Located within the conservation area of Welford, Northamptonshire, Talbot & Granary is a sensitive architectural intervention that unites a 17th‑century coaching inn with a contemporary glass extension. The original building, dating back to 1647, carries significant historical value, with features such as a rare priest hole and documented associations with the Spencer family and Charles Dickens. The project required a glazing solution that respected this heritage while introducing a refined modern addition.
Products Used
Featured In
Project Partners
Photography: The Hortons Studio
Architects: Rhys James Ltd
Contractor: Taylor Greaves Developments
Location
Northamptonshire
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This glass extension in Northamptonshire demanded a design approach that respected the site’s original character while introducing a new architectural language. Central to this intervention is a striking glass box extension, redefining the connection between old and new.
The glass extension in Northamptonshire is framed in black to establish contrast while maintaining harmony with the stone and timber of the original structure. The double-height design allows glazing to extend from ground to roof, offering vertical transparency and reinforcing the extension’s spatial drama. From the first floor, the benefit of this design is most fully realised, with uninterrupted views that bring light and sky into the heart of the home.
All glazing systems were designed, supplied and installed by IQ Glass, specialists in architectural glazing for heritage renovation projects. The glazing specification includes Invisio Structural Glazing for both vertical and roof elements with integrated Sieger Casement Doors. Slim framed aluminium sliding doors mirror the minimal design on the lower floors whilst MIRO internal hinged door continues that design inside.
Part of IQ’s service also includes full installation. Here, some of the glass units weighed up to 225 kilograms, which required demanding technical precision and logistical coordination.
With a wind load capacity of 0.65 kN/m² and solar control glass achieving 70% light transmission and a G-value of 0.35, the glazing meets high-performance standards without compromising design intent. The Invisio system’s minimal detailing aligns with the modern architectural language, offering frameless transparency that respects the historical significance of the original building fabric.
This glass extension in Northamptonshire exemplifies how thoughtful design and material specification can elevate listed and conservation-sensitive properties. The integration of structural glazing enhances spatial quality and usability while maintaining architectural integrity. For architects, it demonstrates how modern interventions can sit confidently within heritage settings when guided by rigour and sensitivity.
Captured by The Hortons Studio, the photography conveys the architectural clarity and lightness achieved throughout the project. Talbot and Granary is now listed on the Hortons website, offering a closer look at this standout example of glass extension in Northamptonshire, fused with contemporary detail.
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Planning Constraints & Heritage Considerations
Working within a conservation area introduced several technical and logistical challenges. The glazing needed to deliver modern performance standards while respecting the historic fabric and meeting conservation requirements.
Key challenges included handling large glass units some weighing up to 225 kg per unit which required precise installation and specialist lifting equipment. Intergrating structural glazing with irregular stone work was also a technical challenge due to the existing masnory being uneven. To resolve this, IQ Glass developed a series of bespoke interface details that allowed the glazing to sit cleanly against the original structure without altering or damaging the historic fabric.
Technical Details:
- Frame Specification:RAL 9005 Matt
- Hinge Stndard 3D Hinge
- Handle: 12mm Fixing Hole Through Glass
- Lock Type- No Locking
- Glazing Bars- 51mm x 3mm Adhered
- Glass Specification: Clear Toughened, Solar control glass with a G-value of 0.35
- Windload capacity of 0.65kn/m2
Speak with IQ Glass Midlands today
For architects working within similar constraints or contexts, the Talbot and Granary project offers a compelling case study. If you are undertaking a glass extension in Northamptonshire or conservation project and are looking to integrate high-performance architectural glazing that complements and elevates the design, we invite you to contact our Midlands team.
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