Rock Cove is an award winning cantilevered house in Scotland, designed by Cameron Webster Architects to make the most of its dramatic coastal setting. The 250 square metre home extends over the rocky shoreline, with expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing creating uninterrupted views across the water. Working alongside main contractor QBuild, IQ Glass supplied and installed a bespoke Invisio® structural glazing system to form the frameless glazed elevation within the principal living space.
Products Used
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Project Partners
Architects: CameronWebster Architects
Contractor: Qbuild
Image credits: Paul Tyagi
Location
Helensburgh, Scotland
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Designing a Cantilevered Coastal Home Around the View
The project retained the main body and roof of the existing property to take advantage of its position on the cliff edge. The internal layout was reconfigured, moving the kitchen and dining areas upstairs and extending them into a full height glazed room facing the water. This placed the principal living spaces at the heart of the view and created a stronger relationship between the interior and the surrounding coastal landscape.
The frameless glazing was central to the architectural concept, allowing the interior to feel immersed in the landscape without heavy framing interrupting the outlook. A restrained selection of stone effect finishes, warm timber soffits and durable materials complements the glazing and responds to the rugged natural setting. Rock Cove demonstrates how carefully considered glazing can define the experience of a cantilevered house in Scotland while supporting its wider architectural and environmental ambitions.
Creating Uninterrupted Views in an Exposed Coastal Setting
One of the main challenges was forming a wide, floor-to-ceiling glazed elevation capable of preserving uninterrupted coastal views. The glazing needed to maintain a frameless appearance while meeting the performance requirements of a home positioned in a highly exposed shoreline location.
The large glass panes also needed to manage solar gain and withstand the demanding coastal environment. Solar control glass, heat soak testing and marine grade materials were therefore essential to achieving the required balance of transparency, comfort and long term durability.
Installing Oversized Glass on a Restricted Cliffside Site
Restricted access and the steep, rocky terrain presented a significant installation challenge. The structural glass could not be moved into place manually, with the heaviest panel weighing approximately 252kg. Additional cantilevered scaffolding was constructed at the front of the property to provide safe and precise access during the installation.
A large crane was required to lift the glass over the building and lower each panel into position. Coastal winds further limited the available installation periods, requiring careful coordination, suitable weather conditions and precise handling to complete the glazing safely and within the project programme.
Frameless Structural Glazing for a Cantilevered Coastal Home
IQ Glass supplied and installed a frameless effect Invisio® structural glass elevation measuring over 7 metres wide and 2.6 metres high. Formed from three large panes connected with structural silicone joints, the glazing creates a continuous transparent elevation across the kitchen and dining space, allowing the architecture and coastal views to remain the main visual focus.
Solar control glass was specified to support internal comfort, while every panel underwent heat soak testing to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage. All elements were also specified with a marine grade finish to provide additional durability in the exposed coastal environment. Together, these measures demonstrate how architectural glazing can combine visual clarity, technical performance and resilience within a cantilevered house in Scotland.
Technical Glazing Summary
IQ Glass supplied frameless structural glazing engineered for the exposed coastal setting.
- Invisio® frameless effect fixed structural glazing installed to the principal living space.
- Glazed elevation approximately 7164mm wide x 2650mm high.
- Three oversized glass panes connected with structural silicone joints. Heaviest glass panel weighing approximately 252kg.
- Solar control glass specified to support internal comfort and energy performance.
- Marine grade specification used across the glazing package for the exposed coastal setting.
- Cantilevered scaffolding and crane lifting used to manage the restricted cliffside installation.
Discuss Glazing for a Cantilevered House in Scotland
Rock Cove demonstrates how frameless structural glazing can enhance an ambitious coastal home, providing uninterrupted views while responding to the technical demands of a restricted and exposed site. The project received the Supreme Award at the GIA Awards 2024 and was subsequently recognised as a finalist in the Scottish Design Awards 2025 and shortlisted for the RIAS Awards 2025.
For architects, developers and private clients planning a cantilevered house in Scotland or another complex coastal property, early specialist glazing input can help resolve glass sizes, access, solar control and marine grade requirements. Speak to IQ Glass about frameless structural glazing for luxury homes, coastal new builds and technically demanding residential projects.
