As part of the renovation of Lower Mill in Crickhowell, IQ Glass was commissioned to supply and install a range of bespoke glazing designed to maximise natural light and strengthen the visual connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding countryside. The glazing package combines large minimal-framed sliding and fixed glazing to the ground floor with frameless glass balustrading to upper levels and external areas, creating a refined balance between transparency, light and structure within the character of a traditional mill building.
Products Used
Project Partners
Architect - Parallel Architecture
Photography - Jim Stephenson
Location
Crickhowell, Wales. Within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
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Bespoke glazing for a rural mill renovation in Crickhowell
Set within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, the design intent was to introduce large areas of contemporary architectural glazing without losing the calm, grounded character of the existing mill. The new openings needed to bring daylight deep into the plan and keep sightlines clear to the landscape, while maintaining a sense of material restraint so the glazing reads as a precise, modern intervention rather than a competing façade. Alongside the architectural requirements, the rural location and narrow single-track access roads placed practical constraints on delivery and installation planning, particularly given the variety of bespoke elements included across the project.
minimal windows sliding doors opening ground-floor elevations
On the ground floor, large elevations of glazing were introduced to open the living spaces towards the landscape and flood the interior with daylight. A minimal windows fixed system was installed alongside a two-track minimal windows sliding door system comprising two fixed panes and one sliding pane, with an overall frame width of 7,000mm. Adjacent to this, a second two-track minimal windows system was fitted with three fixed and two sliding panes and an overall frame width of 12,500mm. The ultra-slim aluminium profiles minimise visual interruption so the glass surfaces take precedence, maintaining uninterrupted countryside views while delivering practical everyday access.
Frameless glass balustrades across upper floors and external spaces
The upper floor continues the architectural language of transparency and lightness through a toughened and laminated glass balustrade spanning 18,000mm from the north-west to the south-east elevation. Supported discreetly within a silver anodised aluminium base channel, the balustrade provides a secure edge while maintaining open views over the property and surrounding landscape. In addition to the primary glazing, IQ Glass also delivered bespoke external elements including feature pressings, balustrade glass surrounding the outdoor pool, and a series of standalone glass balustrade screens positioned throughout landscaped garden areas, extending the project’s glazing language beyond the building envelope.
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Performance considerations
The project required consistent quality and reliable performance across a varied package of large glazed elements, including sliding door runs, fixed glazing and multiple external balustrade installations. With challenging site access via narrow roads, the installation team coordinated delivery and fitting to maintain safe handling and accurate placement of large glass units while protecting finishes and tolerances. Careful sequencing and planning ensured each element could be installed efficiently without compromising the clean sightlines and minimal detailing that define the completed renovation.
Technical details
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Ground floor glazing: two-track minimal windows systems with overall frame widths of 7,000mm and 12,500mm
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Door/set configurations: 2 fixed + 1 sliding (7,000mm run) and 3 fixed + 2 sliding (12,500mm run)
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Upper-floor balustrade: toughened + laminated glass spanning 18,000mm, set into a silver anodised aluminium base channel
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minimal windows® system (typical performance data): 21mm sightline; air Class 4 (EN12207); driving rain Class 7A (EN12208); wind load Class C4/B5 (EN12210); typical Uw > 1.1 W/m²K (project-calculated)
Together, the extensive use of glazing across both floors and the external spaces transforms the character of Lower Mill. Natural light floods the interiors, while the clean lines and transparency of the glazing strengthen the building’s relationship with its surroundings, delivering a contemporary, light-filled renovation that respects the site’s heritage. This approach is particularly well suited to rural renovations where large glazed elevations and minimal framing are needed to open living spaces to the landscape without overwhelming an existing building.
To discuss a similar architectural glazing project, contact our technical team for advice on design detailing, specification and installation.
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