Coastal Glazing for a New Build Home Embedded Within the Landscape
Set into the rugged landscape of Cornwall's north coast, Hidden House is a contemporary coastal residence designed by Loyn + Co Architects. Conceived as a low-profile structure that sits discreetly within its sensitive setting, the new-build home demonstrates how architecture can respond to a challenging environment while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Recently shortlisted for the Concrete Society Awards 2026, the project combines exposed concrete, natural materials and expansive areas of architectural glazing to create light-filled interiors with uninterrupted views of the dramatic coastline.
To realise the architect's vision, IQ Glass delivered a bespoke glazing package incorporating minimal framed sliding doors, structural glazing and high-performance aluminium systems designed specifically for exposed coastal conditions.
Architecture Integrated with the Landscape
A key driver of the design was to create a building that felt embedded within the site rather than imposed upon it. The home follows the natural contours of the landscape, reducing its visual impact while strengthening its relationship with the surrounding environment.
Large glazed elevations were strategically positioned throughout the building to capture panoramic coastal views and ensure a continual visual connection between the interior spaces and the changing landscape beyond. Throughout the year, shifting weather conditions, seasonal changes and variations in natural light become an integral part of the living experience.
The restrained material palette of exposed concrete, glass and natural finishes reinforces the architectural intention, creating a contemporary home that is both robust and sensitive to its location.
Minimal Framed Glazing for Panoramic Views
Large-format slim framed sliding door systems form a central component of the glazing design. With ultra-slim sightlines and expansive glass panels, the systems minimise the visual presence of framing while maximising views across the coastline.
The extensive glazing establishes a direct connection between internal living spaces and exterior terraces, creating an uninterrupted flow between architecture and landscape. When opened, the large sliding panels provide seamless access to outdoor spaces while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic of the building.
Carefully detailed fixed glazing and structural glass elements complement the sliding doors, ensuring uninterrupted sightlines from key areas throughout the property.
Structural Glazing and Daylight Design
One of the project's defining architectural features is a continuous band of clerestory glazing that wraps around sections of the building. To achieve this design intent, IQ Glass utilised Invisio® structural glazing systems, creating frameless glass elevations with minimal visible supporting structure.
Beyond admitting natural daylight deep into the floorplan, the clerestory glazing increases the sense of openness within the interior while preserving privacy and carefully controlling views.
Structural glass corner details further enhance transparency throughout the project. A frameless acute glass-to-glass corner creates uninterrupted visual connections between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape, allowing the architecture to remain visually lightweight despite its substantial concrete construction.
Additional aluminium window and door systems were integrated throughout the home to provide natural ventilation, operational flexibility and thermal performance while maintaining a consistent contemporary appearance.
Glazing for a Coastal Environment
The exposed coastal location required a highly engineered glazing specification capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, including salt-laden air, high wind loads and year-round weather exposure.
All aluminium systems were finished in RAL 7011 and treated with a marine-grade coating to enhance durability and long-term resistance in the coastal environment.
The glazing package was engineered to accommodate wind loads of 2.07kN/m², ensuring reliable performance in exposed conditions. Solar control glass was specified throughout the project, achieving approximately 70% light transmission while helping to manage solar gain and maintain comfortable internal temperatures throughout the year.
To further enhance quality assurance and durability, all glazing units were heat-soak tested as part of the final specification.
Technical Highlights
Five slim framed sliding door systems with fixed and sliding panels, including a large-format sliding door measuring almost 3m wide by 2.6m high, Invisio® structural clerestory glazing, a 73° frameless structural glass corner, large structural glazed elevations with expansive fixed glazing, slim framed aluminium windows and doors, structural glazing to spa and wellness areas, solar control glazing with approximately 70% light transmission, glazing engineered for wind loads up to 2.07kN/m², marine-grade coated aluminium frames in RAL 7011, and heat-soak tested glazing units throughout.
Project Team
Architect: Loyn + Co Architects
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
