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Masterly internal courtyard refurb transforms historic hotel

Two former back-of-house outdoor spaces at a Northumberland country house retreat have been covered with bespoke rooflights to create delightful communal areas for guests

In association with
Glazing Vision Bespoke Multi-Part Flushglaze Rooflights at Matven Hall hotel, Northumberland.
Glazing Vision Bespoke Multi-Part Flushglaze Rooflights at Matven Hall hotel, Northumberland.

Doonan Architects' refurbishment of grade II listed Matfen Hall in Northumberland included integrating two interconnected internal courtyards into the main structure.

The hall and estate in Matfen Village was designed by Thomas Rickman for Sir Edward Blackett, 6th Baronet Blackett of Newcastle in the 1830s. Refurbishment of the 63-bedroomed hotel, golf and spa resort completed in 2023. 

The architects wanted the upper and lower courtyards to function as central gathering points at the heart of the hotel and came up with a glass roof concept inspired by contemporary glulam curves and the building's gothic arches.

The project team put together a concept drawing and reached out to Norfolk-based architectural glass rooflight specialists Glazing Vision who suggested a bespoke Multi-Part Flushglaze Rooflight for each courtyard.

The rooflights cover the extensive outdoor spaces with minimal structural intrusion, while maintaining uninterrupted views of the Great Hall stained glass window.

Throughout the order process, Glazing Vision provided Doonan Architects with specialist advice on maximum glass sizes, structural glass fin loadings and solar control coatings.

The transformation of the courtyards was instantaneous and provides guests with welcoming, light-filled spaces for eating, drinking, meeting up and people-watching.

Find more on this case study at glazingvision.co.uk/matfen-hall

  • Curved timber structures, opulent brass detailing and bespoke Multi-Part Flushglaze Rooflights in the upper courtyard.
    Curved timber structures, opulent brass detailing and bespoke Multi-Part Flushglaze Rooflights in the upper courtyard.
  • Matvan Hall and estate was designed by gothic revival architect Thomas Rickman (1776 to 1841). Refurbishment included reinstating the original grand entrance.
    Matvan Hall and estate was designed by gothic revival architect Thomas Rickman (1776 to 1841). Refurbishment included reinstating the original grand entrance.
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For more information and technical support, visit glazingvision.co.uk 


Contact:
01379 658300
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