Overview

Hellgerig 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

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

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