Bailiffgate Hotel is a major heritage refurbishment and extension project located in Alnwick, Northumberland, transforming a Grade II listed Georgian building into a five‑star boutique hotel. Designed by MawsonKerr Architects, the scheme combines careful restoration of the original structure with a modern five‑storey extension, creating a 48‑room luxury destination. IQ was appointed to design, supply and install the specialist glazing that forms a central glazed link in Northumberland, physically and visually connecting the historic building with the contemporary addition.
Credit
Architects: MawsonKerr
Builders: Robertson CE Ltd
Photography by Sally Ann Norman
Location
Alnwick, Northumberland
Heritage Constraints and Design Challenges
The project required a highly sensitive architectural response, working within a historically significant building that has served as both a commissioner’s residence and a school. The design intent was to retain the character and identity of the original Georgian structure while introducing a modern extension capable of supporting the operational requirements of a contemporary hospitality venue.
A key challenge was how to connect these two contrasting architectural forms. The junction between old and new needed to be visually lightweight, structurally independent and respectful of the listed fabric. At the same time, it had to accommodate circulation, maintain environmental performance and align with the refined interior design strategy expected in a luxury hotel setting.
Architect’s Insight
“For the Bailiffgate Hotel, a key design consideration was strengthening the visual connection to Alnwick Castle. It was important to incorporate a frameless glazing system to preserve uninterrupted views of the castle’s historic crenellations across the street. We worked closely with IQ Glass to specify a system that optimised sightlines within the link building connecting the existing structure to the new extension.” Will Mawson, MawsonKerr Architects
“For the Bailiffgate Hotel, a key design consideration was strengthening the visual connection to Alnwick Castle. It was important to incorporate a frameless glazing system to preserve uninterrupted views of the castle’s historic crenellations across the street. We worked closely with IQ Glass to specify a system that optimised sightlines within the link building connecting the existing structure to the new extension.” Will Mawson, MawsonKerr Architects
Challenges of a Glass Link Extension in a Heritage Hotel
IQ Glass – project managed by our dedicated northern division - delivered a frameless structural glazing solution that forms the physical and visual bridge between the historic building and the new extension. The glazed link was designed to read as a minimal intervention, allowing both parts of the building to be understood clearly without introducing competing architectural elements.
Using the Invisio structural glazing system, fixed glass panels were installed with concealed fixings, creating a frameless appearance that allows light to pass freely through the connection space. This transparency ensures that the transition between buildings feels open and continuous while preserving sightlines to both the original stone elevations and the contemporary zinc‑clad extension.
The result is a glazed link in Northumberland that acts as a quiet connector rather than a dominant feature, allowing the heritage architecture to remain legible while supporting modern circulation requirements.
Glazed Doors and Performance Detailing for the Hotel Entrance
The glazing package was engineered to meet both environmental and durability requirements, particularly given the building’s exposed northern location. All glass units were specified with low‑emissivity coatings to support thermal efficiency, while the framing elements were finished to a marine grade standard to provide long‑term performance in a coastal climate.
In addition to the fixed glazing, IQ installed a double aluminium Schuco casement door within the link, providing a functional threshold between internal spaces. This door was designed with an acoustic interlayer within the glazing to enhance internal comfort, particularly important in a hotel environment where noise control is a key consideration.
The combination of concealed fixings, careful material selection and coordinated finishes ensures that the glazing integrates seamlessly with both the historic fabric and the new construction, maintaining a consistent architectural language throughout the project.
Designing Glass for Hospitality Use and Spatial Experience
The glazed link extension plays an important experiential role within the hotel, framing views of the courtyard and allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the plan. Rather than acting as a showcase glass structure, the glazing supports the architectural narrative by enhancing legibility between spaces and reinforcing the transition from historic building to new accommodation wing.
Within the broader scheme, the integration of glazing supports the transformation of the building into a contemporary hospitality environment. By allowing natural light to move through previously enclosed areas, the scheme enhances both spatial quality and usability without compromising heritage value. The project demonstrates how a carefully designed glazed link in Northumberland can support both architectural clarity and operational performance in a complex refurbishment.
Technical Glazing Summary
IQ provided a variety of glass elements to help create the glazed link to the Northumberland hotel including:
- 12 fixed frameless windows, created using the Invisio structural glass fixing system measuring approximately 0.9m wide and ranging from 2.1m to 2.4m high each, set within the zinc clad structure.
- A double aluminium casement door created using Schuco profiles, measuring approximately 2.1m wide x 2.4m high
- All glazing units were double glazed using toughened glass with low‑e coatings.
- The double door glazing had an integrated acoustic interlayer for reduced acoustic trasnfer.
- All framing was aluminium with a marine grade PPC finish in RAL 7006 Beige Grey to complement zinc cladding
Speak to IQ Glass About Glass Link Extensions for Hotel Projects
For architects and developers, The Bailiffgate Hotel demonstrates how a glass link extension can be successfully integrated into a heritage hotel without relying on a full glass construction. By combining high performance glazing with a robust contemporary envelope, the project achieves architectural clarity, durability and guest comfort.
If you are specifying a glass link extension for a hotel, leisure or mixed use development, particularly within a conservation or listed context, early engagement with IQ Glass can support design development, technical coordination and performance led specification. Contact our team to discuss how architectural glazing can be integrated into your project.
