Shireburn

Architectural Glazing in Merseyside for a Contemporary Family Home

Shireburn is a large detached contemporary residence in Formby, Merseyside, designed by DK-Architects. The project combines an Arts and Crafts inspired front facade with a highly contemporary rear elevation, using large format glazing, recessed terraces and cantilevered design to create a modern family home with strong connections to the garden.

The IQ Glass Northern division was appointed to design, supply and install a wide ranging glazing package across the property. This included ultra slim sliding glass doors, Invisio® structural glazing, roof glazing, slim aluminium casement doors and windows, a glazed link and an internal MIRO glass pocket door. Together, these elements form a coordinated package of architectural glazing in Merseyside, designed to maximise light, views and contemporary detailing across the home.

Project Partners

Architect: DK-Architects

Photography: Andrew Wall

Location

Formby, Merseyside

Contemporary Rear Glazing for an Arts and Crafts Inspired Home

The architectural approach at Shireburn balances two distinct design characters. The front facade responds to the traditional Arts and Crafts style found in the local area, with brick detailing, elegant forms and large sash windows. To the rear, the home takes on a more contemporary character, using large areas of glass to open the living spaces to the garden and create a stronger relationship between inside and outside.

The glazing package needed to support this contrast while maintaining a consistent, high quality finish. Large sliding glass doors were required across several key living spaces, with slim sightlines, flush thresholds and durable finishes. The site’s coastal setting also informed the frame specification, with a marine grade finish used to support long term performance in the Formby location.

Slim Sliding Glass Doors for Garden Facing Living Spaces

IQ Glass supplied multiple ultra slim sliding glass door systems across the project, including installations to the lounge, garden room, kitchen and dining space, garden studio and master suite. These systems were used to create wide glazed openings that allow the main living areas to connect directly with the garden and terraces.

The largest sliding system was installed to the lounge, measuring approximately 6259mm wide by 3020mm high. Formed as a three-track system with two sliding panes and one fixed pane, the glazing creates a generous opening while maintaining narrow sightlines. The use of flush thresholds supports a clean transition between internal and external spaces, helping the rear of the home feel open and connected to the garden.

In the garden room, a sliding door system was designed to meet a fixed glazed panel on the side return, creating a clean junction with minimal sightlines when closed. This detailing reflects the wider aim of the glazing package, which was to introduce large areas of glass without disrupting the clarity of the architectural design.

Structural Glazing, Glazed Gable and Double Height Glass

In addition to the sliding door systems, IQ Glass installed several structural glass elements that contribute to the architectural character of the home. In the master suite, a glazed gable was created using a three-track slim sliding system below, with three shaped fixed Invisio® panels above, joined with silicone joints to follow the form of the roof.

The kitchen and dining area includes an impressive double height frameless effect window formed from two fixed glass panels with a discreet silicone junction. Measuring approximately 6012mm high by 2224mm wide, this structural glazing feature brings additional daylight into the interior and creates a strong vertical glazed moment within the home.

All main external glazing was specified as double glazed clear toughened safety glass that had been heat soak tested. This helps reduce the risk of spontaneous glass breakage caused by non-detectable inclusions within the glass, supporting the long term reliability required for a high value residential glazing package.

Glazed Link, Roof Glazing and Wider Package

The wider glazing package also included a glazed link connecting the garage to the main house. This was formed from two fixed glazed panels and a Sieger aluminium framed single door, with the full width of the glazed link, including the door, measuring approximately 4934mm.

IQ Glass also supplied two Invisio® structural glass roofs, a series of slim aluminium casement doors and windows, and an internal MIRO glass door fitted within a pocket sliding system. These elements helped maintain a consistent glazing language across the property, supporting the contemporary rear elevation while providing practical glazing solutions for different areas of the home.

The frame finish across the external glazing was RAL 9005 Black Matt with a marine grade coating, selected due to the coastal location. This finish provides a consistent visual detail across the house while supporting durability in the Merseyside environment.

Technical Glazing Summary

  • Ultra slim sliding glass door systems across the lounge, garden room, kitchen and dining space, garden studio and master suite.
  • Largest sliding system measuring approximately 6259mm wide x 3020mm high, designed as a three-track system.
  • Glazed gable to the master suite, combining slim sliding doors below with shaped Invisio® structural glazing above.
  • Double height frameless effect structural glass window to the kitchen and dining area, measuring approximately 6012mm high x 2224mm wide
  • Glazed link between the garage and main house, formed with fixed glazing and a Sieger aluminium framed door.
  • Two Invisio® structural glass roofs, slim aluminium casement doors and windows, and an internal MIRO glass pocket door.
  • Double glazed clear toughened safety glass, heat soak tested throughout the main external glazing package.
  • Aluminium frames finished in RAL 9005 Black Matt with a marine grade finish for the coastal location.

Speak to IQ Glass About Architectural Glazing in Merseyside

Shireburn demonstrates how architectural glazing in Merseyside can be used to support a contemporary residential project, improving light, views and access to outdoor spaces. The project combines ultra slim sliding glass doors, structural glazing, roof glazing, a glazed link and slim aluminium windows within one coordinated specification.

Early engagement with IQ Glass can support the design and specification of bespoke glazing for residential projects where large openings, slim sightlines, structural glass and coastal durability need to be carefully considered. Contact our team to discuss how architectural glazing can be integrated into your next project.