Solarlux Acubis glass canopy transforms patio area

The addition of a Solarlux Acubis glass canopy has proved transformational for a nature-loving family living in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. It provides a relaxing space to take in the sounds of the outside pond whilst enjoying the views of the surrounding gardens and countryside. For a livelier experience the glass canopy creates a perfect space for entertainment too. Whether it is inviting some friends round for a few drinks, having a dinner party, or even hosting their daughter’s Hen Do, the glass canopy always delivers a wonderful atmosphere at one with nature.

The cutting-edge design of the glass canopy allows the patio space in the rear garden to be used all year round. The glass walls and roof protect the family from the elements when required, allowing them to sit in the outside space whatever the weather. To make this space even more special, the innovative design of stack and turn frameless glass wall panels means it can be opened up fully so occupants can truly experience the joys of summer days and warm balmy evenings.

This flexibility is one of the reasons why the family is so pleased with the results. As the customer said: “The beauty of our new glass canopy is that we can use the space all year round. Our garden is quite open, and the wind can get really strong. The glass canopy means we can sit out on our patio without feeling the wind. When it’s raining, we can enjoy the surreal experience of watching it pour down all around us without getting wet. We have wall heaters so in the winter we can even watch the ‘snow snowing’. The icing on the cake is that the glass walls can easily be slid back to give us the full outdoor patio experience when the weather is good.”

With a footprint of 7.5m x 3.5m for the glass canopy, this project in Worcestershire represented the largest linked glass canopy specified and installed in the UK. Whilst the size may be a challenge for alternative solutions, it fell well within the tested structural, span and load bearing capabilities of the Solarlux system.

An additional challenge was potentially provided by the fact that the roof of the glass canopy needed to be attached to a single storey bungalow. However, the low pitch and cubic design of the glass canopy made it the perfect choice to overcome this height restriction.

SDL Acubis glass canopy roof
The SDL AcubisGlass Canopy formed the roof. This non-insulated laminated safety glass canopy can be attached to a building or used as a standalone structure. The internal structural members of the non-insulated profile system lend the canopy an air of elegance. The 2° roof pitch is barely visible to the naked eye but is enough to ensure that water drains off the glass canopy.

Proline S sliding doors
One shorter glass wall of the design used a set of Proline S sliding doors. The set is made of three panels, with two of the panels sliding behind the first to leave two-thirds of the space open. The Proline S sliding system offers protection from bad weather. The non-insulated all-glass sliding panels are guided along a running track. It has low-noise stainless steel track rollers on sealed bearings with low-wear, low-maintenance, stainless steel bearing surfaces. The Proline S on the left-hand side also helps shield the space from prevailing winds coming through that side.

Proline T slide and turn doors
For the other short glass wall and the long glass wall along the front of the patio area, the Solarlux Proline T slide and turn panels were installed to give an uninterrupted view of the garden. They offer outstanding resistance to wind and rain, along with excellent sound insulation, allowing outside spaces such as the patio to be used in all types of weather. The all-glass panels have a totally transparent appearance that blends with the house appearance and protects the fabric of the external wall. All 12 panels used on the project turn and stack, meaning the entire front of the glass house can open up to give full access to the garden area. In addition, the glass canopy installation included two large external electric awnings discreetly concealed behind a pelmet. This provided excellent solar shading during hotter months while maintaining the clean architectural lines of the structure.

Spectrum Architectural Glazing, one of Solarlux’s Quality Partners, specified and installed the glass canopy in Worcestershire. They have the largest Solarlux showroom in the UK, with all products on display and live demonstration areas, including two atriums and two glass extensions.

Neil Spiers, Director of Sales at Spectrum Architectural Glazing, said: “We were very pleased to be able to deliver a stunning glass canopy for the customer that created such a pleasant and versatile space for them to enjoy throughout the year. We have worked with Solarlux for over 15 years, and their slim contemporary designs, coupled with outstanding quality products, always deliver a real ‘wow’ factor for our customers.”

This wow factor was reiterated by the customer. When asked if she would recommend it to someone else, she said: “There is no need – when people come round and see it for themselves, they are instantly sold and want one for their home. It recommends itself.”

If you are thinking of adding a glass canopy to your property, Solarlux are a leading manufacturer of premium glass canopies and have a wealth of experience in delivering stunning projects for their customers.

On the project in Worcestershire, Joel Severn, Regional Sales Manager of Solarlux commented, “At Solarlux we have over 40 years’ experience of designing and delivering exceptional quality products to our customers. It’s wonderful to see how our glass canopy solution has enabled the customer to create such a beautiful, inviting and versatile space. It offers a seamless connection between the colourful energy of her expansive garden and the breathtaking views of the surrounding hill ranges”.

If you would like to find out more about how our glass canopies could enhance your outdoor spaces, please contact the team at Solarlux who will be happy to help.