Topwood is a new-build coastal home showcasing marine-grade glazing in Salcombe, designed for an exposed salt-air environment. Large-format glazing opens this award-winning house to sun terraces and sea views.
Featured In
Winner of Building Excellence Award 2023: Best Individual New Home
Credit
Photography courtesy of Finest Stays.
Location
Salcombe, Devon
The brief was to maximise glass and keep the architecture visually calm while standing up to coastal conditions. All aluminium profiles were finished RAL 7039 Matt (Quartz Grey) with a marine-grade coating, and the envelope was engineered to an assumed site wind load of 1,100 Pa. With a whole-house MVHR strategy, no trickle vents were required, preserving clean sightlines; an approach well suited to marine-grade glazing in Salcombe where uninterrupted views are the priority.
Primary living areas connect to the terraces through six slim framed sliding doors tailored to each elevation, and all with a marine grade finish. Spans include a 6.25m wide triple-panel assembly and several one-panel sliders paired with fixed returns, with heights to 2.70m. All sliders to the Salcombe home were upgraded with seven-point locking for security in a coastal setting, and one unit interfaces with an internal balustrade to keep the threshold visually light while providing compliant guarding. Where fully openable apertures were desired, three slim bi-folding doors provide rapid, family-friendly access to the main terrace.
Across the wider envelope, IQ supplied and installed 23 heavy duty marine grade aluminium windows in a balanced mix of top-hung, tilt and turn, and fixed formats. Highlights include tall tilt and turn sashes for secure night ventilation and easy cleaning, plus shaped fixed lights up to 3.75m that follow the roof geometry. The result is disciplined rhythm to the elevations, strong daylight penetration and controlled ventilation.
The entrance composition is an oversized entrance door framed by four obscured glass side panels, overall approximately 4.78m by 2.20m. This floods the hall with diffuse daylight while protecting privacy from the street approach, tying the palette together with the same Quartz Grey marine-grade finish used throughout.
Materials and detailing were selected for coastal longevity. Large panes were specified with heat soak tested toughened glass to mitigate nickel sulphide risks on oversized units, exposed hardware and seals were chosen for saline resistance, and thresholds and interfaces were detailed to remain minimal without compromising performance. This specification demonstrates how marine-grade glazing in Salcombe can deliver both durability and a refined, minimal aesthetic.
Looking to transform your space with marine-grade glazing in Salcombe? Contact us now.
