Selectaglaze was chosen to install secondary glazing to improve Harris Manchester College, a faculty of the University of Oxford
With a new construction site opposite the north side of the main building, the fragility of this Grade II Listed Building and its original features became apparent and noise and dust ingress an issue.
Four rooms were affected: two meeting rooms, a student common room, and the Tate Library.
This project, part of the College’s larger green scheme, was led by Fellow Librarian, Sue Killoran, in a bid to reduce the noise breakthrough, and to make the building more energy efficient and reduce wasted heat through the draughty single glazed windows.
The buildings contain ornate wooden panelling, gothic revival architectural detailing and large stained-glass windows.
Secondary glazing was the most suitable option
In the end, 28 windows across four different rooms required secondary glazing from Selectaglaze, each room had their challenges and specific requirements.
In the two meeting rooms: Series 20 slimline vertical sliding units were installed; colour matched in a wood grain finish to accompany the wood panelling and reveals.
They were glazed with 6.8mm acoustic glass and positioned to optimise the cavity, ensuring high levels of acoustic reduction, as well as providing access for cleaning and maintenance.
Through the design of an enlarged rebated timber, the secondary could be supported and sealed around the full perimeter but still allow for a clear air passage from the heating grill.
Reducing noise
The Tate Library has 50 study desks and until the secondary glazing was installed, needed to give users earplugs to block out noise as well as blankets on cold days.
The primary windows in this room are tall gothic arched windows, with three stained glass windows forming the main bay.
They all had single glazed openings which did little to prevent draughts or keep the noise out. The timber was scribed on-site and installed prior to the manufacturing survey, to ensure exact measurements were extrapolated.
The immense gothic arches were almost 4.5m tall and had a mezzanine cutting through, which made the design and installation tricky.
The portion of the window below the mezzanine was a Series 10 horizontal sliding unit. Stacked on top, in an area not requiring on-going access, were two series 42 fixed lights.
Above these up to the spring point, was another Series 10, together with three Series 42 curved fixed lights including reverse curving to follow the lines and details of the tracery at the head.
