CASE STUDY
The Boathouse
Products used
minimal windows® Sliding Doors, Sieger Casement Windows, Sieger Lux Casement Doors, Structural Glass Rooflights
Location
Stoke Gabriel, Devon
Completion date
Project Overview
Riverside glazing in Devon was specified throughout The Boathouse, a former boat repair workshop on the banks of the River Dart with a history spanning more than 200 years. The renovation retained the building’s exposed beams, stonework and original architectural character while converting it into a contemporary waterfront home.
Sieger Systems supplied a coordinated glazing package comprising minimal windows® sliding doors, Sieger Casement Windows, Sieger Lux Casement Doors and structural glass rooflights. Large glazed openings maximise daylight and frame views across the river, while marine-grade components, solar control glass and thermally efficient systems respond to the demands of the exposed waterside setting.
Project Challenges
Riverside glazing in Devon for a historic boat workshop
The principal challenge was to introduce contemporary glazing without diminishing the character of the original workshop. The existing timber structure and stonework needed to remain visually prominent, so the new windows, doors and rooflights had to provide larger areas of glass without introducing visually heavy framing.
The riverside location created additional performance requirements. The glazing package needed to withstand moisture, exposed weather and the corrosive effects associated with a coastal river environment while maintaining reliable operation and a consistent external finish.
Different parts of the property also required different glazing responses. The main living areas needed wide openings and direct access to balconies and terraces, while other rooms required controlled ventilation and carefully framed river views. Roof glazing was required to introduce daylight into areas that could not rely solely on the external elevations.
Project Solutions
Minimal sliding doors, casement glazing and structural rooflights
minimal windows® sliding doors were used to form the largest river-facing openings. Their reduced aluminium sightlines keep the glazed elevations visually light and allow the River Dart to remain the dominant view from the principal living spaces. The sliding operation also provides direct access to the external terraces without requiring door leaves to project into the interior.
Sieger Lux Casement Doors were installed where hinged access to balconies and terraces was more appropriate. These doors were coordinated with Sieger Casement Windows, allowing opening and fixed elements to share a consistent aluminium language across the restored building.
Structural glass rooflights bring daylight into deeper parts of the plan while maintaining clear views of the original roof structure. Their minimal framing allows the roof glazing to sit alongside the exposed beams without competing with the retained historic fabric.
Solar control glass and marine-grade components were incorporated across the glazing package to support internal comfort and long-term durability. This allowed the large areas of riverside glazing in Devon to deliver clear views and natural light while responding to the environmental conditions of the site.
Project Highlight
The glazing package was developed around the retained industrial character of the former boat workshop. Minimal sliding doors and casement glazing open the house to the river, while structural glass rooflights introduce daylight around the original beams and stonework without concealing the building’s historic structure.
End Result
Performance considerations
The waterfront location required the glazing to address weather exposure, solar gain, thermal performance and corrosion risk. Marine-grade components were specified to support long-term durability in the riverside environment, while solar control glass helps limit excessive heat gain and glare across the larger glazed elevations.
The minimal sliding door systems provide tested resistance to air infiltration, driving rain and wind loading while maintaining 21mm vertical junctions. Their large glass areas allow daylight and river views to be retained when the systems are closed.
Thermally broken casement doors and windows provide additional access and controlled natural ventilation throughout the house. Structural glass rooflights use insulated glazing with laminated inner panes for overhead safety, bringing daylight into the plan while supporting modern thermal performance.
Together, the sliding doors, casement glazing and rooflights provide a coordinated response to the environmental and architectural demands of the restored waterfront building.
Sieger’s conclusion
The Boathouse demonstrates how riverside glazing in Devon can support the conversion of a historic waterside building without obscuring its original structure. Minimal sliding doors maximise views and terrace access, while casement openings and structural rooflights distribute ventilation and daylight across the wider home.
This approach is suited to architects, designers and homeowners working on waterfront renovations where heritage fabric, exposed weather conditions, large glazed openings and modern thermal performance must be resolved as one glazing package.
To discuss a comparable waterside project, contact Sieger Systems for technical advice on minimal sliding doors, casement glazing, structural rooflights and marine-grade specification.
Panoramic views retained across the River Dart
Original beams and stonework remain visually prominent
Direct access created to balconies and terraces
Marine-grade and solar-control specification for the riverside site
Technical specifications
| minimal windows® Sliding Doors | 21mm vertical sightline, glass thickness from 26mm to 32mm and tested sliding panes up to 8.5m², 4m high and 500kg. Typical Uw value greater than 1.1 W/m²K, calculated per project. |
| Sliding Door Performance | Air permeability Class 4, driving rain Class 7A, wind resistance Class C4/B5, sound insulation up to 39dB and PAS 24 security. |
| Sieger Lux Casement Doors | 101mm profile sightline, glass thickness from 24mm to 40mm, maximum leaf size of 1200mm wide × 2400mm high and maximum leaf weight of 90kg. Uw values from 1.4 W/m²K. |
| Casement Door Performance | Air permeability Class 4, water tightness Class 9A and wind resistance Class A3. |
| Structural Glass Rooflights | Glass thickness up to 37.5mm DGU, typical Ug value of 1.1 W/m²K and example system Uw value of 1.2 W/m²K. Laminated inner glazing is required for overhead safety. |
| Coastal and Solar Specification | Marine-grade components and solar control glass used across the glazing package to support durability, glare control and year-round comfort in the exposed riverside environment. |
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