Renovating a listed building is a balancing act. You want to enhance what’s already there, but without losing its original character. That’s where the glass link comes in. With the right approach, a glass link extension allows you to connect buildings, expand your footprint, and introduce natural light—without visually overpowering the structure.
At Precision Glass Ltd, we specialise in frameless glass links that bring modern design to historic spaces. Whether you’re planning an extension to an existing structure or connecting separate buildings with a glass link between buildings, we can help create the ideal solution that ticks both aesthetic and planning boxes.
What Is a Glass Link?
A glass link—also called a glazed link or link structure—is a fully glazed connection between two parts of a building. It might be used to connect a new addition to an existing home, join two separate buildings on a property, or simply create a link space that brings in natural light and opens up movement between areas.
Most importantly, in heritage settings, it offers a light-touch approach. It’s one of the few ways you can add space to a listed building without causing visual disruption. The transparency and simplicity of glass link structures mean they don’t compete with the original architecture—they frame it.
Why Use Glass in Heritage Renovations?
Glass allows you to add modern function to old buildings, while still celebrating the features that make them special. A structural glass link can be fitted with minimal intervention using specialist fixing methods and structural silicone for a clean, almost invisible finish.
And with advances in technology, you don’t have to sacrifice performance for design. Whether double or triple glazed, fitted with opening elements, or designed with an insulated glass specification, glass links can be just as energy-efficient as solid structures.
It’s also about light. When you choose a glass roof, glass walls, or glass doors for your link, you’re not just connecting spaces physically—you’re flooding them with natural light. This improves flow, makes the building feel more spacious, and creates a stunning visual contrast between the old and the new.
Key Considerations in Glass Link Design
Not all glass link designs are created equal. Every project requires careful thought. Here are some of the big questions we help clients answer:
How visible should the link be?
Some clients prefer a dramatic contrast between modern and old; others want it to disappear entirely. We tailor our frameless glass links to suit both.
What type of glazing is required?
Depending on thermal goals, we recommend single glazed, double glazed, or triple glazed solutions.
What kind of roof will it have?
Options include a glass roof for maximum light, or we can work around a solid roof if privacy or insulation is key.
Our team works with architects, developers and private clients to make sure every detail works—from the glass thickness to how the link connects to the building.
Why Precision Glass?
We don’t believe in off-the-shelf solutions. Every glass installation we do is custom-built to suit the project. Whether it’s the simplicity of a frameless glass link or the complexity of a multi-panel structural glass link, we manage the full journey—from design and fabrication to installation.
Precision Glass Ltd. has worked on a wide range of heritage projects, each with its own challenges. Our experience means we know how to navigate planning permissions, manage conservation concerns, and deliver high-quality, visually subtle results.
So if you’re planning a glass link between buildings, or need a modern extension to an existing listed structure, get in touch. We’ll help bring your vision to life, without compromising on history.
📧 enquiries@precisionglassltd.co.uk
FAQs
Do I need planning permission for a glass link in a listed building?
Yes—most likely. But with careful design, approval is much more likely.
Can a glass link be insulated for year-round use?
Absolutely. We use double or triple-glazed units for thermal performance.
Will a glass link reduce the heritage value of the property?
Done right, no. It can actually enhance the visibility of the original structure.
What type of glass is used?
We use insulated glass, often with a glass roof, glass walls, and glass doors, depending on the design. We can use specialist glass such as antireflective glass, or switchable glass, which can be a requirement for planning approval.
How strong is a glass link?
With the right structural glazing, it’s incredibly durable. We use tested fixing methods and glass thicknesses that comply with UK building standards.
Can you work nationwide?
Yes—we serve clients across London, the South East, and nationally on request.