IN FOCUS: THE APEX GLAZING
One of the big jobs we still needed to get finished on the house was installing the first floor and apex windows. We didn’t pre-order these because both Kloeber and Lapd Architects were concerned that it would be difficult to accurately create the openings to the planned sizes. This was undoubtedly the best approach, but the combined effect of previous delays building the superstructure, longer summer lead times and some in-depth discussions about finessing the design meant our schedule slipped.
The apex glazing is a defining architectural feature of the house, so it was vital that we spent the time getting it right – Kloeber were as keen as us to minimise the amount of framing, for instance. Until the windows were in, however, we couldn’t get beyond first fix stage in the vaulted hallway – which was starting to give us some programming headaches with the internal fit-out.
Install day arrived in mid-august, and just happened to coincide with an absolute downpour (right smack between some of the hottest weather we’ve had all year). By this point, we’d already had to install the external cladding and render to keep the build on schedule, which meant smaller tolerances to get the windows in.
It was a long day – and we were all soaked through by 5pm – but everyone pulled together and we managed to get the frames in. With large or high-level windows, the glazing is usually added on site rather than in the factory to keep the weight down, so there was still work to do to get the Education House weathertight. Thankfully, Kloeber were able to find a slot that weekend for the installations team to return. This was a massive relief, as we desperately needed to get the hallway walls plastered and drop the scaffold so our follow-on trades could crack on with the next phase.
The install may have been challenging, but the results are fantastic – both inside and out. Stepping onto the landing and looking through to the surrounding woodland is a particular highlight of the Self Build Education House!