Glazing features as RIBA National Awards announced

As the winners of this year’s RIBA National Awards are announced, it’s encouraging to see how many of the architects have employed glazing to its best advantage. From family homes to modern commercial buildings, stunning glass walls and feature windows are high on the list.

Established in 2007, The RIBA National Awards are given to buildings in the UK that are considered to have contributed to British Architecture.

The projects all share an excellence in design, sustainability and be fit for purpose.

The forty-six buildings recognised in the awards are automatically nominated for the Stirling Prize for the best new building of the year, presented to “the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture in the past year.”

As the winners of this year’s RIBA National Awards  are announced, it’s encouraging to see how many of the architects have employed glazing to its best advantage.

From family homes to modern commercial buildings, stunning glass walls and feature windows are high on the list.

These buildings can provide inspiration for everyday glazing projects; take a look at some of our top picks from the 46 on offer…

A private house in Cumbria

This property uses glass in many different ways, including beautiful patio doors that lead out onto the impressive scenery. External glass panels are on show on the upper balcony.

Panoramic windows bring the outdoors closer, while a glazed covered walkway provides a respite from the rain.

Built in an area with strict planning rules, this modern property glides naturally into the countryside. The quality of the design in keeping with the area helps it to stand out, yet blend seamlessly.

Glass is used extensively to celebrate the environment, while being sympathetic to the surroundings.

Heart of Campus

As you approach this university building, the ‘WOW’ factor hits you.

This impressive entrance certainly catches the eye, due primarily to its large expanse of glass. In this instance, the frontage provides a light and airy heart space, with views across the plaza.

Natural light is encouraged throughout the building, not only through the extensive glazing, but also via its brick fretwork facades, geared at animating the internal spaces.

Outhouse

This unusual house is literally built into a field – the only difference being the field is on top of the house instead of in front of it.

Glass is cleverly incorporated not just as a design feature, but as an integral part of the build. The glass front on the downhill side not only provides a spectacular backdrop for the views, but allows natural light to invade the room. This is complemented by the light wells in the ceiling, artfully employed to lighten the inner sanctum below.

Stanbrook Abbey

An abbey is probably not the first type of building to pop into your mind when you think about glazing projects, but this one definitely bends the rules to sit defiantly within the 21^st century.

From the glass enclosed walkway, to the tall chapel windows, this project makes the most of the natural light.

Sustainability was high on the agenda for this design, and the extensive glass will no doubt help keep the utility bills at a minimum.

Be inspired

This small snapshot of the impressive winning RIBA projects will hopefully inspire you for your own endeavours. In all four buildings glass has been used to create unique and distinctive spaces, providing not just the wow factor, but a feeling of light and space.

By taking just one element featured into your own designs you too can benefit from all that glazing has to offer for yourself.