Martin Top Farm

The glazing strategy at Martin Top Farm is centred around two minimal windows® 4+ sliding door systems, positioned on the north and south elevations of the farmhouse extension.

The largest sliding door system is located on the north elevation, where it forms a full-width glazed wall to the main living space. At over 12 metres wide and almost 2.9 metres high, the system creates a floor-to-ceiling opening that maximises views across the landscape while allowing natural light deep into the home.

A smaller matching minimal windows® 4+ system was also installed on the south elevation, providing balance across the design and reinforcing the relationship between the refurbished farmhouse and its rural setting.

The design intent was to transform a traditional Lancashire farmhouse into a lighter, more open home without losing the grounded character of the original stone building. Large glazed elevations were used to frame long distance views, improve daylight levels and create a stronger connection between the internal living spaces and the surrounding countryside.

Triple glazed sliding glass doors were essential to this approach. The slim framed aluminium system allowed the extension to open widely to the garden while keeping the visual emphasis on the landscape rather than the framing. This was particularly important for a rural renovation where the glazing needed to feel precise and contemporary, but not visually dominant.

For architects, developers and private clients considering triple glazed sliding doors in Lancashire, Martin Top Farm demonstrates how large scale glazing can be used within traditional rural architecture to achieve both refinement and performance.

The north elevation features a two track minimal windows® 4+ system with bi-parting sliding doors. This configuration creates a central opening to the patio and gardens, allowing the main living space to connect directly with the exterior.

The largest installation measures approximately 12,401mm wide by 2,889mm high, with individual glass panes weighing up to 508kg. These dimensions required careful design coordination to ensure smooth operation, structural stability and alignment across the full width of the opening.

The system uses slim 26mm interlockers, allowing the triple glazed units to retain the minimal appearance associated with the minimal windows® range while accommodating the additional depth required for high-performance glazing.  

The minimal windows® 4+ system was selected for its ability to combine large format sliding glass with enhanced thermal performance. The doors were specified with 56mm triple glazed units, using clear toughened safety glass with Low-E coating to improve energy efficiency while maintaining clarity and light transmission.

The glass was heat soak tested to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage, an important consideration for large panes of safety glass in high-specification residential projects.

The system was wind load tested to 0.65 kN/m², supporting reliable performance in the exposed rural setting. Integrated slot drainage was also supplied, helping manage water at the threshold while maintaining a clean, minimal interface between inside and outside.

The scale and weight of the glazing required detailed installation planning. With individual panes weighing over half a tonne, the project team worked with a local crane company to lift and position the large glass units safely on site.

The sliding systems were carefully craned into position around the side of the farmhouse, allowing the installation to be completed while protecting the existing building fabric and maintaining the accuracy required for large format sliding door systems.

This level of coordination was essential to ensure the doors operated smoothly, aligned correctly and delivered the clean architectural finish required for a premium rural renovation.

The completed Martin Top Farm project demonstrates how triple glazed sliding doors in Lancashire can enhance a traditional farmhouse while preserving its connection to place and material character.

The large north elevation creates an expansive glass wall that frames the surrounding hills and opens the living space to the garden. The matching south elevation adds further daylight and access, helping the renovated farmhouse feel balanced, open and connected to the landscape.

By combining slim aluminium framing, triple glazing and carefully coordinated installation, the project provides a clear example of how minimal windows® can support high-end rural renovations where thermal performance, scale and architectural sensitivity are all required.

• System: minimal windows® 4+ sliding door system
• Largest system: Approx. 12,401mm wide x 2,889mm high
• Configuration: Two-track system with bi-parting sliding doors
• Glass: 56mm triple glazed clear toughened safety glass
• Glass testing: Heat soak tested to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage
• Coating: Low-E coated glass
• Panel weight: Individual panes up to approx. 508kg
• Sightlines: 26mm slim interlockers
• Frame finish: RAL 7037 Matt Dusty Grey
• Wind load: 0.65 kN/m²
• Threshold: Flush threshold with integrated slot drainage channel
• Locking: Multi-point slim Type 1 shoot bolt locking system