Carpe Diem is a contemporary rural home in Westbury, designed to maximise long‑distance views across the Shropshire landscape towards the Welshpool area. IQ Glass was appointed to design and deliver a series of bespoke glazing elements that would create uninterrupted visual connections to the surrounding countryside while meeting the project’s performance and aesthetic requirements.
Project Partners
Photography: Simon Murrel
Location
Rowley, Westbury
Complementing the sliding doors, an Invisio frameless fixed glass roof measuring 6.2 metres forms another key element of the contemporary glazing in Westbury. Comprising three silicone-jointed panes, it introduces abundant natural daylight and incorporates advanced solar control glass for thermal comfort.
The sliding door system includes an internal key locking mechanism, providing essential security without detracting from the minimalist design. Additionally, the doors’ ultra-low threshold enhances accessibility, facilitating smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Integration With Stonework
Stone cladding used throughout the design provides visual balance to the extensive contemporary glazing in Westbury, anchoring the structure effectively in its environment. The flat roof, finished in dark grey metal and equipped with recessed lighting, offers shading and highlights the home’s modern architectural lines.
Planning Constraints & Heritage Considerations
Carpe Diem involved several technical considerations driven by the scale of the openings, the exposed rural location, and the architectural requirement for minimal detailing. The 15‑metre sliding elevation demanded careful coordination between structural support, glass specification, and installation sequencing to ensure smooth operation and long‑term stability. Achieving the ultra‑slim aesthetic while maintaining thermal performance required bespoke detailing at the head, base, and jamb interfaces, particularly where the system met the stone cladding and metal roof structure.
The frameless rooflight introduced its own set of challenges. Spanning 6.2 metres with silicone‑jointed panes, the rooflight needed to deliver high levels of daylight without creating excessive solar gain. Selecting the correct solar control coating and ensuring precise drainage and weathering details were essential to maintain performance throughout the year.
Technical Details:
- The integrated sliding door is a thermally broken aluminium system with bonded glass and a 21mm frame
- Frame Specification: RAL 9005 Coatex
- Handle PPC Lever Locking
- Lock Type 2point 1 Shoot Bolt Lock (Type 1)
- Two track sliding system with three fixed panes
- Overall sliding door height- 3.05 metres
- Invisio Framelss Glass Roof- 6.2 metres with three silicone jointed panes and Solar control glazing to manage heat
- Glass Specification: Clear toughened glass, Low E coatings, Solar control SN70/35
Carpe Diem exemplifies IQ Glass’ expertise in utilising high-performance glazing solutions to maximise views, daylight, and usability, enhancing both the beauty and functionality of contemporary residential architecture. Would you like to discuss the details of a similar project? Contact us now.
