June 19, 2017

IQ Glass are RIBA Regional Winners across the UK

Written by Rebecca Clayton

As the UK’s leading architectural glazing company we have the pleasure of working with some of the UK’s finest and most innovative architects. Projects featuring our glazing have won countless awards throughout the years and this year is no exception.

The RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects) recently published the final winners of their nationwide Regional Awards, showcasing architectural projects throughout the country. No less than six of our projects have won across many disciplines all over the UK.

This is fantastic news and congratulations to all the architects and contractors involved. Let’s take a look at some of these award-winning architectural designs and their use of glass…

 

The RIBA South East Awards

Two coastal homes were our winners in the RIBA South East Regional Awards 2017. Both Rusty House and Old Fort Road showcase large elevations of frameless glass, mixed with our minimal windows sliding doors, making the most of their impressive vistas.

Rusty House, by Sandy Rendel Associates, had already had a moment of fame in 2016 when it was featured in season 16 of the popular Channel 4 program Grand Designs.

 

The 'Rusty Metal House' featured on Grand Designs with architectural glass by IQ Glass

The judges’ comments on the architectural design praised the architects' use of a simple palette as well as the modest and sensitive size and shape of the building. The resulting architectural design complemented the surrounding buildings whilst creating a striking building.

Of the glass, they mentioned that “The plan of this house is very simple but takes maximum advantage of the extraordinary views. The living room is a ‘window to the world’ and the house really speaks of place.”

The wall of structural glass overlooks the River Ouse and green grasslands on the opposing banks. With no frame dissecting these views the entire open plan living area seems to open up to the natural world just beyond its borders.

Old Fort Road, by ABIR Architects, utilised a similar glazing design, with walls of frameless glass overlooking Shoreham Beach and the English Channel. The judges also praised this project for its use of materials, most notably the bespoke façade to the ground floor which is filled with pebbles dredged from a local channel, creating a colour palette in keeping with the surroundings.

The project was also praised for its innovation in the face of a tight budget, showing us that you do not need to skimp on design to suit a tighter budget.

Most of the living spaces are located on the first floor which is fully glazed using structural glass and minimal windows offering “striking views out to sea and onto the beach… maximised and the architect has created a bright, open-plan environment for living which is really enjoyed by the family and indeed by passers-by.”

Old Fort Road for ABIR with glazing by IQ Glass Old Fort Road

You can view the Judges full write up of Rusty House here and Old Fort Road here.

 

The RIBA South Awards

The project awarded in the South Regional Awards is slightly different to the two bespoke homes in the South East. The extension and creation of the Warwick Hall Community Centre by Acanthus Clews Architects was recognised by the RIBA within the South awards category.

Set within the curtilage of Grade I listed St. John the Baptist Church in Burford the new community centre is connected to the existing buildings with a frameless glass structure. The clear glass element sits over the staircase from the new entrance, created as part of the extension project. As you come up the stairs from the ground floor you are treated with a magnificent view of the Church steeple through the glass roof. With no frame, the interface between the new and the old is sensitive and clear.

The Glass Link at Warwick Hall Community Centre The Glass Link at Warwick Hall Community Centre

The new community centre is a “vibrant and bold community facility” with clean modern lines and detailing which are made even more pleasing in contrast to the beautiful aged architecture of the church.

Here our minimal windows sliding doors offer clean windows from the community spaces out onto outdoor areas including the long concourse walkway and elegant churchyards. High-level clerestory  windows ensure the space is full of light throughout the day.

The judges pointed at the impressive planning of the sensitive project noting the use of materials, including the frameless glass interfaces. “This not only minimised any harm but also informed the designing-in of added value to enrich users' experience of the historical context through the clever additions of the new elements.”

RIBA Award Wining Warwick Hall Community Centre extension RIBA Award Wining Warwick Hall Community Centre extension

You can view the Judges full write up of the Warwick Hall project here.

 

The RIBA East Midlands Awards

A residential extension to an existing 1920’s house won an award in the East Midlands category of the RIBA regional awards. The extensive home renovation project was designed by Stephen George + Partners transforming Number One Westhill in Leicester into a bright, open plan home.

The rear glass extension at Number one Westhill © Ryan Wicks. The rear glass extension at Number one Westhill

From the front of the house, it is very difficult to conceive the major works that have taken place with only a slim frameless glass ‘slot’ offering “a tantalising glimpse through to the newly reinvented living spaces.”

It was the connection between the spaces that impressed the judges here, with major structural changes being made to the building to transform old boxy rooms into a flow of connected living spaces that culminate at the rear within a highly glazed extension. Thanks to the “super-slim glazed panels which open at the corner” your journey through the house doesn't end there as your view spills out into the mature garden at the back of the home, connecting you to the outdoor spaces even when the sliding doors are closed.

A cleverly designed cantilevered roof allows the minimal windows to open on the corner of the extension, merging the fine line between the inside and out.

Internal view of the rear glass extension at RIBA Award Winning Number One Westhill © Ryan Wicks. Internal view of the rear glass extension at RIBA Award Winning Number One Westhill

You can read the Judges full write up of the project here.

 

The RIBA London Awards

The Redchurch Street mixed-use development by vPPR Architects includes glazing from IQ right on the street facing elevation. vPPR were able to transform an old Shoreditch warehouse into an eclectic mixed use development including retail units and residential apartments to the rear.

The front elevation and public face of the development was a key area of the design, with bespoke metal detailing a feature piece of the glass façade design. A bespoke glazing arrangement was designed by IQ, integrating our slim framed sliding doors with fixed glazing and an aluminium casement door, all within one aperture.

Redchurch Street street-view © Ioana Marinescu. Redchurch Street street-view with minimal windows to the left aperture.

By merging these very different glazing solutions together into one opening you benefit from the large glass sizes and minimal framing of the sliding doors, offering excellent street views into the retail unit and ensuring bright internal space, as well as the ease of access that an aluminium casement door offers.

Bespoke aluminium pressings conceal the junctions between the different systems, seamlessly merging the glazing into one cohesive glass façade.

And, as the judges noted, “The result is a gentle intervention as seen from the street, concealing a complex and engaging use of space serving the residential on the upper floors.”

View the full judge's report of Redchurch Street here.

 

The RSAW Awards

In Wales, the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) praised Silver House, a contemporary new build home, with their architecture award for 2017.

The contemporary home design by Hyde + Hyde Architects used vast elevations of glass and minimally framed doors from IQ to help bring their superb architectural design to life. The judges even commented on its use and that “the house extends out into the landscape, where timber decks and concrete terraces reconnect to the interior spaces, anchoring the house into its setting”.

 

Silver House RIBA Award Winning Project © David Schnabel. Silver House RIBA Award Winning Project

Although the house design and construction were a complicated endeavour the overall results are one which appears simple, clean and unimposing on the landscape around it.

Large walls of glass mixed with carefully selected bespoke glass structures, such as Oriel Windows to the bedrooms,  bring the light and nature into the home itself, merging the contemporary architectural structure with the sprawling welsh countryside.

The Judges commented that “Although a wide range of materials are used they are deployed with thoughtfulness and intent – this is a building that is rich without being fussy or over-elaborate”.

As well as this prestigious architectural award Silver House also received the RSAW Award for Building of the Year Award 2017. You can read the Judge's full report here.

 

IQ Glass UK would like to extend its congratulations to all architects, contractors and buildings that were submitted for this year’s RIBA Awards and thank you to the architectural community of the UK for their continued support. It is clear by the sheer number of projects this year that has featured glazing by IQ Glass that we are architects first choice for glazing.

If you are looking to complete your own architectural masterpiece just contact the team at IQ Glass for more information about our glazing services on 01494 722 880 or email hello@iqglassuk.com. Make sure you take some time to visit the Courtyard Showroom in Amersham to see the UK’s largest architectural glazing showroom.