The Fisheries Cottage, a Grade II listed building located in the heart of Blenheim Park, has recently undergone a sensitive yet striking restoration and extension following extensive fire damage. This project, one of three we’ve proudly delivered at Blenheim Palace, showcases our commitment to precision craftsmanship, heritage sensitivity, and architectural collaboration. At the centre of the rebuild stands a seamless, contemporary addition, a refined glass extension at Blenheim Palace that balances historical reverence with modern minimalism.
Products Used
Credit
Location
Oxfordshire
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Long before Blenheim Palace was constructed, the area where the Fisheries Cottage now stands was home to a modest building that housed the keeper responsible for managing the estate’s fish and waterfowl. These resources were vital provisions for the Old Manor of Woodstock and later for the Palace itself. Today, the rebuilt cottage stands at the northern tip of Queen Pool, a man-made lake named after Queen Philippa, consort to King Edward II.
It is within this carefully curated landscape that the new glass extension has been introduced. The design takes care not to interrupt the historical integrity of the site. Using the same stone as the original building, the extension visually ties into the past, while its grey zinc roof appears to float effortlessly above the structure, giving it a light, almost ephemeral presence.
Due to the extremely narrow and low opening available for the extension, the glass design had to be exceptionally slim. If a traditional framed system had been used, there would have been virtually no space left for actual glazing. The use of Invisio structural glass was essential, not only for its clean aesthetic but because its frameless design made the entire concept feasible.
The overall installation sits at just 585mm in height, with lengths varying between 1075mm and 5711mm. Each pane is silicone-jointed and connected by glass-to-glass corners, allowing for a seamless transition between panels without bulky framing. This detailing was critical to the architectural vision.
The frameless glass corner, in particular, creates the striking impression that the glass wall is floating, a subtle but powerful visual effect that enhances the minimalist design of the glass extension at Blenheim Palace.
By eliminating visible framework, the glass structure almost disappears into the landscape, providing uninterrupted views while respecting the integrity and heritage of the surrounding architecture. The result is a refined, contemporary addition that maintains the historic charm of the cottage while bringing it firmly into the modern era.
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This refined glass installation plays a pivotal role in the success of the glass extension at Blenheim Palace, allowing the modern addition to disappear into its surroundings while maintaining the highest standards in structural integrity and thermal performance. The use of silicone joints and corner glass connections offers a clean, frameless finish that respects the character of the original building while providing an open, light-filled interior space.
The project was brought to life in collaboration with James Hamilton Architects, whose sensitive design approach and understanding of context helped shape this understated yet elegant solution. Together, we’ve created a space that honours the legacy of the site while providing a modern architectural counterpoint that speaks quietly, but confidently, within the historic landscape.
Other Glazing Projects at Blenheim
As part of our ongoing work at this historic estate, we’ve completed two additional bespoke glazing installations at Blenheim Palace.
North Lodge Cottage features large-format sliding glass doors and frameless windows, strategically positioned to frame uninterrupted views of the surrounding parkland. Our sliding pocket window system merges the elegance of a picture window with the functionality of an operable door. Slim-framed glass installations connect interior spaces like the games room and dining area directly to the outdoor pool and patio, maintaining a sleek, contemporary aesthetic throughout.
East Courtyard includes a series of frameless glass pivot doors and sliding glass entrances that offer clear sightlines into the café and retail spaces. These minimalist solutions preserve the integrity of the original stone façades while improving accessibility and flow for visitors, seamlessly blending modern glazing with the historic fabric of the Palace.
Enquire Today
If you’re an architect, designer or developer working on heritage projects or within listed environments, and you’re seeking innovative glazing solutions that balance design ambition with contextual sensitivity, we’d love to talk. Contact Us Now!
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