Issue 48 AUG 25 web - Flipbook - Page 62
Critically, using structural glass as a building material in
heritage buildings allows significant improvements to be
made, updating and modernizing to meet contemporary
needs without impacting on the original fabric of the
building.
Essentially, a glass porch must be structurally sound yet
minimally invasive. Frameless glass or minimal steel
framing is often preferred to reduce visual clutter and
avoid damage to existing stonework.
Consider using structural glass fins and beams in your glass
porch to minimise or avoid the requirement for more
visually intrusive framework. Ion can design triple
laminate glass beams that mimic traditional mortice and
tenon joints, combined with bespoke brackets to create
perfectly engineered structures entirely from glass’.
Single or double-glazed?
‘A simple single-glazed porch will provide protection
from the elements but if your porch is to become an
integral part of your building using double-glazing will
provide optimal thermal performance. Ion design and
manufacture bespoke double-glazed panels that will fit
perfectly, accommodating carved stonework and uneven
surfaces if appropriate.
Above, the glass entrance porch at St Michael’s, Lewes is fitted
with pinch-free pivot doors that provide full security when locked
And what about doors?
‘The door or doors will be an integral aspect of your glass
porch and you need to decide what options will work best
for you. Consider sliding glass doors, hinged or pivot
doors, an automatic mechanism or full security – your
doors can be linked to an alarm system if required. Fully
frameless doors are likely to be more in keeping with your
glass porch, for a sleek, minimal aesthetic. Ion will be able
to advise on your door installation and the design aspects
From a design perspective it’s important to consider the
finish of the glass – low iron glass will be completely clear,
clear float glass has a slight greenish tinge or perhaps you
would prefer coloured glass, or a decorative glass finish?’
Above, an innovative glass porch was added to a heritage barn renovation creating an impressive entrance that reflects the slope of the roof
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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