Another challenge was access, which required the installation team having to make a very long trip around the terraced cottages and through fields, necessitating the installation of boards to provide safe passage across the boggy fields. It wasn’t fun for the team, but it was the only way the build could be completed.
RADGAW installed an orangery extension to provide panoramic views over the surrounding countryside – a project that was named Best Glazed Installation (over £40,000) at the GGP Installer Awards.
Manchester-based RADGAW (Radcliffe Glass & Windows) was approached to construct a modern orangery extension in a conservation area. The brief was to let light in and maximise the building’s location with views over the surrounding countryside.
The project’s success didn’t come easily. Firstly, the house’s location in a conservation area meant RADGAW had to get the project approved for planning. To get the project passed, they needed to prove that the build would be sympathetic to its surroundings and use natural materials in keeping with the home and its neighbours. Luckily, the client had recently demolished an outhouse and kept the original stone, which was subsequently used in the construction of the extension.
A unique and unexpected challenge arose when an underground stream was discovered within the building structure, with no way to divert it from a building regulations standpoint. The stream was visible through a well-style hole, which was in the centre of the planned extension. To overcome this, the Radcliffe team piled the project and made a feature out of the problem by encasing the hole with a walk-on piece of glass with a frame, while also fitting it with long-life lighting for nighttime warmth.
For the construction of the orangery, Radcliffe used Origin Aluminium’s Non-Bonded Glazed OS29, providing minimal sightlines and maximising the glass area. The team also installed a Korniche Aluminium Lantern to add extra natural light while continuing the theme of minimal framing. Despite the challenges and the use of premium products, the project was delivered on time and well within the client’s budget of £50,000, providing them with a space that blends with its surroundings and gives year-round comfort, despite its exposed location. As a result, the customer is extremely pleased and recommends RADGAW to friends and family.
The Managing Director of RADGAW, Clive Powers, reflects on the project, “Despite the numerous challenges we faced, including location, conservation restrictions and the use of salvaged stone, the discovery of the underground stream was a real curveball. However, our team’s resilience and determination shone through.”
“But you know the saying, ‘When life gives you Lemons, make Lemonade’, and that’s when Team RADGAW drew on our expansive knowledge and creativity to turn this unexpected issue into a central feature of the build. The customers were delighted at the idea of having such an unusual and quirky feature, which sits perfectly within the space and looks great both day and night.”
“As we all know, first and foremost, it is always the team’s intention to delight our customers, but to receive such recognition from our Industry Expert Judges in this category is fantastic and an accolade that no one can take away! Every single member of Team RADGAW was excited and proud to be recognised for their skill and effort.”
“To be recognised as the Best Nationally at what we do, against such stiff competition, especially this year, really gives the team a lift and also reassures our potential customers when making their decision that we are the right choice for their home improvements.”
“We didn’t think we could top winning ‘Best Feature Door at the awards in 2024, but 2025 is already shaping up to be our best year yet after our Double Win this year.” “It’s amazing to think that we have been turning houses into homes since 1979 with reliable products you can trust, like Origin’s products and Korniche Lanterns. Now, 46 years later, we feel like we’re just getting started. We’re looking forward to the exciting developments ahead for the company in 2025, and winning this category is just the beginning of our journey. Watch this space!”