London's iconic lighthouse building-from mysterious past to bright future

Once a building at risk, the iconic Grade II Listed Lighthouse building that neighbours Kings Cross has been cautiously restored into quieter and warmer office and retail space with the help of Selectaglaze.

Neglected for over 20 years, UK Real Estate took on the task of restoring the iconic building for its new purpose as office and retail space. The project wasn’t without challenges, with two underground tunnels running beneath; the building’s restoration had to be carefully managed, including tackling the issues of noise and vibrations.

The solution to the extensive vibration issues was to isolate all internal fixtures and fittings by inserting elastomeric bearing pads at all points of contact with the external structure. Secondary glazing was an intrinsic component of this solution as a fully independent internal window system, it allows the full sealing of the internal envelope.

Selectaglaze is the specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazing, with fifty years’ experience. Selectaglaze recommended the use of 8mm toughened glass, glazed to Series 25 and Series 90 vertical sliders and series 41 lift-out units, designed to suit the style and sightlines of the primary window. In total Selectaglaze installed 83 units.

When there is a cavity of at least 100mm between the primary and secondary glazing a reduction of 45dB is achievable.

As all of Selectaglaze units are a fully reversible adaptation it is accepted for use on Listed buildings by most heritage bodies.

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