Architectural VELFAC & Origin Glazing – Cobham

The brief

The project formed part of a substantial renovation of an existing brick property in Cobham, Surrey.

Cedar Views worked alongside Abbie Whitehead Architects and contractor Home Republic to develop and deliver the glazing package across the property.

The brief required a combination of contemporary glazing and more characterful architectural details, with the new windows and doors needing to work with both the original brick elevations and the newly remodelled areas of the house.

Design objectives

The objective was to introduce a consistent, contemporary glazing language without losing the architectural character of the property.

Dark-framed VELFAC windows were selected across the external elevations, while the rear extension incorporated larger glazed openings and Origin doors.

A particularly important feature was the arched glazing to the front elevation. Rather than simplifying this opening, the glazing was designed around its distinctive form, retaining it as an important architectural feature of the house.

Why this specification

The glazing package combined VELFAC V200 windows with Origin OF36+ doors, allowing the window and door elements to be specified as distinct systems while maintaining a coherent architectural appearance across the property.

The VELFAC V200 system was used for the window package, including the distinctive feature glazing to the front elevation, while the Origin OF36+ system was used for the glazed door openings.

This combination allowed the glazing to respond to the different requirements across the original brick property and the contemporary rear alterations, while retaining a consistent dark-framed appearance externally.

Technical & installation

The project included a wide range of opening types rather than a repetitive standard window schedule.

Particular attention was required around the feature arched glazing, the relationship between the glazing and existing brick openings, and the integration of new doors and windows into the remodelled rear elevations.

The size and quantity of glazing also required coordinated delivery and handling on site, including mechanical lifting equipment during the delivery process.

Close communication between Cedar Views, Abbie Whitehead Architects and Home Republic helped ensure the glazing package was coordinated with the wider construction works.

Challenges

One of the key challenges was introducing contemporary glazing into a property with strong existing architectural features.

The solution was not simply to replace every opening with the same window configuration. The proportions and character of the building needed to be respected, particularly around the prominent arched opening above the main entrance.

At the rear, the glazing also needed to sit comfortably alongside the dark timber-clad extension, creating a much more contemporary architectural treatment than the original brick elevations.

The outcome

The completed glazing creates a clear connection between the original property and its contemporary alterations.

Dark-framed VELFAC windows complement the existing brickwork, while the Origin doors and larger glazed openings strengthen the relationship between the house, rear extension and garden.

The arched feature glazing has become one of the defining elements of the front elevation.

For Cedar Views, the project is also a good example of the value of early collaboration between the architect, contractor and glazing specialist. We particularly enjoyed working alongside Abbie Whitehead Architects and Home Republic to develop and deliver the glazing as part of the wider architectural scheme rather than treating the windows and doors as isolated components.