Words by Hannah Tapping
A transformative contribution to the built coastal and inland landscape in the South West cannot be over emphasised.
IQ® Glass, is a leading name in the architectural glazing industry and has been at the forefront of innovative glazing solutions in the UK for over 20 years. Specialising in modern architectural glazing, the company provides a wide range of products, from thermally broken steel windows to ultra-slim sliding glass doors, designed to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any project.
They can offer some of the most advanced architectural glass technologies available, including frameless structural glass assemblies such as frameless glass balustrades, rooflights, structural glass roofs and glass floors. Their portfolio also features curved glass and glass extensions. In addition, they supply a variety of contemporary framing solutions, including frameless windows, large sliding doors, aluminium casement windows and doors as well as specialist flush-glazed systems. By incorporating technical glass solutions like heated glass, privacy glass, along with specialised coatings, IQ® Glass ensures that their minimally framed glazing systems are as practical as they are visually appealing.
With offices across the UK, IQ® Glass provides expert services to architects, specifiers and entire project teams, guiding them from initial concept through to completion. Recognised as one of the London Stock Exchange Group’s top 1,000 companies to inspire Britain, they are a trusted partner in the architectural world, offering a range of bespoke services tailored to the needs of architects. In 2020, IQ Glass opened its Somerset office, dedicated to providing high specification and high performance glazing to building projects throughout Cornwall and the South West. The company also stays at the cutting edge of architectural glazing trends, offering Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars for industry professionals. Their project gallery showcases how their products can lift the design and increase the thermal efficiency of large-scale structures, with their work even being featured on popular TV shows such as Grand Designs and The Restoration Man.
As a company, along with some of their contemporary projects they have either been nominated, shortlisted or have become winners of numerous awards both in the UK and abroad. One such is Hayle House which has been honoured with a prestigious Cornish Building Award. This recognition highlights the exceptional architectural design and sustainable construction that have made Hayle House a standout within the Cannons Town community. The judges were particularly impressed by the innovative use of local materials, the integration of energy-efficient systems and the thoughtful design that reflects Cornwall’s rich cultural heritage. The award-winning project features Invisio structural glass, minimal windows, and Sieger Casement Windows, contributing to its distinctive and striking footprint.
One of the strongest indicators of IQ® Glass’s exceptional service and product quality is the high volume of repeat business from satisfied contractors and architects. These clients consistently return to IQ®, confident in the company’s expertise and reputation as a leader in the field: “The staff were exemplary in terms of their professionalism and ‘can do’ attitude. They cared about what they were doing, our property and kept us informed on progress. The site was in a difficult location along with added complications (outside of IQ®’s control). The company was always very responsive and despite the hurdles and challenges… you always felt that the company were determined and committed to delivering a first-class installation of their high-quality products. Thank you!”
IQ® Glass’s presence in the South West, via buildings that have been designed by some of the area’s leading architectural practices, is an indication of their ability to meet the challenges thrown up the weather’s extremes. Baked by the sun during the summer months and yet lashed by scouring salt and rain from December onwards, building materials have to able to cope with such proclivities. It’s no accident that coastal constructions in the past have tended to fight shy of having large windows on their seaward facing sides.
Even further inland a similar regard for environmental factors has previously been a driving force in building design. However, with innovations in materials feeding into the building industry architects are no longer shackled to the forces of nature. This especially applies to glass. A good example that sits neatly in the IQ® Glass portfolio is Stone Haven, a sustainable new-build home in Bodmin. It utilises frameless glazing systems to meld with its stunning natural surroundings. Sited against a grassy slope overlooking the Cornish coastline, the house features a blend of Cornish slate and sustainably sourced timber, creating a rural aesthetic that integrates with the landscape. Minimally framed and frameless glazing enhances the design, with large fixed windows and slim sliding glass doors allowing full visual access to the outdoors. A minimal glazed link connects the two halves of the house, while timber posts frame structural glass walls. Solar control coatings on the south-facing glazing prevent overheating, ensuring the home remains comfortable, bright and energy-efficient throughout the year.
With an acknowledgement to Cornwall’s demanding climate Dynargh, named after the Cornish word for “strength,” exemplifies the robustness and flexibility of IQ® Glass’s installations. This contemporary family home benefits from a fully glazed façade that floods the interiors with natural light. The use of low-emissivity glass ensures optimal thermal efficiency, while the slim frame profiles contribute to the home’s modern appearance. The result is a dwelling that is as warm and inviting as it is beautiful.
It’s not only new-builds where IQ® Glass finds its products specified. Green Hedges, a rather dated property in need of a complete uplift was transformed into a modern space through the strategic use of glazing. The renovation of the property involved the installation of bespoke glass extensions and a series of minimal windows®, creating a fluid transition between the interior spaces and the gardens beyond. The thermally efficient glazing solutions ensure comfort throughout the year, making the property a real home.
One of the South West’s leading architectural practices, ARCO2, invited IQ® Glass to become involved with one of their flagship constructions. Sand Dunes, the property in question, features extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames views of the sea. The minimal windows® system used in this project provides superb thermal performance, essential for a coastal location subject to the harsh climatic conditions. The transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces feels almost seamless and highlights the potential of architectural glazing to enhance lifestyle and connectivity with nature.
The clever use of glass at Leign Farm is an example of the integration of modern design within a rural setting. The project features the combination of frameless glass structures that blend with the traditional farm architecture. Large sliding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that natural light floods the living spaces while providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside. The use of thermally efficient glass maintains a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. This renovation perfectly illustrates IQ® Glass’s ability to balance the historic with the contemporary, creating a residence that pays homage to both.
IQ® Glass collaborated with Devon-based Barc Architects to help create Sanctuary House, a contemporary new home that maximises that invites views of the Devonshire countryside. The architects specified large elevations of structural and minimally framed glazing to provide unobstructed views from the upper floors, while the lower floors benefited from carefully selected glazing to offer privacy without compromising natural light. The design combined nearly frameless glazing with a natural palette of materials, including stone cladding, larch, zinc and lime render. For a client with a degenerative sight issue, the home was designed to allow ample light without glare, incorporating large overhanging eaves. The thermally efficient glazing met the client’s performance needs, while minimal windows sliding doors provided flush thresholds, meeting Lifetime Home standards.
Besides embracing architectural and technological advances, IQ® Glass is committed to sustainability. The company actively incorporates energy-efficient glass solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. This stance manifests itself in the use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing coupled with a dedication to recycling and waste reduction, underscoring their commitment to environmental stewardship.
The thermally efficient properties of their products also contribute significantly to reducing energy consumption in buildings, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This stance aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reflects their broader vision of creating sustainable, future-ready structures.
IQ Glass® continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in architectural glazing. Through their innovative technologies and bespoke solutions, they partner with forward thinking architectural practices helping to reshape the built landscape. Their projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings, serve as a testament to their dedication to quality, aesthetics and sustainability. In a world where the interplay between nature and built environments becomes increasingly important, IQ® Glass is one of this country’s innovators. Their work does more than just capture the eye; it enriches lives and enhances connections.
