Cross Street is a contemporary two-storey extension to a coastal home in Padstow, designed to maximise natural light, views and the connection between the interior and its surroundings. Central to the architectural vision was a dramatic glass-to-glass corner that wraps around both levels of the extension, creating a visually lightweight façade and reinforcing the relationship between the living spaces and the landscape beyond.
IQ Glass was appointed to design, supply and install a bespoke glazing package that combined large-format structural glazing with integrated opening elements. The completed installation delivers uninterrupted sightlines across two floors while maintaining the thermal, structural and weather performance required for an exposed coastal setting.
Architectural Intent
The defining feature of the project is the frameless structural glazing that forms the principal glazed elevation of the extension. At both ground and first-floor level, the glazing turns through an internal corner with no visible corner post, creating an elegant glass return and enhancing the sense of openness within the home.
While the architecture demanded minimal visual interruption, the façade also needed to accommodate practical requirements including ventilation and external access. IQ Glass integrated a top-hung aluminium casement window at first-floor level and an outward-opening casement door at ground-floor level, carefully coordinating these opening elements with the fixed structural glazing to preserve the architectural purity of the corner design.
Technical Challenges
One of the key technical challenges was coordinating the structural glazing with the floor slab and steel framework that separated the two storeys. Although the slab and supporting steelwork intersected the glazed elevation, the design intent required the glazing to sit proud of the structure and continue seamlessly into a glass-to-glass corner.
Achieving this demanded extensive design coordination between the glazing package, structural steelwork and surrounding construction. The support strategy, perimeter fixing details and silicone-glazed corner junctions were developed in parallel to ensure all elements aligned structurally and visually before fabrication commenced.
A further challenge arose with the proposed opening configuration at ground-floor level. An inward-opening unit would have conflicted with the floor slab structure, preventing operation. Working closely with the project team, IQ Glass revised the design to separate the fixed structural glazing from the opening elements. This solution maintained the integrity of the corner geometry while allowing the window and door systems to function without obstruction.
Installation in a Restricted Coastal Location
Access to the rear elevation of the property was limited, requiring careful planning of both delivery and installation procedures. Large glazing units and framing components were transported to site via flatbed delivery and installed according to a tightly managed sequence designed around the restricted working area.
The largest structural glass panel weighed approximately 182kg, requiring precise logistics and installation management to ensure safe handling while maintaining the quality standards expected of a bespoke glazing package.
Project Outcome
Cross Street demonstrates how structural glazing can be used to create bold architectural forms while meeting the practical demands of everyday living. Through detailed design coordination and precise installation, IQ Glass delivered a high-performance glazing package that transforms the extension into a light-filled living space defined by its striking two-storey glass corner, bringing together minimalist aesthetics, durability and technical excellence in a challenging coastal environment.
Technical Details
Structural Glazing System
System: Invisio Structural Glazing
Thermally broken fixing profile depth: 63mm
Maximum glazing thickness: 41.5mm
Typical Uw value: 1.1 W/m²K
Minimum fixing setback: 55mm
Structure deflection allowance: 5mm
Application: Frameless two-storey glass-to-glass corner glazing
Largest installed glass unit weight: 182kg
Aluminium Casement Window
System: Sieger Casement Window
Opening configuration: Top-hung
Uw values from: 1.1 W/m²K
Glazing range: 24–40mm
Air permeability: Class 4
Water tightness: Class E1200
Wind resistance: 2400 Pa
PAS 24 accredited
Aluminium Casement Door
System: Sieger Casement Door
