As part of the transformation of Lower Mill in Crickhowell, IQ Glass was commissioned to design, supply, and install a bespoke glazing package that maximises natural light and strengthens the connection between the building’s interiors and the surrounding Welsh countryside. The renovation merges contemporary glazing technology with the historic fabric of the mill, achieving a refined balance between transparency, light, and architectural integrity.
On the ground floor, expansive elevations of glass open the interior towards the landscape, allowing daylight to flood the living areas. A combination of minimal windows® fixed glazing and sliding door systems were installed, including a two-track configuration with two fixed panes and one sliding pane spanning 7,000 mm, and a second two-track system featuring three fixed and two sliding panes totalling 12,500 mm. The ultra-slim aluminium profiles of the minimal windows® systems minimise visual obstruction, ensuring uninterrupted views across the countryside while highlighting the precision and elegance of bespoke architectural glazing.
The upper floor continues this language of openness and light. A toughened and laminated glass balustrade extends across an 18,000 mm span, running seamlessly from the north-west to the south-east elevation. Discreetly supported within a silver anodised aluminium base channel, the balustrade delivers both safety and visual lightness, preserving panoramic views over the property and landscape.
Beyond the main architectural glazing, IQ Glass also provided a series of bespoke external elements, including glass balustrades around the outdoor pool, feature metal pressings, and standalone glass screens integrated throughout the landscaped gardens. These elements extend the project’s contemporary material palette beyond the building envelope, maintaining design coherence throughout the site.
Despite the rural location and restricted access via narrow single-track roads, IQ Glass successfully coordinated the complex delivery and installation process. Each bespoke component was precisely planned and executed to ensure exceptional quality and performance.
The result is a modern, light-filled reinterpretation of a historic building. Through the extensive use of bespoke glazing in Crickhowell, Lower Mill now harmoniously combines the craftsmanship of its heritage with the clarity and sophistication of contemporary architectural design.
