How do you add versatile interior space and a connection between two separate buildings that achieves the ‘wow’ factor? Simple, create a glass link. But where do you begin and what do you need to consider?
Glass links have grown in popularity over the past decade as glass technology has advanced and the range of high quality structural glazing systems available to homeowners, developers and architects has extended the creative possibilities. Once the domain of only the grandest of ‘Grand Designs’ homes, glass links are now a practical option for any home where there are two buildings that could be brought together to create a unified property.
An outbuilding, workshop or garage, for example, can be redeveloped into living space that perfectly matches the adjacent house to create, amongst other things, extra bedrooms, a home office, gym, children’s playroom or additional family rooms. We see this kind of requirement often with older properties, such as farmhouses or homes which sit amongst former industrial buildings, where there is the scope to make redundant spaces useful and – thinking longer term – increase the property’s value in the process.
Enhancing a property’s best external features
Glass links are particularly popular to bridge the gap between two character properties as the contrast between traditional and contemporary can look stunning. In such projects, the glass has an amazing ability to bring out the natural beauty of materials such as stone, brick and exposed timber and make them the star of the show.
But you can also use a glass link to bring together a historic building with a modern extension. The glass link assists with the visual transition between the old and new.
Within the glass link itself, you will be able to create a high quality, extremely comfortable internal environment. This is achieved by using technologically advanced glass which ensures the internal space is highly insulated in the colder months, yet resistant to overheating during the strongest sunshine.
What you need to consider next
Once you’ve made the decision to create a glass link, you will need to think about how you would like it to look. Start by asking:
- How impactful do you want the frame to look? ‘Frameless’ or a design feature?
- How much frame would you like to see versus the amount of glass? How large will the individual glass panes need to be?
- Does the glass link need an integrated door for external access?
- What will you use the internal space for? Will large amounts of glazing compromise privacy or enhance its intended use?
- How high would you like the glass link to be? Remember you could even create one that’s multi-storey.
- How would you like the joints to look? Using silicone joints, for example, reduces the visual impact of the frame.
- How will the glass link fix to the existing building fabric? We don’t expect you to have the answers – that is where James Price Structural Glazing will advise – but this will need some thought early on.
Get the right technical guidance
James Price Structural Glazing are experts in the design, manufacture and installation of glass links. We have created numerous glass links over the past decade, helping clients to achieve their vision with a design that always seeks to balances aesthetic excellence and internal comfort with structural strength, Building Regulations compliance, and value for money.
Our glass links are designed with minimal steel framing which is available in a variety of specifications and finishes – in fact, virtually unlimited scope to any BS or RAL colour. And the glass options are extensive too, including advanced glazing that the highest levels of thermal performance and solar control.
To find out more about glass links and how they can enhance your property, please contact us via the website or call 0151 523 3131.
Find out more at www.jprice-group.co.uk
