You may want to install glass doors, glazed screens or lobbies to create a draught-proof entrance and allow people to have a clear view into the interior.
We can help you understand the benefits and the drawbacks.
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- Glass screens (495.56 KB)
The benefits
Having a glass screen can:
- Create a sense of openness and welcome
- Create a “shop-window” effect and encourage people to look inside
- Create enclosed spaces which do not compete with surrounding architecture
- Provide a greater sense of safety
The drawbacks
Glass screens:
- Are heavier than other forms of construction and may require special fixings
- Are more prone to thermal movement
- Can create unintentional reflections
- Show marks more easily
- Can be a safety hazard (people might not see them)
- Can impede air movement and lead to condensation and mould growth
- Can cause overheating
- May not be fire resistant
These issues can usually be dealt with if they are clearly identified in the early stages.
Your proposal for a new glass screen
If you are thinking about installing a glazed entrance in your church, you will need to make a case for the change in your statement of needs.
You will need to assess the impact on the significance of the building in terms of the:
- Physical changes involved
- Visual effect inside and out
This should be set out in your statement of significance.
Important: What applies to glass doors and lobbies might also apply to other large-scale uses of glass in your church, such as glass partitions and balconies.