Claywood House

Low-carbon luxury home in Hampshire

Claywood House is a five-bedroom low-carbon luxury home in Hampshire, designed around inclusive access, environmental performance and a strong connection with its two-acre setting. The contemporary new build contrasts with the Gothic architecture of the neighbouring property through pale brickwork, timber cladding and a minimal glazing package.

The architectural glazing combines motorised sliding glass doors, triple-glazed units, frameless picture windows, structural glazing, roof glazing and fire-rated internal doors. Flush thresholds and automated openings were incorporated throughout to support independent wheelchair access between the interior and garden.

The result is a sustainable and accessible family home where high-performance glazing works alongside a ground-source heat pump, photovoltaic array and mechanical heat-recovery ventilation system.

Low-carbon luxury home in Hampshire designed for inclusive living

The design challenge at Claywood House was to create a highly accessible family home without allowing the practical requirements of wheelchair use to define its architectural character. Step-free circulation, wide corridors and open-plan rooms were incorporated alongside large glazed openings that frame the surrounding landscape.

Significant excavation was required to level the site and create space for the indoor physiotherapy pool. The glazing package then had to respond to several different conditions, including accessible garden openings, the humid pool environment, large south-facing elevations and the need to maintain strong thermal performance.

Motorised sliding doors with flush thresholds allow occupants to move easily between the internal living spaces and garden. Floor-to-ceiling picture windows were positioned on the east and west elevations so the landscape remains visible from both seated and standing positions.

 

Motorised sliding doors with barrier-free thresholds

Minimal framed sliding glass doors were installed at several points around the home, providing wide glazed openings and direct access to the garden.

The sliding systems use flush threshold details certified for barrier-free access under DIN 18040-1 and DIN 18040-2. This removes raised tracks from the circulation route and supports independent wheelchair movement between the internal and external spaces.

Each sliding door was motorised, allowing the large glass panels to be operated by remote control or integrated with the wider smart-home system. This provides accessible operation without compromising the scale or minimal appearance of the glazing.

 

 

Triple glazing and heated glass for the pool area

The indoor physiotherapy pool required glazing that could withstand a warm, humid environment while maintaining clear views and a comfortable internal temperature.

Triple-glazed sliding doors were specified using the minimal windows® 4+ profile with a Freeway base for a completely flush threshold. Heated glass was incorporated to provide condensation relief and maintain visibility across the glazed elevations.

The pool glazing combines accessibility and environmental performance, creating a direct connection with the garden while responding to the increased moisture and temperature demands of the internal pool space.

Performance considerations

The glazing specification was developed as part of the wider environmental strategy for this low-carbon luxury home in Hampshire. Fully thermally broken framing and high-performance insulated glass units reduce heat transfer and support comfortable temperatures throughout the year.

Solar control coatings were used where required to limit heat gain across the highly glazed elevations, while low-iron glass improves clarity and colour neutrality. Heated glass was specified for selected areas, including the indoor pool, to manage condensation and maintain clear views.

The deeper triple-glazed sliding door profile provides improved thermal and weather performance while accommodating laminated glazing where required. Motorisation and flush thresholds ensure the large glazed openings remain practical for every occupant.

These measures work alongside the building’s 12kW photovoltaic array, ground-source heat pump and mechanical heat-recovery ventilation system to support the operational performance of the home.

Technical details

  • Triple-glazed sliding doors: 26mm sightline; max tested sliding pane 12m², up to 4.5m high and 1000kg; glass thickness 50–56mm; typical Ug 0.6 W/m²K; typical Uw 0.8–1.1 W/m²K; Air Class 4 / Driving Rain E1050 / Wind Class C5; sound insulation up to 43dB; RC2 security
  • Accessible thresholds: Freeway base detail used to maintain a flush transition; barrier-free access compliant with DIN 18040-1 and DIN 18040-2; supports wheelchair movement between the home and garden
  • Motorised sliding doors: all sliding systems automated for wheelchair-friendly operation; suitable for remote control or integration with smart-home systems
  • Swimming pool glazing: heated glass specified for condensation relief; pool-area frames require pre-anodising with marine-grade PPC; laminated glazing recommended within 2m of the pool
  • Frameless picture windows: floor-to-ceiling fixed glazing positioned on the east and west elevations to provide landscape views from seated and standing positions
  • Structural roof glazing: thermally broken fixing section; glass thickness up to 37.5mm; expected Uw 1.2 W/m²K; 95mm profile height; minimum 150mm upstand
  • Specialist glass: solar control, heated and low-iron glass incorporated according to the orientation and environmental requirements of each glazed area

Accessible glazing for sustainable luxury homes

Claywood House demonstrates how architectural glazing can support inclusive design, low-carbon performance and a strong connection with the landscape without compromising the quality of the architecture.

This approach is suited to architects and specifiers designing accessible new builds where motorised sliding doors, flush thresholds, heated glass and high-performance glazing must work together.

Planning a similar low-carbon luxury home in Hampshire? Contact IQ Glass for technical advice on accessible glazing, automated sliding doors, pool glazing and performance-led specifications for sustainable homes.

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