Case Studies
Old Palace Place
Set behind a historic London home, Old Palace Place demonstrates how contemporary structural glazing can complement period architecture. Designed by Michael Jones Architects and delivered by Green County Developments Ltd, the extension combines a bespoke Sky-Frame sliding system, structural glass walls and a frameless glazed roof to create a light-filled living space with uninterrupted garden views.
Type
Heritage, Residential, Urban
When
2025
Bespoke Engineering
The ambition was to create an extension that felt almost invisible, replacing solid walls with expansive structural glazing to maximise daylight and strengthen the connection between the interior and the garden.
To achieve this, the design combined a frameless structural glass enclosure with a Sky-Frame 2 Classic sliding system, allowing the glazing to become the defining architectural feature rather than simply an opening within it. Every glazed element was manufactured as a bespoke double-glazed unit with a COOL-LITE solar control coating, providing excellent thermal and solar performance while maintaining exceptional clarity.
Although the finished extension appears elegantly simple, every glazing detail required careful engineering.
The project incorporated structural glass walls, a frameless glass roof and shaped glazing units, all designed specifically for the building. One of the most complex elements was the concealed roof drainage. Rather than introducing visible gutters that would interrupt the clean architectural lines, Cantifix developed a hidden drainage solution requiring the roof glass to be precisely notched to direct rainwater into an integrated gutter system.
The result is a glazing system that delivers the minimalist appearance envisioned by the architect while maintaining long-term weather performance.
To achieve this, the design combined a frameless structural glass enclosure with a Sky-Frame 2 Classic sliding system, allowing the glazing to become the defining architectural feature rather than simply an opening within it. Every glazed element was manufactured as a bespoke double-glazed unit with a COOL-LITE solar control coating, providing excellent thermal and solar performance while maintaining exceptional clarity.
Although the finished extension appears elegantly simple, every glazing detail required careful engineering.
The project incorporated structural glass walls, a frameless glass roof and shaped glazing units, all designed specifically for the building. One of the most complex elements was the concealed roof drainage. Rather than introducing visible gutters that would interrupt the clean architectural lines, Cantifix developed a hidden drainage solution requiring the roof glass to be precisely notched to direct rainwater into an integrated gutter system.
The result is a glazing system that delivers the minimalist appearance envisioned by the architect while maintaining long-term weather performance.
Delivering The Project
Installing the glazing presented its own challenges due to the restricted access to the rear of the property. With no practical route for transporting the oversized glazed units through the site, a carefully coordinated crane installation was planned, enabling every panel to be lifted safely over the existing building and into position in a single day.
Several of the structural glass units weighed in excess of 800kg, requiring detailed lifting plans, comprehensive risk assessments and close coordination between all project teams. Extensive RAMS, lifting plans and health and safety procedures were developed in advance to ensure every stage of the installation could be carried out safely and efficiently.
Beyond the installation itself, the project demanded close collaboration throughout the design process. Cantifix worked alongside Michael Jones Architects as the scheme progressed through planning, providing technical detailing and material samples while helping to refine the glazing design and resolve fire strategy, boundary conditions and access requirements before manufacture commenced. This collaborative approach ensured the finished installation remained true to the architect's vision while meeting the practical demands of the site.
Several of the structural glass units weighed in excess of 800kg, requiring detailed lifting plans, comprehensive risk assessments and close coordination between all project teams. Extensive RAMS, lifting plans and health and safety procedures were developed in advance to ensure every stage of the installation could be carried out safely and efficiently.
Beyond the installation itself, the project demanded close collaboration throughout the design process. Cantifix worked alongside Michael Jones Architects as the scheme progressed through planning, providing technical detailing and material samples while helping to refine the glazing design and resolve fire strategy, boundary conditions and access requirements before manufacture commenced. This collaborative approach ensured the finished installation remained true to the architect's vision while meeting the practical demands of the site.
The Result
Completed in September 2025, Old Palace Place is a refined example of contemporary glazing integrated within a historic setting.
The combination of structural glass, minimalist framing and carefully concealed technical detailing creates an extension that feels bright, elegant and effortlessly connected to its surroundings while remaining sympathetic to the character of the original home.
