Structural Oriel Windows and Fire Rated Walk-On Glass for a Listed East Lothian Steading
Papple Steading is a Grade B listed former farm complex near Haddington in East Lothian, on the edge of the Lammermoor Hills. Designed by Richard Murphy Architects, the wider redevelopment is transforming the historic agricultural buildings into a mixed-use destination incorporating accommodation, galleries, event spaces and cultural facilities.
As part of Phase Two, IQ Glass was appointed to design, supply and install specialist architectural glazing for the conversion of former farm buildings and stables into the Demarco Gallery, a contemporary space for art, performances and events. The package comprised two bespoke structural glass oriel windows and two fire rated walk-on glass floorlights, carefully integrated into the existing stone architecture.
Design Drivers: Heritage, Daylight and Contemporary Use
The redevelopment required a sensitive approach to adapting historic agricultural buildings for contemporary cultural use. The original stone structures form an important part of East Lothian’s architectural heritage, so new interventions needed to improve the usability of the internal spaces without competing with or unnecessarily altering the existing fabric.
Introducing daylight and outward views into the converted buildings was a central consideration. The glazing needed to remain visually restrained while providing the clarity and performance expected of a modern gallery and event venue. The scheme also required walk-on glazing that could form part of the internal circulation while meeting the necessary fire resistance, structural and safety requirements.
Structural Glass Oriel Windows
Two bespoke oriel window boxes were created using the Invisio structural glazing system. The projecting glass structures introduce additional daylight and provide framed views from within the converted steading while retaining a minimal, frameless appearance.
The oriel windows were set back within the existing wall reveals, allowing them to sit within the depth of the masonry without disrupting the original external stonework. Each unit comprises three vertical silicone jointed glass panes with a structural glass roof above, forming a transparent enclosure without visually dominant framing.
Double glazed clear toughened safety glass was specified with solar control and low emissivity coatings to help manage heat gain and thermal performance. Laminated interlayers provide the structural strength required for the projecting glass construction, while black gaskets and silicone create a consistent finish across the junctions.
Fire Rated Walk-On Glass
Two fire rated walk-on glass floorlights were installed within the converted buildings, introducing daylight between levels while functioning as part of the floor surface. The glazing was chased into the existing walls to create a neat junction and a visually seamless relationship with the surrounding construction.
Each floorlight extends approximately 4.6 metres and is formed from two silicone jointed panes. The specification uses clear heat strengthened laminated fire resistant glass, joined with fire rated structural silicone and designed to provide 60 minutes of integrity and insulation.
An anti-slip treatment was applied to the upper glass surface to support safe circulation. This combination of fire performance, structural capacity and slip resistance allows the floorlights to meet several functional requirements while maintaining the transparency required by the architectural design.
Outcome
Papple Steading demonstrates how specialist structural glazing can support the sensitive reuse of historic agricultural buildings. The frameless oriel windows introduce daylight and outward views without disrupting the original stone façades, while the fire rated walk-on glass provides a technically resolved intervention within the converted interior.
Together, the glazing elements establish a precise contemporary layer within the listed steading, supporting its new cultural use while preserving the architectural character and material presence of the historic structures.
Project Details
Project Type: Grade B listed agricultural steading converted into gallery, cultural and event spaces
Location: Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland
Architect: Richard Murphy Architects
Main Contractor: MPJ Building Contractors Ltd
Glazing Contractor: IQ Glass
Primary Systems: Invisio structural glazing; bespoke structural glass oriel windows; fire rated walk-on glass floorlights
Glazing Specification: Double glazed clear toughened safety glass with solar control and low emissivity coatings to the oriel windows; laminated interlayers for structural strength; clear heat strengthened laminated fire glass with an anti-slip surface to the floorlights
Key Elements: Two structural glass oriel windows set within the existing masonry reveals; two walk-on glass floorlights measuring approximately 4.6 metres long; FR60 integrity and insulation; fire rated structural silicone
