Insights into glazing with Maxlight

Maxlight is a leading London based manufacturing company specialising in high-end glazing and glass structures, and a team that Robert Hirschfield Architects have worked with on many beautiful residential projects.

Here we speak to Tony Culmer, Managing Director and Owner, on his insights into the craft, why we should not be afraid of ‘out there’ designs and the benefits of being a London manufacturer.

Q: We’ve worked with you on several home renovations, creating seamless links between the indoors and outdoors. What should homeowners consider when it comes to glazing options?

TC: I always say to clients, let’s have your wish list? What do you want the glazing to do? Not to bleach my artwork or furniture? Cut out noise? Bring in the most light? Keep me secure? Keep me warm? Not let me get too hot? Let me breathe fresh air? I want it tomorrow?

Get them to think about the above and prioritise them, as they all have a consideration with regard to cost.

Q: Access to daylight is such an important part of our well-being within the home. What’s the most effective way of getting as much into the home as possible?  

TC: Minimum frames, maximum glass, tiny increments make a vast visual difference. Consider hiding the frames within the structure and using low iron, super clear glass.

Q: Do you have any advice for homes that have development or renovation restrictions, or are in a conservation area, and would like to bring more light into the home?

TC: It is often the case that planners, even when considering listed buildings, are more willing to accept “out there” designs and reject the ordinary. So we say, don’t be constrained by the normal!

Q: We often incorporate windows within our designs to frame an external view. What’s the impact of this within the home?

TC: This is so important, but it is also important to offer somewhere to sit and appreciate the view. A built-in window seat in an oriel bay window is a great example. You can introduce space to contemplate in, with a view to inspire.

Q: And finally, what are your thoughts on working with architects?

TC: Everything can be better and if we approach design with this attitude we will go far. It’s so exciting to work with architects like Robert Hirschfield who have great clients on board and who want to leave their mark. Design, shouldn’t be “repeat, repeat, repeat”, but it should be “push, push, push”. People and their lifestyles are all unique and they should be entitled to live in spaces that reflect their character.

We love architects who want to add a twist, create an illusion, imbibe in their client’s fantasies. We love to be challenged by the difficult, tested to the “Max”.

Yes we will make you a set of doors, like the ones you saw on Grand Designs or in that magazine, yes grey is the most popular colour and is classical, but we will always endeavour to offer you the slimmest of frames, the cleanest lines and the most efficient solution.

We are based in London, we only use our own systems and therefore have complete control over our supply chain. If a ship gets stuck in a canal, a tunnel gets blocked or all the ferries stop, you may live on an island, but we make everything on this island of ours and are at the heart of it.