Selectaglaze secondary glazing creating quiet and comfortable areas for users of the new library in Plumstead
Working with award winning architects Hawkins Brown Associates LLP and Main contractor Osborne Construction, 63 secondary glazed units have been installed during the remodelling and refurbishment of Plumstead Library, to make it more thermally efficient and to create quieter spaces for the local community user groups.
This Grade II Listed building was constructed to the designs of Frank Sumner, Woolwich Borough council Engineer at the time and officially opened in 1904. A first floor museum was later added, opening in 1919. Over the ensuing years, areas of the library were closed to the public and used as offices and storage, and in the late 20th century the museum closed.
Following on from the Historic England listing in 2016, the Royal Borough of Greenwich decided to use the building as a champion for the Plumstead Urban Framework, making it one of the critical elements of the regeneration of the local High Street and surrounding area. As part of the first phase, the reworking and renewal of the Library started in 2018, enabled by a £16.6 million local authority backed scheme.
Plumstead Library is located on the busy A206, so noise was of great concern. Also, the single glazed metal framed windows did little to prevent heat loss or draughts. As the building is Grade II Listed, the original windows could not be changed, so a reversible adaptation had to be found.
Secondary glazing posed the most effective solution to improve the thermal efficiency as well as dramatically reduce the noise ingress. Well sealed secondary glazing significantly improves the performance of original windows. If used in conjunction with metal framed openings, U-values of 1.9 and reductions of 45dB can be achieved.
A total of 63 Selectaglaze units were installed, including Series 10 – 3 pane horizontal sliders, Series 80 – 3 pane horizontal sliders and more. Each sweeping bay overlooking the high street was built up with seven Series 20 vertical sliders, transom coupled to seven Series 45 side hung casements. This configuration complimented the sightlines of the primary windows and allowed full access for cleaning, maintenance and natural ventilation if required.
After months of highly skilled refurbishment works, the Library re opened in early 2020. It is set to become a sustainable and cultural destination in the Plumstead area and a great legacy for one of the remaining Carnegie libraries in the UK.
E- mail: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk