Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 28
Increase your space
with bespoke glass
Consider the benefits of using frameless structural glass when you create additional space
in a heritage building
St Lawrence at Bourton on the Water in the Cotswolds
is a vibrant Grade I listed building that dates back to the
12thCentury.
Updating conservation and heritage properties to meet
contemporary requirements can be a challenge, especially
when you need additional space but there’s no scope to
extend or change the footprint of your building.
A substantial re-ordering was carried out to make the
interior more suited to the needs of the Church and the
local community. Removing a number of pews allowed
more flexibility for groups, events and exhibitions whilst
adding a mezzanine floor created plenty of additional
space and seating with a direct view of the nave and the
high altar. The addition of the mezzanine also facilitated
the conversion of previously unused space to the rear of
the church into an attractive meeting room, kitchen
space and toilet facilities.
Peter Hazeldean, MD of ecclesiastical and heritage
specialists Ion Glass, recommends looking upwards. He
said: ‘Buildings designed to inspire awe with high ceilings
and towers often have more space within the building
than room to extend externally. Adding a gallery or
mezzanine floor can significantly increase your floor area.
Including structural glass in your plans ensures that
ancient stonework and carvings remain visible and that
light flow is unimpeded, especially where stained glass
windows, or the views, are integral to the appearance and
atmosphere of the original building.’
Ion Glass were commissioned to provide all the structural
glass for the re-ordering. In particular, a bespoke frameless
glass balustrade runs seamlessly across the face of the
mezzanine and down the staircase.
Above, a frameless glass balustrade runs seamlessly up the stairs
and across the face of the mezzanine floor at St Lawrence
Church, Bourton on the Water
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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