Initial Brief

The client wanted to increase and enhance the visitors experience at the Donkey Sanctuary. A new entrance way in to the sanctuary and a new visitor restaurant were constructed. SGP were asked to create a modern, open entrance area with a vaulted glass roof to add impact while contrasting against the traditional stone fabric of the existing buildings.  

SGP were also challenged to link the new restaurant building with an existing stone barn building with a structural double-glazed roof. Both roofs were to be deigned to allow maintenance workers to be able to walk on the glass after installation.

Project

The solution for the structural glass roof over the entrance way was a bolted, double glazed solution supported on bespoke, adjustable spider brackets which connected the glass to the timber roof structure. Thick, toughened and laminated glass was used to provide a safe working surface for the maintenance works a high performance solar control coating was added to prevent the internal space from overheating on sunny days.

The finished construction provides a modern yet sympathetic look which adds real wow factor while still being in keeping with the existing structures.

The rooflight above the restaurant is formed from the same double-glazed units as the entrance way but using a frameless stainless-steel perimeter and structural glass to glass joints to allow light to flow in to the restaurant space.