While in the past architecture consisted primarily of stone, today contemporary buildings fascinate with their lightness and transparency, which are of course achieved using glass. To create a connection between the present and earlier times, architects and designers combine the two materials. Whether glass cladding, entire walls or facades made of glass, a harmonious combination of high utility value and expressive aesthetics is achieved. We present 20 interesting projects from around the world that inspire.
In all twenty projects that we present in this article, the architects fulfilled their design task in close connection with the traditional architecture of the place. Glass connects interior and exterior spaces in a direct way and creates exciting lighting atmospheres. It is also considered a modern material that allows a lot of flexibility and conveys a surprising lightness despite its large surface area.
Hedmark Cathedral Museum, Norway
The Hammar Hedmark Museum is an extraordinary project that incorporates former Scandinavian architecture and brings it closer to the viewer. The ancient ruins of Hedmark Cathedral arethrough the glassprotected and at the same time perfectly displayed for visitors. It is a kind of journey into the past with a focus on ethnography, religion and history. A number of works by contemporary artists are also presented in a hall, inviting you to a dialogue of contrasts between old and new.
Teehaus in Montemor-o-Velho
In the castle ruins, which can be seen from afar - the Montemor-o-Vellho Prince's Palace in the Portuguese hinterland, there is a tea house that the architect Joao Mendes Ribeiro designed as a consistent renovation. It isa glass pavilion, which is surrounded by old stone walls. The architect's structural attack is striking and at the same time reserved and, with its strict geometry, sets a clear contrast to the rough masonry.
Detached house in O Casal, Spain
A former farmhouse was reconstructed in 2013 by Irisarri & Piñera Architects and converted into a modern, light-filled house with an open living concept. There are actually some more decorative façade elements that remain from the farmhouse, which merge into the new modern architecture. The combination of glass and stone creates a unique connection between old and new, history and present.
Elevator in the historic center of Gironella, Barcelona, Spain
There is a medieval castle in the historic center of the town of Gironella in the province of Barcelona, Spain. It is located on a hill about 20 meters higher and is therefore difficult to access for visitors. An elevator was the most optimal solution that made access to the historical attraction possible. However, it should fit perfectly into the urban environment and be equally suitable for all tourists. The architect Carles Enrich dealt with the project. He designed an elevator made of glass, Corten steel and clinker brick that goes up and down the castle wall and creates a perfect symbiosis between old and new.
Casa Sabugo, Spanien
Casa Sabugo is an exceptional family home located in a village in Spain. The environment is quiet, close to nature and typically rural. There are many old farms that are reminiscent of the former stone architecture. In connection with this, the homeowners wanted to combine these characteristic features with modern construction. The contemporary house architecture embodies the memories of childhood, the hopes and illusions and creates an immediate connection with the surrounding nature.
Caraca Kloster Sanctuary
In Brazil, which is otherwise characterized by lust for life and hectic pace, Sabtuario do Craca looks like an oasis of peace and quiet that can only be found in nature. The former monastery is located in a nature park and now welcomes many tourists, especially on weekends. The building has been modernized and converted into a country inn. However, many elements from the monastery's 150-year history are very well preserved and wonderfully combined with the modern architecture.
Architecture made of glass and stone: White House in Scotland
A mid-1700s home was modernized by WT Architecture. Individual elements from the outer walls and the former wall are integrated into the new architecture. A special accent is the large crack, which is combined with glass and is therefore perfectly highlighted.
Vilharigues Turm in Vouzela, Portugal
A ruin that has recently been modernized is Vilharigue's Tower in Vouzela, Portugal. It was built at the end of the thirteenth century and thanks to its high position it offers beautiful views in all directions. There are still three towers that were used to observe and guard the country in earlier times. Today they are a tourist attraction with a beautiful location. A modernization of the other two is imminent. The architect Renaato Rebelo dealt with the project and designed a structure primarily made of glass, which could possibly also be dismantled.
An old barn in Gloucestershire, England
An old barn in Gloucestershire, England was part of a former farmhouse built in the early 18th century. It was recently reconstructed and where the food for the animals used to be there is now a spacious common room. A glass hallway leads to the private rooms. There are many details from the former house not only in the exterior but also in the interior.
Bagrati Cathedral in Georgia
It is a cathedral from the 11th century and since 2001 it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was restored several times, although the building no longer corresponded to the original architecture and was to be partially rebuilt. The architect Andrea Bruno was involved in this project. He succeeded in integrating modern elements by flawlessly adapting them to the medieval architecture and excellently complimenting the various ruined parts of the building.
Kalo Castle ruins in Denmark, MAP Architects
There are the ruins of a medieval castle on the Danish island of Kalo. In 2015 it was rebuilt and opened to visitors. The MAP Architects have dealt with the restoration of the ruins. The modernization that the castle received can be both removed and expanded in the future.
Office in Lacy Street, Barcelona, Spain
A building built in the 20th century has served multiple functions over the years. It functioned as a leatherworking studio, later as a printing workshop and even as a garage. In 2014, Sauquet Arquitectes converted it into an office. In doing so, they preserved the original character of the house and properly showcased the special features of the former architecture.
Kilfenora Church
In a small village with just 169 inhabitants on the southern edge of Ireland there is a ruin steeped in history. It dates back to the 12th century and has been largely restored. The cathedral is still used by the Anglican community today. There are three Celtic high crosses on their property, which are of great religious significance.
A house on the cliff
The architects from Modscape have designed a cliff house made of glass modules. The impressive home hangs on the side of a cliff and offers 180-degree views over the sea. It has 5 floors and consists of prefabricated modules. Certainly, if not just this house, then certainly few offer an incredible living experience like this one.
Blencow Hall, England
Another landmark that has been transformed from a ruin into a proper architectural object is Blencow Hall in Vlencow, Cumbria, north-west England. The former castle dates back to the 16th century and has been attractively modernized by architects from the region. Today it functions as an inn that fascinates visitors with its unique architecture and quiet locations.
Restoration of Spazi Consonanti
House in Connemara, Western Ireland
In Connemara, Western Ireland, the architects at Peter Legge Associates have converted two old cottages and designed a modern house with attractive rural charm. The result is an excellent example of modern architecture made of stone and glass, which nostalgically recalls the past and at the same time looks contemporary.
The perfect architect's house in the country
A dream house that impresses with its unique architecture. It is a perfect mix of natural building materials, rural charm and modern design.
Church of the Magdalene
Today the Chamber of Crafts of the City of Plasencia is located in a new annex to the former church of Magdalena, which dates back to the 12th century. The building was modernized and the historic part of it was made open to visitors.
Lucent House von Antony Gibbon
The latest project by English designer Antony Gibbon is a transparent house: Lucent House. It is mostly made of glass and only the load-bearing external walls are made of stone. The minimalist architecture made of glass and stone also has the perfect location where the materials can be shown to their best advantage: the house is located directly on the lake and is even partly over the water.
