The Project

We were appointed by Gray & Dick, a market leader in the design, supply and installation of structural glazing, architectural metalwork and high-quality cladding systems, to supply bespoke curved glass units for their stunning distillery project in Girvan, Scotland. The facility is William Grant & Sons’ second distillery in the region and is estimated to have cost £13m.

Gray & Dick worked closely with both Michael Laird Architects and William Grant & Sons, the owner of the distillery, and were tasked with supplying spiral staircases, link bridges, roof lights, perforated flooring, fire screens and the feature entrance consisting of main pavilion and side greenhouses.

Client

Gray & Dick

Location

Girvan, Scotland

Glass Supplier

Specialist Glass Products

We supplied bespoke curved glass with unique specifications to meet specific needs.

Specialist Glass Products supplied Gray & Dick with 366 finished curved glass panels spanning 170m2 and weighing 5,00kg. The specialist glass was heat-soaked, toughened, and laminated to provide a safe, robust material.

The Outcome

The extensive use of glass in this project can be attributed to various factors. The initial brief aimed to replicate the Victorian style of Kew Gardens, a design synonymous with large glass structures to allow ample sunlight for plant growth. Although it was a challenge to achieve this look with modern materials in a short timeframe, the accessibility, versatility, and contemporary nature of glass made it a fitting choice.

From the architects’ first vision, it was clear that this project would be extraordinary. The choice of glass in elements like the spiral staircase, link bridge, roof light and the feature entrance contributed to the overall stunning aesthetic. The deliberate use of glass, as indicated by the project’s various components, played a crucial role in creating an open, transparent, and elegant atmosphere.

Our expertise at Specialist Glass Products allowed for completely bespoke curved glass with tailored, unique specifications meeting the specific needs and intricacies of the design. In summary, the extensive use of structural glass in this project was driven by a commitment to historical aesthetics, a desire for a visually striking outcome, and the practical advantages offered by glass in achieving both the Victorian greenhouse style and modern construction requirements.

Andrew Taylor, Managing Director of Specialist Glass Products, added, “We are delighted that Gray & Dick entrusted Specialist Glass Products with their bespoke glass needs to carry out this exciting project. We are extremely pleased with the result – the distillery looks outstanding, and we look forward to paying a visit.”

“We are extremely pleased with the result – the distillery looks outstanding and we look forward to paying a visit.”

– Andrew Taylor, Managing Director at Specialist Glass Products

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