Open corner sliding doors in North Wales were supplied and installed by IQ Glass for the new Maggie’s North Wales cancer support centre at the Steve Morgan Foundation Building, within the grounds of Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, Rhyl. Designed to provide free practical, emotional and psychological support for people living with cancer, as well as their family and friends, the centre needed bright, welcoming rooms with straightforward access to outdoor space. The glazing package was therefore central to day-to-day use, shaping circulation, daylight levels and the connection between interior spaces and the landscape.
Facade design for a coastal healthcare building in North Wales
The external envelope was developed to balance openness and comfort with the practical requirements of a healthcare setting and an exposed coastal environment. A unified visual language was achieved by combining ultra-slim sliding doors, large-format casement glazing and horizontal timber louvres, all finished in Steel Bronze. In response to the site conditions, a marine grade finish was specified to the aluminium, with a low-maintenance coating applied across the glass. Solar control glass was used throughout to manage glare and overheating while keeping interiors naturally bright.
Open corner sliding doors creating a clear, wide threshold
At the heart of the façade, open corner sliding doors in North Wales were formed using two ultra-slim sliding door sets connected with a specialised open corner detail. When the doors are stacked back, the corner clears to create a wide opening that improves circulation and strengthens the connection between inside and out. Additional sliding door runs continue the same language along the elevations, and selected openings combine sliding panels with integrated casement sections to introduce controlled ventilation while keeping the overall sightline consistent.
Coordinated casement glazing, shading and consistent external lines
A coordinated casement window package completes the envelope, with tall fixed lights and side-hung openings used to balance views, daylight and background ventilation. Larger multi-pane window compositions include backpainted panels to conceal structure and services while maintaining a consistent external appearance, and a long horizontal ribbon window brings even daylight into deeper areas of the plan. External shading is provided by horizontal timber louvres, supporting comfort and glare control while keeping the façade calm and uniform.
Performance considerations
Solar control glazing and external shading were specified to deliver bright interiors without excessive glare or overheating, supporting comfortable use across the seasons from first opening day onwards. For longevity in the coastal environment, aluminium framework was specified with a marine grade finish and the glazing package included a low-maintenance coating to reduce upkeep. The project involved large glass units across both the sliding doors and multi-pane window assemblies, so installation required careful sequencing and crane-assisted lifting to place units safely and accurately. Programme deadlines were fixed around the centre’s opening, and completing the glazing on time was essential to sealing the building and releasing follow-on trades to keep the wider site on programme.
Technical details
- Sliding doors: open corner configuration; 20mm vertical junction sightline; Uw 1.3 W/m²K
- Weather testing (sliders): air Class 4 / water 7A / wind C5
- Security (sliders): up to 4-point locking
- Glass: solar control; selected panes heat soak tested
- Threshold and drainage: IQ integrated slot drain to primary sliding door runs
- Finish and durability: Steel Bronze Y2217F; marine grade finish to aluminium; low-maintenance glass coating
The finished building is a clear example of open corner sliding doors in North Wales used alongside solar control glass and external shading to create comfortable, usable spaces with direct access to outdoor areas. This approach is particularly well suited to healthcare and community buildings where daylight, simple circulation and robust, low-maintenance detailing need to be delivered without compromising on clean architectural lines.
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