Sustainable new build in Cornwall with large glass doors

Slim sliding glass doors across the coastal elevations

Minimal sliding glass doors run along the open-plan ground-floor living area within the timber-clad volume. The large glazed elevation provides direct access to the external decking while maintaining uninterrupted views towards the Cornish coastline when closed.

Further sliding door systems span the upper and lower floors at the square end of the house, with an additional installation forming the opening side of the projecting glass box. The consistent 21mm vertical junctions keep the different elevations visually coordinated.

The first-floor sliding opening is protected by a frameless glass balustrade, creating a Juliette balcony that allows the doors to open fully while retaining the required guarding.

Structural glass walls aligned with timber posts

The smaller glass box projects from the stone-clad volume to create a sheltered seating area overlooking the grassy slope. Two elevations use thermally broken structural glass walls, while the third is formed by slim sliding doors opening towards the decking and garden.

The Invisio structural glazing system allows the perimeter framework to be concealed within the surrounding construction. Timber posts support the roof and align with the structural glass joints, maintaining a frameless effect while resolving the relationship between glass, timber and the wider building structure.

The glazed link between the two main volumes uses the same restrained approach, allowing daylight and views to continue through the centre of the house without creating a visually heavy connection.

Technical details

• Slim framed sliding glass doors: 21mm vertical junction; max tested sliding pane 8.5m², up to 4m high and 500kg; typical Uw greater than 1.1 W/m²K; air Class 4 / driving rain Class 7A / wind Class C4/B5; PAS 24 security
• Structural glass walls: concealed thermally broken Invisio fixing profile approximately 63mm deep; max glass thickness 41.5mm; expected Uw 1.1 W/m²K; minimum fixing setback 55mm; structure deflection allowance 5mm
• Frameless glass balustrade: toughened laminated glass up to 21.5mm; max height 1100mm; line load up to 3kN; max pane width 6000mm, calculated to project requirements; integrated with the first-floor sliding opening as a Juliette balcony
• Glass specification: solar control coating applied to the principal south-facing units; low-maintenance coating specified to reduce cleaning requirements and support exposed coastal glazing
• Project interfaces: structural glass walls and sliding doors aligned with timber posts; concealed perimeter fixings used across the projecting glass box and central glazed link

Stone Haven demonstrates how a sustainable new build in Cornwall with large glass doors can combine local materials, frameless structural glazing and solar-control measures within one coordinated architectural package. The glazed link, glass box, sliding elevations and Juliette balcony each respond to a distinct requirement while maintaining one consistent relationship with the landscape.

The project was recognised in the International Property Awards 2020–2021 and named among the World’s Best projects.

This approach is suited to architects and specifiers developing sustainable glazing designs where large coastal openings, timber interfaces, solar performance and minimal detailing must work together. To discuss a comparable project, contact IQ Glass for technical advice on sliding doors, structural glass walls and coastal glazing specifications.