74 Trumpington Street, including the new offices of the Master (Chris Smith, Baron Smith of Finsbury) of Pembroke College, has been upgraded with curved on plan and standard secondary glazing to create quieter and warmer office environments, in line with the College’s overall sustainability plan.
Situated in the quintessentially English university city of Cambridge, three neighbouring buildings forming part of Pembroke College’s estate have recently been renovated. One of which is the Grade II Listed Kenmare House designed and built by James Essex c.1760, a prolific constructor in Cambridge, with many of his buildings now making up the University’s Estate.
Pleasance Hookham and Nix were contracted by the College to put the architectural plans together of how the buildings would be reconfigured, to house the Master, Finance, Human Resources and International Programmes Teams and Fellows accommodation, who were being moved across the road from the main building. The rooms on the front elevation overlooked an extremely busy thoroughfare with tour buses and cars passing in front as well as the continual stream of bicycles found throughout the city. Due to its Listing, the original single pane windows had to be retained. Selectaglaze was contacted early in the design process, which made the incorporation of the secondary glazing far more efficient.
60 units were installed throughout the buildings. On the front elevation, where noise ingress was a concern, the secondary glazing was installed with a larger cavity, to create the sound insulation. On the rear of the building the glazing was mainly for thermal and one intricately etched large window overlooking a flat roof, had a large Secured by Design unit installed for added security.
A range of styles were included in the design including, Series 10 – 2 and 3 pane horizontal sliders, Series 20 vertical sliders and Series 45 side hung casements (plus more). Some windows had arched heads, so special timber grounds were produced in the workshop, with a great deal of scribing and care taken during installation on site.
The staff based there are delighted with their new home. A noticeable difference can already be felt with the installation of the secondary glazing; they can work peacefully whilst the tourists pass by on their guided tours and are cosy with draughts and heat loss eliminated.
Founded in 1966, Royal Warrant Holder Selectaglaze has worked on all building types, from Listed to traditional and even new build.
Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271 email: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk
