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Structural Glass Solutions in London

Why Invest In Structural Glass Features? 

Our passion for maintaining the elegance and originality of period properties is boundless, but we also believe they can be enhanced. The use of structural glass within your home can add a breathtaking beauty and contemporary interest, not to mention the positive effects on your well-being and even your bank balance.

Used internally, structural glass can create the illusion of space, i.e. creating transparent partition walls to lengthen a room, installing clear stairs or balustrades to raise the height, or walk-on glass flooring to add deep dimensions. It can also be used to bring the outside in. It is well-known that access to daylight and the outdoors increases mental well-being and productivity, and now that more of us are spending more time in our homes for work, many are looking for ways to optimise that access. Minor adjustments such as skylights in your converted loft to office, or steel glazed bi-folding doors between kitchen and garden are simple and very effective options. For a greater impact and to really invite light and space into your home, you might be considering a fully glazed extension, or something more ambitious such as a roof terrace with wraparound glass balustrade.

With almost 10 years’ experience in renovation of domestic and commercial properties within the London area, we would relish the opportunity to be your experienced guides throughout your structural design journey. From your initial vision to the final result, we can cover every aspect of the process ensuring you feel listened to, informed and delighted with the finished product.

Being London based, we are well-accustomed to the obstacles presented by working in tight spaces in the city. We urge you to look beyond what might be perceived as limitations and come to our skilled team with your plans only, and leave the solutions to us.

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The First Step To Structural Glass Installation

The First Step To Structural Glass Installation 

You may already have grand designs in mind or even on paper, or you may be seeking inspiration from professional designers such as ourselves. Whatever your starting point, we are ready to answer your questions through an in-depth consultation and offer you a free quote. Once your vision has been shared at the consultation, a site visit will follow where we can gather logistical and technical information. These components are integral to the design process and having assessed and measured the areas, your vision will take a physical shape as a set of working drawings. Materials are then selected and supplied so the installation may begin.

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Our Structural Glass Services (1\2)

Our Structural Glass Services (1\2) 

Our established and committed structural glass services involve managing the project from start to finish. From finessing a client’s design to bringing it to life on paper, from selecting the highest quality and most effective materials to sourcing and supplying them, and to finally, the installation itself. You can feel confident that you are working with a company that is client-centred and genuinely values the integrity of your period home.

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Our Structural Glass Services (2\2)

Our Structural Glass Services (2\2) 

Some of the more common requests for structured glass are:

  • glass roofs
  • glass walls/façades
  • walk on glass floors
  • glass doors/folding glass doors
  • frameless windows, corner windows, picture windows
  • skylights
  • balconies, balustrades However, we view every design as exquisitely unique and enjoy the challenge of creating and achieving something unusual, so we are by no means limited to the above.
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    See Our Work 

    This project was a work-from-home space in a Greenwich town house in SE10. Between restored roof joists, we installed made-to-measure full roof glazing. HOUSE RENOVATION WITH BASEMENT IN GREENWICH, LONDON

    See Our Work

    See Our Work 

    For this roof terrace in Chiswick W4, we converted the roof to a roof terrace with artificial grass and a structural glass balustrade. ROOF CONVERSION OF A VICTORIAN PENTHOUSE IN CHISWICK, LONDON

    See Our Work
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    How is the cost of structural glass determined

    As there is no standard for structural glass design, that is to say that every architectural creation is bespoke, the cost of installation varies dramatically depending on a variety of features. What’s more, the art of structured glass assembly and installation is very precise and requires the utmost care, attention to detail and patience.  

    The following are a few of the considerations when pricing:

    • type of structure (see services above for examples)
    • type or function of glass; low iron, sandblasted, thermal insulation, acoustic reduction, anti reflection, low maintenance
    • glass specification; thickness etc.
    • scale
    • fixing elements to secure the glass in place; silicone adhesives, hardware
    • complexity of the work
    • access

    Access considerations have a big impact on the cost, too, considering that structural glass is quite heavy. You might need a hoist or a crane when lifting it from outside. If the panel is carried by workers, other factors need to be considered, like the dimensions of doors and staircases, the turns on landings and corridors etc.

    For example, in our project in Hammersmith W6, we installed a panel of 68 kg (150 lbs ca). For Health and Safety regulations you need 5 people to carry a structural panel of 68kg. The panel measured 1500mm by 750 mm.

    When evaluating the access for installation, we took into account the space occupied by the glass and by the people who carry it, in the safest way possible.

    With our experience and competence, we can confidently provide you with a detailed quote that considers of the aspects of the installation.  

     

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    Testimonials

    Our client Andrew hired us for a roof conversion in Chiswick. We built an extra storey on top of his flat in a Victorian mansion block. The new space included a new music room with a fitted kitchen, a sauna and a fantastic grass terrace with a full glass balustrade in structural glass. He says about us:

    Vincenzo and the team were enthusiastic, creative and engaged. They brought the project in on budget and I’m happy to recommend them. Their approach of having in-house structural engineering really helped make savings by integrating the disciplines involved with design and construction.

    For Sarah and her family we completed a full house refurbishment, including a side extension and a loft conversion. She says about us:

    I would absolutely recommend Vincenzo and the HouseUp team. They completed an 8 month full refurbishment/extension of our house at the end of 2019. They managed every detail of the project and did so with such a high level of care – often it felt like they were carrying out works to their own house!

    About a flat refurbishment in South Kensington for Harald, he says:

    houseUP did a 4 month complete renovation of our flat in Sth Ken. We were very pleased with their work. Vincenzo put together a great team led by a very capable site manager. Works were completed on time (critical due to Covid restrictions) and on budget. All three tenders were similar in price, but houseUP’s was the most comprehensive/detailed which made it easy to evaluate.

     

    The next step to structural glass installation

    Whether your vision aims to bring the outside in by replacing a thick wall with glass panels that reveal a garden, or a picture window that frames the view of the London skyline from your bed, we want to help you to realise it. 

    Our tailor-made and carefully planned projects use high quality, reliable and durable materials at  competitive prices, ensuring not only an elegant and contemporary aesthetic, but peace of mind in that your creation is long-lasting and value-adding. Our confirmed commitment to the best customer service reassures that we are approachable and qualified to carry out such an extensive and complex build for you.

    With no obligation, we would like to hear any questions or concerns you have regarding your structural glass installation, be it pricing, materials options, or length of the project, so that you and your property can experience the most beautiful and highly-functional structured glass solutions in London.

    F.A.Q

    Questions and answers

    Collected questions that we often hear from you

    • Can I live at the property during the refurbishment? 

      We always recommend that you arrange for alternative accommodation during the project.

      Some of our clients choose to live at the property during the work, and, of course, we make that possible. However, please be advised that this arrangement comes with a significant increases in stress, cost and duration of the project.

    • Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment? 

      You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights. You can find all the details on which type of extensions are allowed under permitted development here.

      However, if you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission.

    • How long will my refurbishment take? 

      As per the duration of a project, it cannot be estimated without the full details. If you want to plan ahead, for alternative accommodation for example, we recommend at least:

      For smaller flat refurbishment, approximately 4 to 6 months. For house refurbishment, approximately 6 – 8 months These estimations relate to straightforward refurbishments like loft conversions or rear and side extensions. More complex work like basement excavations can only be estimated with more details, especially if access to the property is a consideration. Composition of the soil etc are also important factors.

    • How much will my refurbishment cost? 

      Every good building company will tell you that it is not possible to estimate the cost of refurbishment for a flat or a house before all the details have been defined. But we understand that it is important to have a reference figure before embarking in the process for budgeting purposes.

      We suggest a conservative estimate of £1,750 per square metre as the absolute minimum, and an average of between £2,000 and £3,500 per square metre.

      However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are details that can impact the cost significantly, the most costly being basement excavations or extensions of existing lower ground spaces; inclusion of very large or high spec glazing; very high energy performance materials.

      Additionally, some finishes can increase costs significantly, like paint, tiles or flooring, especially if the surfaces are very large,.

      In general, kitchens can be installed from as low as a few thousand pounds to hundreds of thousands, too.

    • I am buying a property, can you help me estimate how much the refurbishment would cost? 

      When you buy a new property, it is very likely that you’ll plan for a refurbishment. You can find some very good deals on the market, where you can buy a property for a good price when it needs some work done.

      By offering an estimation on work to be done, we can help you make the right decision and offer the right price for the potential property.

    • I have all the drawings ready with my architect, can you do the building works for me? 

      We certainly can! We work with the best architects in London through a tender process, for clients that choose to have the designs for their refurbishment made by an independent architect.

      We can provide quotes in our own very detailed format or in your architect’s preferred format.

    • I want to do everything with one company, can you do design and refurbishment for me? 

      Yes we can. We partner with the best London architects to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project.

      Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment.

      Check out our Design & Build page for more information.

    • What works make the biggest difference in the final cost of my refurbishment project? 

      Typically excavation to extend or create a basement under an existing property is one of the most expensive types of work in construction. The cost of finishes is another big factor in the final cost of a flat or house refurbishment.

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    Do you have questions on walk-on glass, glass balustrade or roof glazing? Get in touch with us now

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