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Structural glass linkways from specialists Ion Glass

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Creating links between buildings can raise some interesting challenges – especially if you’re adding a modern extension to an older building.

It’s not just the aesthetics of how the two buildings connect, but also the structural interface between modern building technology and the techniques employed by the original builders. 

As Peter Hazeldean, Managing Director of bespoke structural glass specialists Ion Glass points out: ‘Older buildings behave quite differently.  The foundations are likely to be more shallow, the structure itself more flexible and breathable.  If you build a modern extension directly against an older building there’s bound to be a difference in movement.   A structural glass linkway overcomes these issues – with plenty of opportunity for individual design to create a fantastic result!’

A glass linkway can have a positive lifestyle impact for property owners, linking for instance the main dwelling with an entertainment space, family room or garage and creating a light, airy and weatherproof space that becomes an attractive element of the home.

It’s possible to create a linkway with no visible fixings: Ion Glass (www.ionglass.co.uk) regularly design structural glass fins or structural glass beams to provide a minimal, yet robust and functional result.  Using a fully sealed channel set option for the glass wall panels allows the linkway to be created with minimal footings and discreet fixings, creating a frameless appearance.  Any metalwork required in the construction of the linkway is individually commissioned or manufactured by Ion Glass for a project-specific result.

Depending on your requirements, a glass linkway can be built in single or double glazing: single glazed construction will provide a fully weather resistant link whereas double glazing allows the linkway to also become an integral part of the structure of the building, fully compliant with heat loss requirements.

A choice of glass types offers an additional level of flexibility for every project:  choose clear float, low iron or tinted glass, or use sandblasted glass for an opaque or semi-opaque result.  It’s even possible to select switchable glass for privacy.

Ion Glass offer individual, technical advice on every glass installation they undertake, from the appropriate fixing systems and  glass specification, to ensuring the installation meets all the relevant criteria, from heat loss considerations to the requirements of conservation groups.

A recent project by Ion Glass was typical of the bespoke work they undertake: the owners of a lovely heritage property wanted to create a link to incorporate a separate, modern garden room into their family living space.  A structural glass link provided a fully secure result that retained maximum light levels in the house and the garden room, whilst at the same time creating a glass porch for the back entrance to the garden and a door onto their terrace. Cleverly designed structural glass fins provide support for the roof panels without the need for additional metalwork; stainless steel channels and fixings allowed the new structure to be securely installed with no requirement for footings.

Ion Glass work closely with architects and builders on a wide variety of residential and commercial projects, in particular where the properties of glass as a structural material play a key role in the design to modernise, improve or extend the building.  They also have an unrivalled reputation in the heritage and ecclesiastical sector.  Specialist in frameless structural glass their work includes glass doors, bespoke internal, external and curved balustrades, rooflights, glass screens and frameless glass shower enclosures.

To discuss your project with an Ion Glass experts call them on 0345 658 9988 or email info@ionglass.co.uk

www.ionglass.co.uk