West Bridgford Library, Nottingham
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Windows are an important architectural element of a building but those with single glazing provide minimal thermal insulation, poor acoustics and little security. Secondary glazing can provide a discrete and practical solution to these issues and is very suited to Traditional or Listed buildings. This is especially important for Libraries as they need to offer a haven of peace, quiet and comfort.
As part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s recent £5.3m building extension and upgrade programme of the West Bridgford Library, Selectaglaze, the UK’s leading designer of secondary glazing, was briefed to treat the twelve sash windows, two with arched over-lights, in the building’s original façade. To avoid the introduction of additional sight lines hinged casements were specified and these were supplied with high specification sealed units to create triple glazing and so maximise the thermal insulation and energy performance of the building. The heavy glass and twin compression seals to each frame also ensure high levels of sound insulation and multipoint locking improves security. The inclusion of flush hinges and a budget lock provides a very clean finish and avoids the windows being opened, apart from cleaning access by maintenance staff.
Each window is bespoke manufactured to ensure the tightest seal and delivered to site fully fabricated, allowing rapid installation. Secondary glazing can be sympathetically installed in fully occupied buildings with minimal disruption.
A secondary window is a reversible adaptation which, with sensitive design, achieves more significant noise insulation than standard double glazed units, typically 45dB, and reduces heat loss by over half. Where security is important products accredited to Secured by Design can be specified.
Founded in 1966, Royal Warrant holder Selectaglaze is the country’s leading designer, manufacturer and installer of secondary glazing and has considerable experience of working within Listed and sensitive buildings. Products are fully tested and assessed for performance and twice yearly quality audits are conducted through the company’s ISO 9001 accreditation with LPCB. An extensive range of literature and guidance notes covering acoustics, thermal performance and added security is offered together with a technical advisory service and a RIBA approved CPD Seminar.
