Architectural Glazing for a Listed Georgian Villa Extension in Edinburgh
Stockbridge Extension involved the renovation and extension of a Category B listed early Georgian villa in Edinburgh. Designed by Zone Architects and delivered by Hutton & Read, the project sensitively restores the original house while introducing a contemporary extension for modern family living.
IQ Glass was appointed to design, supply and install a varied architectural glazing package. This included a bespoke aluminium pivot door with sidelights, an elevated sliding window, aluminium casement windows, two structural glass roofs and a tall internal steel door.
Design Drivers: Heritage, Material Contrast and Garden Connection
The original Georgian villa occupies a long, narrow plot overshadowed by a two storey retail building on the neighbouring site. In response, the extension stretches along the garden to create an enfilade of interconnected kitchen, dining and living spaces leading towards a sunny and sheltered outdoor area.
The original house was sensitively restored using traditional conservation methods, while the new addition was conceived as a distinctly contemporary structure. Shimmering green glazed bricks contrast with the weathered stone of the Georgian villa and help the extension blend into its leafy garden setting.
The glazing needed to introduce daylight throughout the elongated plan while establishing carefully positioned connections with the garden. External systems were finished in marine grade medium bronze, complementing the green brickwork and adding warmth to the contemporary material palette.
Bespoke Pivot Door Connecting the Extension and Garden
A Keller minimal aluminium pivot door forms the principal connection between the extension, raised patio and landscaped garden. The door measures approximately 1.8 metres wide and is positioned between two fixed sidelights, creating a complete glazed opening approximately 3.5 metres wide and 3.4 metres high.
Clear toughened double glazing with a low emissivity coating supports thermal performance, while heat soak testing helps reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage associated with undetectable inclusions in toughened glass. The medium bronze framing and coordinated lever handle create a consistent finish across the substantial opening.
Elevated Sliding Window and Aluminium Casements
An elevated two track minimal sliding window was installed beside the dining area. Measuring approximately 3 metres wide and 1.9 metres high, the opening introduces daylight and ventilation while maintaining privacy from the neighbouring plot. Integrated slot aeration provides further background ventilation.
Three Sieger HD top hung aluminium casement windows complete the external window package. Two are positioned within the sides of the charcoal clad bay, providing discreet opening sections within the contemporary elevation. The sliding and casement windows share the same marine grade medium bronze finish and clear double glazed specification as the pivot door.
Structural Glass Roofs
Two identical single panel Invisio structural glass roofs bring natural light into the extension from above. Each panel measures approximately 2766mm by 1586mm, weighs around 228kg and is installed with a five degree fall to support effective water runoff.
The roof glazing comprises clear toughened double glazed units with low emissivity coatings, heat soak testing and laminated interlayers for additional strength and overhead safety. The minimal structural detailing allows the glass to sit cleanly within the roof while drawing daylight deeper into the connected living spaces.
Tall Internal Steel Door
A Mondrian internal steel door was installed within the refurbished entrance hall in the Georgian part of the house. Measuring approximately 997mm wide and 2875mm high, the almost floor to ceiling door creates a striking vertical feature within the refined interior.
The slim steel frame is finished in RAL 9005 Matt Black and fitted with clear toughened safety glass. Its dark framing introduces a contemporary detail while allowing views and light to continue between the entrance hall and adjoining interior spaces.
Project Details
Project Type: Renovation and contemporary extension of a Category B listed Georgian villa
Location: Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
Architect: Zone Architects
Main Contractor: Hutton & Read
Glazing Contractor: IQ Glass
Photography: Tom Manley
Primary Systems: Keller minimal aluminium pivot door with sidelights; two track minimal sliding window; Sieger HD top hung aluminium casement windows; Invisio structural glass roofs; Mondrian internal steel door
Glazing Specification: Clear toughened double glazing with low emissivity coatings and heat soak testing; laminated interlayers to the structural roof glazing; clear toughened safety glass to the internal steel door
Key Elements: Pivot door measuring approximately 1800mm wide within a complete glazed opening of 3480mm × 3406mm; elevated sliding window measuring approximately 2980mm × 1893mm; two identical structural glass roofs measuring 2766mm × 1586mm; Mondrian internal steel door measuring approximately 997mm × 2875mm
Finish: Marine grade medium bronze aluminium framing to the external systems; RAL 9005 Matt Black to the internal steel door
Outcome
Stockbridge Extension demonstrates how a varied architectural glazing package can support the sensitive adaptation of a listed Georgian home. The pivot door, elevated sliding window and structural glass roofs introduce daylight and varied garden connections throughout the elongated extension.
The warm bronze frames complement the green glazed brick exterior, while the tall black steel door adds a contemporary feature within the restored Georgian interior. Together, the glazing elements reinforce the distinction between old and new while connecting the house with its landscaped urban garden.
