If you’re looking to connect two areas of your home—or blend old and new parts of a building—glass links offer one of the most elegant, modern, and light-filled solutions available today, enhancing both the architectural design and the beauty of your space.
At Fluid Glass, we’re specialists in structural glazing across the UK, with years of experience designing and delivering bespoke glass link extensions that feel seamless and look exceptional. Whether you’re extending a Georgian townhouse in Islington or joining a garden studio to a home in Clapham, we’ve helped London homeowners transform their properties with beautifully integrated glass links. These installations not only extend your home but also enhance the living area by integrating outdoor environments and maximizing natural light.
Introduction to Glass Connections
Glass connections, including structural glass links, are a modern and elegant way to connect two structures, providing a seamless and frameless finish. These connections can be used to link rooms, buildings, or even create a new extension, while maintaining the visual appeal and property value of the existing building. With the use of frameless glass walls and structural glass links, it is possible to create a completely frameless look that invites natural light into interior spaces. Architectural glazing and structural glazing are key components of glass connections, offering a range of benefits, including energy efficiency, thermal insulation, and durability.
What is a Glass Link?
A glass link is a glazed corridor or connector—usually minimal in design—that joins two parts of a building while maximising light and maintaining clear visual separation. Both frameless and framed options are available, offering elegance and seamlessness or traditional aesthetics and structural support.
At Fluid Glass, we have designed and installed many bespoke glass links that cater to a variety of architectural styles and functional needs.
Often used to:
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Connect a main house to a new extension or outbuilding
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Link period and modern architecture
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Create a ‘pause’ between zones, bringing in light and creating flow
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Integrate various types of doors to enhance aesthetics and functionality
Because the design is transparent and refined, the result feels intentional, never overpowering—just elegant, modern, and full of daylight. Highly glazed spaces facilitate significant natural light intake to promote the health and well-being of occupants, making them a valuable addition to any home.
Glass connections offer innovative architectural solutions for joining new extensions to existing buildings, providing enhanced natural light, stylish design, and versatility.
Benefits of Architectural Glazing
Architectural glazing, including structural glass links and frameless glass walls, offers numerous benefits, such as maximizing living space, adding a sense of space, and creating energy-efficient spaces. Insulated glass units, double or triple glazing, and laminated glass are just a few examples of the many glazing solutions available. These solutions can be tailored to meet specific performance requirements, ensuring that the glass connection meets the needs of the project. By incorporating glass connections into a building design, architects can create a completely frameless finish that enhances the beauty and elegance of the structure. Additionally, glass connections can be used to connect listed and historical buildings, providing a discreet means of expanding these structures while maintaining their historical integrity.
Types of Glass Links
Glass links can be categorized into various types based on their design, functionality, and purpose. Here are some common types of glass links:
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Structural Glass Links: Designed to provide a seamless connection between two structures, these links maximize natural light and offer unobstructed views. They are perfect for creating a fluid transition between spaces.
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Frameless Glass Links: Featuring a completely frameless design, these links create a sleek and modern aesthetic. The absence of visible framework ensures a minimalist look that enhances the elegance of any space.
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Insulated Glass Links: These links are designed to provide thermal insulation, reducing heat transfer and energy losses. They are ideal for maintaining energy efficiency in your home.
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Double or Triple Glazing Glass Links: Featuring multiple glass panes separated by air or gas, these links offer enhanced insulation and energy efficiency. They are perfect for projects where thermal performance is a priority.
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Bespoke Glass Links: Custom-designed to meet specific project requirements, bespoke glass links take into account factors such as architectural style, performance requirements, and budget constraints. They offer a tailored solution for unique spaces.
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Laminated Glass Links: Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded with a plastic interlayer for enhanced safety, making it an excellent choice for projects prioritizing durability and security.
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Single Glazed Link Structure: These structures are often integrated with opening elements such as windows and doors, offering a minimalist aesthetic while considering additional framework requirements.
By choosing the right type of glass link, you can create a connection that not only looks stunning but also meets your specific needs in terms of performance and design.
Why Glass Links Work So Well in London Homes
London properties, especially period homes, often come with unique layouts and planning constraints. That’s where bespoke glass links shine:
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They preserve the character of original structures and historical buildings while allowing for modern additions.
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They work beautifully in tight spaces, especially where a full-width extension might not be suitable.
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They bring in light to often-overlooked transition spaces.
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They offer breathing space between architectural styles—perfect for listed and historical buildings or homes in conservation areas.
Glass links are the perfect way to connect a new extension to an existing building, providing a seamless and stylish transition.
Design advice is crucial in choosing the best glass link solutions for individual projects.
Frameless Glass Solution
A frameless glass solution is a popular choice for glass links, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. This type of solution features a completely frameless design, with the glass panels supported by minimal fixings and no visible framework. Frameless glass solutions are ideal for creating a sense of openness and continuity between interior and exterior spaces.
Whether you’re looking to connect two structures, create a glass walkway, or design a glass roof, a frameless glass solution ensures that the focus remains on the glass itself. The result is a space that feels open, airy, and sophisticated. The elegance of a frameless glass link lies in its simplicity, making it a perfect choice for contemporary architectural designs.
Existing Building Integration
When integrating glass connections into an existing building, it is essential to work closely with architects and designers to ensure a seamless and minimal design. The use of structural glass design and glazing solutions can help to create a frameless solution that complements the existing building. By incorporating solar control coatings and thermal insulation, glass connections can be designed to meet the specific needs of the project, including energy efficiency and performance requirements. Whether it’s a new extension, a glass walkway, or a roof glazing solution, glass connections can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each project. Furthermore, frameless doors, sliding doors, and hinged doors can be integrated into the design, providing a range of options for accessing and utilizing the space.
Designed Around Your Home
No two properties are the same, especially in London. That’s why our glass links are designed from the ground up to suit your layout, materials, and design intent. We offer aluminium as a material option for finishing steel supports, ensuring a cohesive and minimal aesthetic.
Whether you want a sleek, frameless structure or a subtly framed design with slim sightlines, we’ll create a glass link that complements your space. We use high-performance, thermally efficient architectural glass to ensure your home stays warm in winter and cool in summer—because comfort should never be compromised for style.
Steel is essential for providing structural support in our glass installations, maintaining both integrity and design. The structural integrity of glass links can be maintained using additional slim steel supports when required, ensuring both safety and aesthetic appeal.
We can integrate various elements into your glass link, such as doors and windows, to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Glass links can incorporate various opening systems such as sliding doors and hinged door sets, offering flexibility in design and usability.
Glass Link Installation
The installation of a glass link requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
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Design and Consultation: The first step involves working closely with architects, designers, and builders to create a bespoke glass link design that meets your project requirements. This ensures that the design is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
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Site Survey: A thorough site survey is conducted to determine the feasibility of the project and identify any potential challenges. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth installation process.
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Manufacturing: The glass link components, including the glass panels, frames, and fixings, are manufactured to precise specifications. High-quality materials and craftsmanship are essential for creating a durable and aesthetically pleasing glass link.
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Installation: The glass link is installed on-site, ensuring a precise and secure fit. This step requires skilled professionals to ensure that the installation is flawless and meets all safety standards. Depending on the design, framed doors can be integrated into the glass link, offering weather sealing and additional structural support.
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Testing and Commissioning: Finally, the glass link is tested and commissioned to ensure it meets performance requirements and is safe for use. This includes checking for any potential issues and making any necessary adjustments.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your glass link is installed to the highest standards, providing a beautiful and functional connection between spaces.
Cost and Budgeting
The cost of a glass link can vary widely, depending on factors such as the type of glass, size, complexity, and installation requirements. On average, the cost of a glass link can range from £1,000 to £4,000 per square meter, depending on the specification and design. Here are some factors that can affect the cost:
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Single glazed glass links are not energy efficient because they do not provide insulation, which may lead to higher energy costs over time.
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Type of Glass: Insulated glass units, laminated glass, or triple glazing can increase the cost due to their enhanced performance features.
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Size and Complexity: Larger and more complex glass links require more materials and labor, which can increase the overall cost.
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Installation Requirements: Difficult site access, specialized fixings, or bespoke designs can add to the cost of installation.
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Performance Requirements: Meeting specific performance requirements, such as energy efficiency or acoustic insulation, can impact the cost.
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Steel Beam Supports: The need for steel beam supports to maintain structural integrity can also influence the overall pricing of glass links.
It’s essential to work closely with a glazing specialist to determine an accurate budget and ensure that the project meets performance requirements and budget constraints. By understanding the factors that influence cost, you can make informed decisions and achieve the best value for your investment.
Case Studies and Examples
There are many examples of successful glass connection projects, including the use of bespoke glass links to connect listed and historical buildings. For instance, a recent project involved the installation of a structural glass link to connect a modern extension to a historic building, resulting in a completely frameless finish that enhanced the beauty and elegance of the structure. Another example is the use of frameless glass walls to create a glass walkway between two buildings, providing a unique and stunning visual effect. These case studies demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of glass connections in creating unique and functional spaces. By examining these examples, architects and designers can gain inspiration and insight into the potential of glass connections to transform and enhance building designs.
Working with Structural Glazing Specialists
Glass links aren’t just beautiful—they’re technical. It’s vital to work with experienced structural glazing specialists who can ensure the glass is engineered, detailed, and installed to the highest standards, emphasizing the importance of enduring strength and performance for durability.
At Fluid Glass, we handle everything from design consultations and structural support to planning assistance and installation. We work closely with architects, contractors, and homeowners to make sure every detail is considered—and the final result is flawless.
We also integrate opening elements such as doors and windows in our glass links, enhancing both practicality and visual appeal while maintaining a seamless design.
Our expertise in structural glass design is crucial for creating seamless and minimalistic glass installations, ensuring that connections between glass elements are unobtrusive while addressing structural integrity and performance requirements.
Maintenance and Repair
Glass links require regular maintenance to ensure they remain safe, secure, and functional. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
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Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the glass panels and frames is essential to prevent dirt and debris buildup. This helps maintain the clarity and appearance of the glass.
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Inspection: Regular inspection of the glass link is necessary to identify any signs of damage or wear. Early detection of issues can prevent more significant problems down the line.
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Repair: Prompt repair of any damage or defects is crucial to prevent further deterioration. This includes addressing any cracks, chips, or sealant issues.
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Replacement: Over time, some components may need to be replaced to maintain the integrity of the glass link. This could include glass panels, frames, or fixings.
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Maintenance Scheduling: Scheduling regular maintenance ensures that the glass link remains in good condition and continues to meet performance requirements. This proactive approach helps extend the lifespan of the glass link.
By following these maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your glass link remains a beautiful and functional part of your home for years to come.
Let’s Connect Your Home in a Whole New Way
Whether you’re building a contemporary garden room or renovating a heritage property, a glass link can tie everything together—without overpowering the space.
As trusted glass link specialists in the UK, we’re proud to help London homeowners enhance their properties with light-filled, modern connections that feel effortless.
💡 Want to explore what a glass link could look like in your home?
Get in touch with Fluid Glass — let’s bring clarity and connection to your space.
