OUR HERITAGE
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01 Our Heritage and our Future
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A lineage going back two generations
A heritage based upon understanding accurate period design and craftsmanship in traditional conservatories
A reputation for delivering unique designs and creating very special buildings and structures
A new journey taking this expertise and knowledge to explore the modern
A group unique in the UK that delivers both the traditional and the modern under one roof
02 Finalist International Design & Architecture Awards 2017
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CATEGORY: ARCHITECTURAL GLASSHOUSE OVER £150,000
Once a farmhouse, this large family house in Ilkley has undergone many changes in its time. One of its most significant transformations was an Edwardian extension, to which a period-style wooden conservatory was added about twenty years ago. The current owners, who have lived in the house for fifteen years, decided to update not only the look of the house but also the way it flows.
At the heart of the project was the demolition of the original wooden conservatory, replacing it with a spectacular high-performance glass building. Linking the main house to a new pool house (formerly a barn) this double-volume building has a powerful architectural presence. It creates a multi-purpose family living space with dramatic views over open countryside and into an internal garden courtyard at the back.
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At the heart of our designs are the pioneering roof and door systems which offer not only the highest possible strength, noise-cancelling and thermal values (up to Passivhaus requirements) but also the ability to create spectacular structures like this.
The interior climate is comfortable year-round, controlled through the built-in weather station which monitors both the temperature but the angle of the sun, automatically raising and lowering the awnings to prevent heat build-up and glare.
Bi-fold doors allow the entire building to open into the garden, with the inside/outside feel heightened by running the same stone flooring through from the living space out onto the terrace.
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Entirely bespoke, the structure is all aluminium, designed by us and built to order by specialist manufacturers in Germany. At 7.2 metres wide and 5 metres deep, it also has a 4m x 2m link into the pool house. The roof’s dramatic reverse pitch has sightlines designed to create a strong visual connection with the existing buildings. This is a key consideration when combining period and modern architecture.
Glass House Architecture handles projects right through from planning permission to the design, build and interior finishes. It also offers a complete interior design service including bespoke joinery made in its own workshops, integrated entertainment systems, timber and stone floors and contemporary furniture from leading names including Rolf Benz, Draenart and Asco. The team of architects, designers and craftsmen undertake projects both throughout the UK and internationally.
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