| This introduction
to the specification and construction of Glass Houses built
by Jeremy Uglow is designed to answer most of your technical
questions. If you require any further information or advice,
please contact us. Alternatively, you are welcome to make
an appointment to visit our workshop near Farnham. As a part
of every design project we prepare a detailed estimate and
individual specification from meetings at your home.
Do we need planning permission?
Whether a planning application will be required depends a
lot on the particular circumstances at each individual property.
The majority of the projects undertaken do require an application
to be submitted; should the dwellings have an historical listing
an additional separate application would also be required.
Building regulations class conservatories as exempt structures
but should the structure have a floor area of over 30 m. sq.
or if it lacks an external grade door/partition between it
and the house an application to the local building control
office will be necessary. We have extensive experience in
such applications and are happy to carry this out as part
of the project.
How do we ensure the design is perfect?
Before building work or joinery manufacture begins a detailed
site and property survey is undertaken. This records the dimensions
and levels of the existing building, ensuring that your new
building is an exact fit. A complete set of highly detailed
CAD drawings are produced, from which all manufacture and
building professionals work. These drawings will be presented
for your approval before work starts.
What are the benefits of a complete managed service?
To provide the most seamless project we prefer to manage and
complete all builders’ work where possible. Builders’
work normally includes the construction of foundations, floor,
alterations to drainage, plastering, walls and structural
openings . All of our structures are built to meet current
local authority standards whether building control is involved
or not. Great care is taken to echo any existing materials
of the property, such as stone or brickwork, often using handmade
or reclaimed materials and specialist lime mortars to get
the closest possible match.
How long do your structures last?
All our glass structures are designed to be permanent, with
a similar lifespan to normal building construction. They require
only routine maintenance to ensure a long and useful life.
We use substantial hardwood sections assembled with wedged
through-mortise and tenon joints. This provides great strength
and longevity. Non-timber components are almost all of our
own design, either purpose-made or chosen for their practical
performance, visual qualities and long life.
What timber do you use for construction?
We normally use the finest quality seasoned African and Asian
hardwoods selecting each to suit its task. Durability and
stability are two of the most important properties. Other
timbers such as oak are also used where buildings or clients
require it. Our suppliers ensure that all timber comes from
sustainable and renewable sources.
What is special about your roofs and lanterns?
Our roofs and lanterns combine inherent strength with visual
delicacy. On larger or more complex roofs, we often incorporate
concealed steel reinforcement to create an uncluttered appearance.
Many glazed roofs use decorative ties or cast metal eaves
and ridge braces in a range of authentic period patterns.
Our roofs provide safe support for cleaning and access, for
people and their equipment. The topsides are effectively maintenance-free,
needing only normal routine cleaning. They are fully pre-finished
with our own proprietary coated cappings. These cappings incorporate
double seals of synthetic rubber to retain the glazing, and
invisible stainless steel fixings. Roof bosses are sometimes
embellished with turned or hand-carved finials and pendants,
finished in durable enamel. Cast iron ball finials are standard,
and we offer an extensive choice of classical and individual
designs. Authentic period crestings and friezes in cast metal
or fretted timber are also available.
What is your range of glazing styles?
Our range is almost unlimited and examples of the diversity
of styles appear throughout our brochure. Our double-glazing
bars are exceptionally slender, whilst our delicate single-glazed
astragals are historically authentic. Most patterns can be
double-glazed with individual sealed units, though this may
be difficult with more delicate designs. One solution is to
use perfectly-matched fine grids. Curved patterns use individually
formed glazing bars made from match-thin strips of timber,
skilfully jointed by hand.
What types of glazing are offered?
Normally most glass units within our glass constructions are
built as a 24mm double glazed unit with two layers of 4mm
toughened safety glass separated with a 16mm spacer. There
are many different types of glass available. Broadly these
fall into three categories: low emissivity, solar and self
cleaning. Low emissivity glass helps retain heat within buildings
in cold periods and can be used in conjunction with an argon
gas fill, improving insulation further. Solar glass blocks
the sun’s rays, reducing heat build-up in summer and
bleaching of fabrics and furniture. Self cleaning glass breaks
down any dirt that lands on the pane, allowing rain to easily
wash it away. These products can be used on their own or in
conjunction with each other, depending on the requirements
of the job. A high specification low emissivity glass is fitted
to all glazing units as standard.
Can the temperature
be controlled effectively all year round?
Ventilation is important and is always considered careful.
Although there are various mechanical systems that can be
used it is often best to design around natural methods. Where
possible, vents will be incorporated into the roof structure,
removing the warmest air at the highest point. Roof ventilators
can be operated manually or automatically using temperature
and rain sensors. Opening windows will be fitted in vertical
joinery where possible, and are typically included in between
a third to half of all the window panels. We prefer to fit
windows so that the hinges are at the side rather than at
the top, giving a more traditional look and providing better
ventilation. On larger panels top hung windows are a better
option.
What fittings and
security are provided?
We use the best quality ironmongery for the doors and windows,
generally polished brassware in simple classical patterns.
To ensure optimum security, our robust frames are complemented
by burglar-resistant fittings. Doors have multipoint locks
with solid cast hook bolts, 5-lever mortise security locks,
substantial concealed lever bolts and integral security bolts
on most doors and windows. Most doors open 180° on broad
projection hinges, held open with cabin hooks.
How is a Glass House finished?
We use solvent-free, water-based, microporous paints, specially
formulated to suit our timber. They have a low-gloss and high-opacity,
offering a longer life than normal paint. In our workshops,
all the woodwork is thoroughly sanded, sprayed with a dense
primer undercoat, rubbed down by hand, and given a further
two dense coats prior to protective wrapping and despatch.
The paint is normally a warm off-white, but can be colour
matched to order. We finish the woodwork with two further
coats when installation is complete. All visible external
metal components are polyester enamelled for durability in
off-white or grey as standard
What is your guarantee?
We provide a comprehensive, ten year guarantee covering all
work manufactured and fitted by us. On other components, such
as electrical fittings, we pass on the guarantee provided
to us by our suppliers. We constantly review the materials
construction and procedures used so specifications are continuously
updated.
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