July 15, 2024

Double Height Lightwells and Sliding Glass Doors

Written by Rebecca Clayton

Double the Height, Double the Light

Double Height Lightwell with Sliding Glass Doors to Chelsea Property

An inherent characteristic of untreated glass is its natural transparency and light transmission. Its main purpose when used within architectural and building design is to introduce high levels of natural light into a space, provide views to the outdoors, creating an inviting ambience.

This is apparent in modern architecture where town houses and period properties are typically restricted in space and natural light, and so the best way to open up and reconfigure the internal space is by using double height lightwells and sliding glass doors to enhance both space and light while providing seamless transitions to the garden or patio. Double height lightwells help to merge the boundaries between the garden and living spaces completely transforming the interiors with abundant natural light.

In basement spaces, where access to natural light is limited, architects have to be inventive about the use of glass to allow this much needed light into subterranean level spaces. Here, the use of structural glass lightwells is favoured. By introducing courtyards walled with glass recessed into a basement you can allow hours of natural light into these dark areas.

Double Height Lightwell and Sliding glass doors in Subterranean Extension

Minimal framing and large glass elevations are installed at Herondale to achieve maximum natural light ingress. IQ has used  sliding glass doors on a number of these double height light wells with ultra slim frames. The sliding glass doors combined with the clever use of frameless glass balustrades and structural glass, allow as much light to enter a basement space as possible.

Within this London project in Wandsworth, slim framed sliding glass doors were installed to the full elevation of the contemporary rear extension added.  This large Victorian family home's basement spans the entire sub ground floor, and so it was essential to maximise light with a double height lightwell to the lower and upper ground with the sliding glass doors. These minimally framed sliding glass doors extending to the lower ground level creating a double height façade adds grandeur to the property. 

Double Height Sliding Glass Doors to Basement Double Height Lightwell

Down in the basement, these sliding glass doors form a two-sided double height light well comprising of frameless sliding glass doors providing access to the courtyard and garden.

Frameless glass balustrades offer a safe barrier around the void, both inside and outside without shading the much needed double height lightwell.

View more images of glass lightwells and double height facades at our Pinterest board

Contact IQ Glass for more information on including a lightwell or double height glass façade in your project or visit us at the Courtyard Showroom

01494 722 880 | hello@iqglassuk.com

The Courtyard Showroom | Sky House | Raans Road | Amersham | HP6 6FT