Harris Manchester College is one of the principal Colleges at Oxford University. The Victorian buildings contain decorative wooden panelling, gothic revival architectural detailing and large stained-glass windows. With a new construction site opposite the main building, four rooms were affected by noise and dust ingress in the Grade II Listed building: two meeting rooms, a student common room, and the Tate Library. Secondary glazing was deemed the most appropriate option. Selectaglaze was contacted to provide advice on treatments and support in gaining Listed Building Consent by producing the application drawings; as well as to fulfil the glazing requirements.
In the two meeting rooms: Series 20 slimline vertical sliding units were installed; colour matched in a wood grain finish to complement the wood panelling and reveals. They were glazed with 6.8mm acoustic glass and placed to optimise the cavity, ensuring high levels of acoustic reduction, as well as offering access for cleaning and maintenance. The window sills had inset heating grilles, so by designing an enlarged rebated timber, the secondary could be reinforced and sealed around the full perimeter but still leave clear passage for air from the heating system.
The primary windows in the Tate Library are tall gothic arched windows, with three stained glass windows forming a main bay. To complement the interior décor and leaded casings, the timber sub frames and secondary glazing profiles were colour coated in 9005 Jet Black Matt.
The tall gothic arches measured around 4.5m tall and had a mezzanine cutting them part way, which made the design and installation tricky. The portion of the window below the mezzanine was a Series 10 horizontal sliding unit. Stacked above, in an area not requiring access, were two series 42 fixed lights. Above these up to the spring point, was another Series 10, followed by three Series 42 curved fixed lights including reverse curving to follow the lines and details of the tracery at the head. Installed with 6.8 laminate glass and a generous cavity; the space inhibits disruption, is warmer and provides UV shielding to the books and manuscripts in the Library.
The student Common Room needed a resolution to prevent noise entering from the neighbouring construction site. Series 20 slimline vertical sliders were installed in white to match the interior design.
Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004.
