Hidden House, Cornwall

New Build Coastal Property Built Into The Landscape

Hidden House is a contemporary coastal residence located on Cornwall's north coast. Designed by Loyn + Co Architects, the project was conceived as a low-lying home carefully embedded within the surrounding landscape, allowing the building to sit discreetly within its sensitive coastal setting rather than dominate it. The architectural approach focused on creating a home that feels intrinsically connected to its environment, using robust materials and carefully framed views to establish a seamless relationship between architecture and landscape.

The completed residence combines exposed concrete, natural materials and expansive areas of glazing to create light-filled interiors that remain connected to the dramatic coastal surroundings throughout the year. Recently shortlisted for the Concrete Society Awards 2026, Hidden House has been recognised for its thoughtful integration into the landscape and its response to the challenging climatic conditions of the Cornish coastline.

To realise the architect's vision, IQ Glass supplied a bespoke package of minimal framed glazing systems, Invisio structural glazing and high-performance aluminium windows and doors that maximise views, increase natural daylight and provide the high levels of performance required for an exposed marine environment.

Products Used

Project Partners

Architect & Photography: Loyn + Co Architects

Contractor: Sprout Developments

Location

Cornwall
minimal windows, slim sliding doors
Hidden House, Cornwall

Architecture Embedded Within the Landscape

A key objective of the design was to create a building that felt rooted within its surroundings. Rather than presenting itself as a prominent architectural object, Hidden House was designed to blend into the contours of the site and respond directly to the character of the Cornish landscape. According to the architects, the material palette was carefully selected to help the home withstand the extremes of the coastal climate whilst maintaining a strong visual connection to the environment.

The extensive use of glazing played an important role in achieving these design ambitions. Large glazed elevations open the principal living spaces towards the landscape while framing carefully curated views across the surrounding coastline. The result is a home that changes constantly with the weather, seasons and shifting coastal light conditions.

Maximising Views with Minimal Framed Glazing

Large-format frameless slim sliding doors were selected throughout the property to provide expansive opening elevations with ultra-slim sightlines. These minimal framed systems allow the surrounding landscape to become the focal point while reducing the visual impact of the glazing framework.

By minimising visible aluminium and maximising glass, the frameless slim sliding door systems create uninterrupted sightlines from within the home and establish a direct connection between interior and exterior spaces. When opened, the large sliding panels provide seamless access to external terraces and landscaped areas, reinforcing the project's relationship with its natural surroundings.

The substantial scale of the glazing throughout the property demonstrates the project's commitment to openness and transparency while ensuring the views remain uninterrupted from key living areas.

Structural Glazing and Glass Features

One of the most distinctive architectural elements of Hidden House is the continuous band of clerestory glazing that wraps around sections of the building. To achieve this effect, IQ Glass utilised Invisio® structural glazing systems that minimise visible framing and maximise the flow of natural daylight through the interior spaces.

The structural glazing serves multiple purposes within the design. Beyond introducing additional daylight, it helps create a feeling of openness throughout the building whilst maintaining privacy and preserving carefully controlled sightlines. The frameless appearance of the glazing allows the architectural form to remain clean and understated, complementing the minimalist language of the wider project

Structural corner glazing details further enhance transparency at key points around the home, creating uninterrupted glass-to-glass connections that strengthen visual links to the surrounding landscape.  

Alongside the large sliding glazed elevations, IQ Glass supplied a series of Sieger® aluminium windows and doors positioned throughout the property. These systems provide natural ventilation, operational flexibility and high thermal performance whilst maintaining the slim contemporary aesthetic established throughout the design.

slim sliding doors
Lower level, Hidden House, Cornwall
Interior slim sliding doors
Structural glass door

High Performance Glazing for Coastal Conditions

The exposed coastal location demanded a glazing specification capable of withstanding some of the harshest environmental conditions found in the UK. All systems were finished in RAL 7011 was coated with a marine-grade coating to provide enhanced resistance against salt-laden air and long-term exposure to coastal weather conditions.

The performance of the glazing package was engineered to accommodate wind loads of 2.07kN/m², ensuring stability and reliability during challenging weather events. Solar control glazing was also specified to achieve approximately 70% light transmittance, helping to maximise natural daylight whilst controlling solar gain and maintaining internal comfort throughout the year.

All glazing units were heat-soak tested as part of the specification, further enhancing quality assurance and reducing the potential risk of spontaneous glass breakage.  

Technical Specifications

  • Five slim-framed sliding door systems with a mixture of fixed and sliding glazing, including one large-format slim sliding door system spanning almost 3m wide and 2.6m tall, creating large openings and panoramic views.
  • Structural clerestory glazing to maximise natural daylight and maintain clean architectural lines.
  • A frameless structural glass corner: 73-degree acute structural glass corner creating uninterrupted glass-to-glass connections.
  • Large structural glazed elevations with expansive fixed glazing.
  • Slim-framed aluminium windows and doors providing ventilation while maintaining a minimalist appearance.
  • Structural spa glazing with fixed floor level panels and seamless corner detailing.
  • Solar control glazing balancing high daylight transmission with year-round comfort.
  • High-performance glazing systems engineered for exposed coastal conditions.
  • Aluminium frames in RAL7011

Planning a New Build Coastal Home?

Creating a contemporary home by the coast requires glazing systems that balance panoramic views with exceptional performance against wind, weather and salt exposure. IQ Glass specialises in bespoke glazing solutions for coastal new-build projects, combining minimal sightlines, marine-grade finishes and high-performance glass specifications tailored to challenging environments.

Contact the IQ Glass team to discuss your project and discover how specialist architectural glazing can help bring your design vision to life.

Spa Corner glazing
Slim sliding doors exterior

Associated Products

luxury new build home with minimal glass facade

Slim Framed Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding doors with ultra-slim sightlines, offering only the highest levels of performance and durability.

Solar Control Glass

Solar control glass is used in buildings to reduce heat gain and glare from the sun. It can also help to conserve energy and improve occupant comfort and productivity.

Aluminium Casement Doors

Aluminium casement doors are sturdy and low-maintenance, offering excellent energy efficiency and security. They come in a variety of designs and colors, and can enhance the appearance and value of any home or building.
Frameless Windows at Claywood by IQ Glass

Frameless Windows

Frameless picture windows are the perfect solution for achieving a minimalist design that maximises visibility

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