Glass Draught Lobby: A Great Combination of Heritage, Comfort and Contemporary Design

In thoughtful architectural projects, whether you call it a draught lobby, vestibule or antechamber, the primary goal remains the same; prevent unwanted cold air from rushing inside, while preserving or enhancing the beauty of a building’s entrance. For listed or heritage buildings, that balance often requires a carefully designed glass draught lobby, letting natural light shine through and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere without compromising the structure’s historic charm.  In contemporary buildings, a streamlined, modern enclosure can deliver the same benefits of acoustic buffering, climate control and visual impact. Below, we explore the core considerations for architects working on glass draught lobby designs, then illustrate those principles through three of our recent projects: Merton College, Exeter Cathedral and Education First.

Why Architects Specify Glass Draught Lobbies 

• Thermal and Acoustic Control 

  A well-planned glass draught lobby adds a protective buffer between the external environment and the building’s primary interior space. By reducing heat loss and buffering outside noise, these enclosures help maintain comfortable conditions in communal or sacred spaces. In the US, they’re often referred to as glass vestibules, but the concept remains universal, controlling the flow of air and sound. 

• Respect for Existing Architecture 

  Whether you’re dealing with medieval stone walls or stylish new construction, our modern glazing solutions can be tailored to integrate subtly with different building fabrics. Frameless or minimally framed systems allow heritage details to shine through, and bespoke fixings or structural silicone joints can minimise invasiveness on historic substrates. 

• Design Versatility 

  A glass draught lobby can serve as an iconic statement or a nearly invisible threshold, depending on your aesthetic goals. Slimline frames, pivot or sliding glass doors, and the ability to incorporate fire-rated or acoustic glass all ensure flexibility when meeting specific building requirements. 

• Enhanced Light Transmission 

  Glass transmits natural light deep into foyers and entranceways, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. In heritage properties, this also preserves the character of stained-glass windows or ornate stonework, which remain visible rather than hidden behind solid partitions. 

Merton College

Merton College Chapel in Oxford, an exquisite example of 13th-century Gothic architecture, presented a unique challenge: mitigate draughts in a centuries-old environment featuring original stained-glass windows, medieval masonry and an active congregation. 

Technical Highlights  

Minimal Fixings

To avoid damaging the medieval stone flooring and walls, the design relied on reversible anchoring methods and careful coordination with heritage officers. 

Discreet Framework

Black-finished framing was selected to blend with existing dark timber elements, resulting in a visually light structure complementing rather than competing with its Gothic surroundings. 

Thermal Buffer

Toughened glass with improved thermal performance helps regulate internal temperature, ensuring the chapel remains comfortable throughout the year. 

Acoustic Considerations

By forming a glass draught lobby just inside the original wooden door, the college reduced street noise, complimenting the building’s contemplative ambience. 

Outcome 

Visitors pass through a transparent threshold that frames, rather than hides, the ornate wooden entrance. The lobby also delivers effective climate control while preserving the chapel’s long-standing heritage features. 

Exeter Cathedral: Subtlety and Sensitivity in a Grade I Listed Building 

Exeter Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic design, and one of the country’s best-known ecclesiastical structures. When the cathedral required a modern glass entrance to prevent draughts in the Chapter House area, the key priority was safeguarding the architectural and historical significance of this Grade I listed site. 

Technical Highlights  

Frameless Single Glazing

Large panels of single glazing, tailored with curved edges, formed a subtle enclosure for the new entrance. The transparency emphasises the cathedral’s soaring arches and intricate stone details. 

Hidden Fixings

Bespoke connections to the timber framing ensured no major structural alteration to the medieval masonry. A 3D laser survey enabled precise measurements, preventing any unexpected impact on the historic stonework. 

Heritage Cohesion

Brass-finished handles and minimal metal elements mesh seamlessly with the centuries-old interior; a harmonious blend of old and new. 

Outcome 

The new glass draught lobby channels visitors into the cathedral without interrupting the sense of open space. Warmth and acoustics are better regulated, while the frameless glazing keeps the focus on the building’s storied past. 

Education First: A Contemporary, Innovative Workspace  

Education First (EF), an international organisation focused on language training and cultural exchange, needed to reconfigure its London office to accommodate a growing workforce. In contrast to heritage contexts, EF’s requirement was about creating a modern, light-filled environment that supports collaboration. Their glass draught lobby, designed and installed by IQ Projects, played a pivotal role in that design. 

Technical Highlights  

Phased Installation in a Live Environment

All works, including the new glass entrances and partitions, took place while EF staff continued daily operations. Meticulous planning ensured minimal disruption. 

Minimal Framing Systems

Sleek Schuco-framed sliders and single-glazed sliders kept lines crisp. These solutions enhanced EF’s brand identity as a forward-thinking, globally connected organisation. 

Flexible Access

Sliding and pivoting door systems create fluid circulation paths between collaborative areas, informal meeting points and more private zones; improving workflow in a bustling office. 

Outcome 

The completed workspace exemplifies a bright, open design that resonates with EF’s mission of “opening the world through education.” Staff and visitors move effortlessly through glass‐enclosed areas, enjoying a vibrant, interconnected environment. 

Key Considerations for Your Glass Draught Lobby 

Material Selection

Specify toughened or laminated glass for durability, acoustic glass if noise is a concern, and thermally broken frames in colder climates. 

Conservation Compliance

In listed or heritage buildings, coordinate early with conservation officers to ensure minimal interventions to stone, timber or historical features. 

Hardware & Framing

Pivot doors, sliding systems and structural silicone joints must be chosen to align with the building’s design language. High-quality handles, locks and thresholds ensure long-term functionality. 

Bespoke Design

Use 3D laser scanning where necessary, especially in historic sites with irregular walls or floors. This ensures accurate measurements and precludes as many on-site surprises as possible. 

Let Us Help You… 

Whether you’re aiming to showcase centuries of craftsmanship or reflect your brand’s contemporary edge, a well-executed glass draught lobby delivers measurable performance benefits, while elevating your visitors’ first impression. 

Now you’re ready to incorporate a bespoke glass draught lobby into your next project,

Contact the IQ team today!