Architectural Intent: Bringing Daylight Into a Dense Urban Block
The architectural intent at Welbeck Street was to unlock light, space and clarity within a deep urban footprint. By carving a courtyard into the centre of the building, the design creates an internal oasis that improves outlook, daylight and perceived space for the lower level apartments.
The courtyard was conceived not simply as an external void, but as an extension of the living spaces. Interior finishes were aligned with the external flooring to strengthen the visual continuity between inside and out. Large sliding glass walls were selected to reinforce this approach, enabling living areas to open directly onto the courtyard and allowing light to flow freely into the interior.
On the upper floors, the intention shifted toward maximising light while maintaining privacy and security. Slim sliding window systems were used to support this strategy, ensuring consistency of detail and performance across the entire building.
Challenges: Working Within a Conservation Area and Limited Internal Space
Redeveloping a tightly constrained six storey building in a Conservation Area presented a series of challenges. Extensive alterations to the rear of the building were required, while preserving the historic street elevation and adapting retained elements such as the existing spiral staircase.
The internal courtyard needed to provide sufficient light without introducing visual clutter or reducing usable interior space. Glazing systems had to meet at corners, operate smoothly within narrow proportions and maintain a flush threshold condition to support accessibility and continuity between spaces.
Security was also a critical consideration. In high value residential buildings where supplementary security measures are limited, glazing had to provide robust performance without compromising the minimal architectural aesthetic.
How the minimal windows® Sliding Door System Was Integrated to Resolve the Project Challenges
The minimal windows® sliding door system was integrated throughout the project to provide a cohesive solution that addressed both spatial and performance requirements. Three matching sliding glass elevations were installed to enclose the internal courtyard. Two of these elevations meet at a ninety degree opening corner, while the third connects via a fixed corner detail, forming a glass enclosure that remains visually lightweight.
Each courtyard elevation measures between 3.7m and 3.9m in width and 2.4m in height, configured as three track, three panel sliding systems. This arrangement allows generous openings while maintaining ultra slim sightlines and smooth operation.
Across the upper floors, additional minimal windows® sliding systems were used as floor to ceiling sliding windows, paired with bespoke external pressings that act as discreet window cills. In one location, switchable privacy glass was incorporated to provide flexibility for the occupants.
All systems use type 2 thrust lever locking and double glazing to support security, thermal comfort and acoustic performance, making them well suited to high density residential use.
A Refined Urban Courtyard Defined by Sliding Glass Walls
The completed Welbeck Street development demonstrates how sliding glass systems can radically improve light, outlook and spatial quality within dense urban buildings. The use of sliding glass doors for a London internal courtyard transforms what could have been a residual external space into a central architectural feature that enhances daily living.
For architects and developers working within conservation contexts or deep plan urban blocks, Welbeck Street offers a compelling reference for how minimal windows® systems can unlock value through light, continuity and precision detailing.
If you are considering sliding glass solutions for an internal courtyard or urban residential project, our technical team can offer guidance on system selection, configuration and integration from early design stages.
