking for a curved glass balustrade for their home. We were more than happy to provide a couple of solutions using one of our patented glass balustrade systems. Primarily, Pure Vista proposed two solutions for this home project in Cornwall, both using our ORIGIN-R balustrade system. ORIGIN-R is appropriate for domestic balconies because it achieves 1.5kN, the building regulation that applies to potentially dangerous drops in domestic, single use properties. It’s also the only Pure Vista balustrade channel that can be manufactured as a curved profile, making it the best solution for a curved installation. The first option is the most aesthetically pleasing, for a curved installation is using curved glass inside a curved ORIGIN-R channel. However, this requires the system to be wet-glazed, something that the customer decided against. So, as an alternative to the wet-glazed curved solution, we proposed and ultimately supplied, a faceted curve balustrade solution using straight sections of channel with mitre joints to follow the curved line of the balcony. The installation itself was taken care of by Camel Glass who are specialist architectural glass installers, also based in Cornwall. The result is this fantastic balcony with a railing that allows the customer to see their view, the garden and stay protected from the Cornish breeze. The silver hand railing along the top provides an aesthetically pleasing edge that connects the stairs and the balcony. Please take a look at the images below for a closer look.

Billed as the 'UK's happiest office' this 91,000 sq ft building is home to the telephone answering service; Moneypenny. Planet won the project after impressing AEW Architects with stylish and cost effective products. FireStop doors were installed to compliment the earthy tones and playful 'outdoors' theme of the office design. For the meeting rooms and office partitioning, Planet's p20 slimline glass partitioning was used along with full height glass swing doors to maximise the light and airy feel of the the office and atrium areas.

A major new UK centre for health-focused scientific excellence features a striking interior design created with the use of the StoVentec Glass system, which was used inside Reckitt and Benckiser's £105m Science and Innovation Centre. Some 675m2of white StoVentec Glass were installed in a three-story communal area inside the building. This reflects the natural light entering via the roof skylights to create an airy and open environment, while also contrasting visually with the exposed brickwork

Private clientContract value: £15kProducts used: 0.74kN loading structural glass balustrades to roof terraceWe were appointed on this residential project for a private homeowner in Shenstone, Staffordshire, to provide external structural glass balustrades to the property’s roof terrace. We worked closely with the client from the start of the project to the end, guiding them through the process and providing our advice and expertise to ensure the desired result was achieved. We advised that the balustrade loading weight would need to be 0.74kN – as this was for an external balcony, we chose the correct loading weight to protect the rest of the property and provide a safe and secure balcony feature to the roof terrace. Structural glass balustrades were chosen to provide a seamless view out from the terrace and add the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful outdoor space. Throughout the project, we maintained communication with the client, updating them on our progress and ensuring that they were delighted with the finished result. 

GW Clark Joinery of Willerby in Hull was appointed to install a staircase 'with outstanding joinery features' in a luxurious new home and after two weeks of meticulous bespoke carpentry and phenomenal craftsmanship, they produced this stunning centrepiece to the home. The brief was to ensure the staircase appeared to have glass seamlessly pouring out of the wood, with all the joints and aluminum being completely concealed. The Super Prime Walnut was specifically chosen for for this job as its wonderful warm appearance complemented the striking panes of glass on the staircase and created the sense of open space.

Neaco’s semi-structural glass balustrade and aluminium decking have been extensively specified at The Slate, the University of Warwick’s impressive conference centre occupying a waterside setting in the heart of the campus near Coventry. Designed by Associated Architects and built by Speller Metcalfe, the facility comprises 650 sqm of flexible event space.The building maximises views of the adjoining lake with a predominance of glazing and no pillars or fixtures to obscure the outlook. Neaco’s balustrade lines the full-length of a front terrace overlooking the lake and accommodates the view with clear glass panel infills.

Neaco have supplied a wide-ranging balcony balustrade and internal balustrade specification at a development of luxury waterside apartments in Guisborough, North Yorkshire. The company’s glass panelled Juliet balconies and bespoke walk-on balcony designs are featured alongside balustrade installed to an interior mezzanine and a communal roof terrace. Handrails and balustrade have been precision-manufactured in aluminium featuring a powder coated finish in one of Neaco’s standard metallic colours. The rails and stanchions combine superbly with tinted toughened glass infills for a stylish modern aesthetic.