heolgerrig
Overview
Heolgerrig is a design-led home shaped around exceptional views, with extensive full-height glazing and a dramatic three-storey glass atrium as the project’s centrepiece. The architecture was conceived to connect interior space to landscape maximising outlook, daylight, and arrival experience while ensuring the building still performs as a comfortable, efficient home.
The Brief
The client’s priority was clear: create a modern house that fully embraces its setting through bold glazing and open, light-filled volumes. Key requirements included:
Large-format glazing to frame long views and bring the landscape into the home
A three-storey glazed atrium to create a striking internal focal point
A contemporary aesthetic with crisp detailing and clean lines
A solution that remained compliant and practical to build, despite the scale of glazing
Project Snapshot
Project Type: Contemporary new-build home
Key Feature: Three-storey glazed atrium with panoramic glazing
Focus: Views, daylight, architectural clarity, and high-performance detailing
Planning: Straightforward
Technical Challenge: Thermal efficiency resolution for high-glazing design
Design Response
We developed the scheme around a clear spatial concept: a tall, glazed internal void that drives orientation and daylight deep into the plan. The atrium acts as both an architectural statement and an organising device connecting levels visually and physically, while creating a strong sense of volume and calm.
The design focused on:
Controlled composition of glazing and solid elements to maintain balance and privacy
A layout that uses the atrium as a natural hinge point for circulation and views
High-quality junction detailing to keep the architecture sharp and intentional
Coordination that supports both aesthetic clarity and buildability
Planning and Performance
From a planning standpoint, the proposal progressed smoothly. The more demanding challenge was thermal performance: extensive glazing and a large internal void can create significant risks around heat loss, overheating, and comfort if not carefully resolved.
We addressed this through a rigorous technical approach—ensuring the design intent remained intact while meeting performance expectations. Key considerations included:
Thermal strategy development for large glazed areas and atrium behaviour
Glazing specification and performance alignment (U-values, solar control, comfort)
Detail-led coordination to manage thermal bridging and junction performance
Balanced daylight and solar gain control to support year-round comfort
What We Delivered
Concept design and atrium-led spatial planning
Planning drawings and coordination (smooth planning route)
Technical development focused on thermal efficiency and comfort
Coordination of key interfaces to protect the glazing-led design intent
