An Atrium and Double Hip Glass Roof in Brookline, MA
Architectural details matter to the residents of the historic, bustling town of Brookline, Massachusetts. Superb materials and flawless construction are obligatory when homeowners and industry professionals have the goal of introducing natural light to a space with glass design. For this stunning atrium addition, Sunspace Design was honored to leverage our glass construction expertise in collaboration with Modern Heritage, a Topsfield-based design-build firm known throughout New England for their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The centerpiece of the project is a 7′ x 16′ double hip style glass roof system designed to crown the addition. Achieving it required seamless partnership. Modern Heritage managed the overall build and site preparation, and turned to Sunspace Design to engineer, fabricate, and install the specialty glass roof.
The structure is framed in solid mahogany, a signature choice utilized for its durability and rich aesthetic. The glass roof is clad in gleaming copper to withstand the New England elements in style. A key engineering feature of this project is the concealed steel structural ridge beam supporting the double hip design while keeping the visual lines clean and open. We glazed the unit with 1-1/16″ Solarban 70 insulated, argon gas-filled glass panes, thus ensuring that the atrium remains a comfortable, energy-efficient sanctuary year-round.
A design drawing provided by Modern Heritage showing the right elevation of the proposed atrium.
A rear elevation drawing illustrating the addition’s placement on the back face of the existing home.
The left elevation from the Modern Heritage design set.
The final elevation drawing, visualizing the proposed front elevation of the home.
Sunspace Design’s plan view drawing, mapping out the glass layout and mahogany framing.
A technical cross-section showing the concealed steel ridge beam that provides the structural backbone for the roof.
Fabrication begins. The eave and sill perimeter components are assembled first.
In our woodworking shop, the solid mahogany frame is assembled and painted to ensure a perfect fit before transport.
On-site in Brookline, the roof system is lowered onto the curb prepared by the general contractor.
The high-performance, dual-sealed Solarban 70 insulated glass is installed.
The unit is watertight and ready for flashing.
The exterior is finished with the installation of durable, cold-rolled copper cladding.
Inside the glass-crowned atrium space, Modern Heritage has completed finishes.
The mahogany-framed glass roof transmits abundant natural sunlight.
The completed atrium glass roof exposes the space to the sky, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
A final interior view showcasing the stunning new space.
This project is a prime example of successful collaboration between specialized trades. Modern Heritage provided the vision and the foundation, while Sunspace Design delivered the crowning jewel. Our expert engineering team’s introduction of a concealed steel ridge beam allows the glass roof to take center stage, while outside, the copper-clad exterior ensures the structure will age gracefully alongside the home.
Whether you are a homeowner looking for light or a construction professional seeking a reliable partner in specialty glass design, Sunspace is ready to assist. Reach out to us via our website’s contact form, email us at info@sunspacedesign.com, or give us a call at 1-800-530-2505 to get started.