Edinburgh Georgian Villa is a sensitive example of architectural glazing in Edinburgh, delivered as part of the extensive renovation and extension of a listed period property. Lorn Macneal Architects developed a series of contemporary interventions to improve the layout, increase usable living space and create a more immediate relationship with the gardens. Working alongside the architect, IQ Glass supplied a bespoke glazing package comprising two Invisio® structural glass roofs and triple glazed ultra slim sliding doors.
Products Used
Project Partners
Architect: Lorn Macneal Architects
Photography credits: Peter Craig
Location
Edinburgh
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Renovating a Listed Georgian Villa for Contemporary Living
The original villa had an awkward historic arrangement that required extensive renovation. Lorn Macneal Architects carefully restored the principal rooms and decorative features while introducing a contemporary kitchen and living extension that contrasts with the more formal spaces of the Georgian home. The new glazed extension creates a focal point for family life, with sliding glass doors providing direct access to the gardens.
The design carefully balanced contemporary interventions with the preservation of the villa's historic character. An underused shaded courtyard was enclosed to create a light filled side return extension with studio and connecting hallway, improving the relationship between the existing spaces and bringing greater levels of natural daylight into the home. This considered approach demonstrates how architectural glazing in Edinburgh can enhance usability, light, and spatial connections while respecting the character of a listed Georgian property.
Enclosing a Historic Courtyard with Minimal Visual Impact
One of the principal challenges was transforming the underused courtyard into an interior space without obscuring its retained stone wall or overwhelming the historic context. The new enclosure needed to bring natural light into the studio and connecting hallway while maintaining the architectural distinction between the original villa and the new intervention.
The considerable length of the courtyard also required an engineered structural glazing solution. Two long glass roofs were needed to enclose the studio and internal corridor, with carefully designed support, drainage and glass junctions maintaining a frameless effect while meeting the performance requirements of the listed property.
Opening the Kitchen Extension to the Garden
A second challenge was creating a contemporary kitchen and living extension with a direct connection to the extensive gardens. Large glazed openings were required on opposite sides of the space to provide a dual aspect, improve natural light and allow easy movement onto the stone terrace.
The glazing needed to combine slim framing with thermal and solar performance, particularly given the scale of the glass panes and the exposed setting. The different sliding and fixed elements also had to align precisely, including a silicone jointed glass corner that would continue the transparent appearance of the extension.
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Structural Glass Roofs and Ultra Slim Sliding Doors for a Listed Villa
IQ Glass designed and installed two Invisio® structural glass roofs over the former courtyard space. The larger roof extends over 8 metres and comprises four glass panels supported by structural glass beams. Vertical glazing connects to three sides to form glazed gable ends, enclosing the retained stone wall while preserving uninterrupted sky views. A second, narrower glass roof brings daylight along the internal corridor, with both roofs incorporating solar control glass and a 5 degree fall to support water run-off.
Two triple glazed ultra slim sliding door systems were installed on opposite sides of the kitchen and living extension, creating a dual aspect with direct access to the terrace. Each elevation spans over 4 metres and combines one fixed and one sliding pane, providing seamless transitions to the garden. One system connects to an adjoining fixed glazed return, extending the transparent appearance of the extension. The frames were specified with a marine grade finish, while solar control glass helps manage heat gain. Together, these systems demonstrate how architectural glazing in Edinburgh can enhance space, daylight and garden access while respecting the significance of a listed Georgian villa.
Technical Glazing Summary
- Two Invisio® frameless effect structural glass roofs, each formed from four glass panels.
- Largest glass roof approximately 8353mm x 2128mm, with panes weighing approximately 282kg each and supported by glass beams.
- Double glazed toughened safety glass with laminated interlayers, heat soak testing and solar control.
- Structural glass roofs designed with a 5 degree fall for water runoff.
- Two triple glazed ultra slim sliding door systems, each approximately 4305mm x 2645mm, with one fixed and one sliding pane weighing 325kg each.
- Fixed glazed return connected through a 90 degree silicone jointed corner.
- Sliding doors specified with 52mm triple glazed toughened safety glass and solar control.
Discuss Architectural Glazing in Edinburgh
This project demonstrates how structural glass roofs and ultra slim sliding doors can transform a listed Georgian property without diminishing its architectural character. For architects, developers and private clients considering architectural glazing in Edinburgh for a Georgian villa or other listed property, early specialist input can help resolve structural support, drainage, thermal performance and sensitive connections to historic masonry.
Speak to IQ Glass about structural roof glazing, slim sliding glass doors and bespoke architectural glazing for listed buildings, luxury renovations and period property extensions.
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