Replacement windows thermal gain for iconic Birmingham office building
Glassolutions (formerly Solaglas)contact supplier
Replacement windows
Glassolutions (formerly Solaglas) upgrading the thermal performance of a prominent Birmingham Grade A office building without altering its external appearance.
Major window replacement project being completed by Glassolutions at Fifty4 Hagley Road in Edgbaston.
- comprises two tower blocks which are linked at ground level with a communal reception
- taller of the two towers is 17 storeys high and the other is eight storeys
- project includes the replacement of 1600 windows to the two tower blocks
The existing windows were installed when the building was constructed in the 1970s so offered enormous scope for thermal improvement given the advances in glazing technology over the last four decades.
Glassolutions awarded the fenestration contract by construction project management consultants Buro Four.
Brief includes acting as principal contractor and providing full site management duties including risk assessments, liability insurance, provision of all safety fencing and signage and operation of plant and such as cranes and mast climbers.
- refurbishment will result in a significantly upgraded thermal performance
- external appearance of the building will not be altered
- building remains fully operational for existing tenants
- safety and security of building key requirement
- disruption and noise to an absolute minimum
All windows are fixed lights and span floor to ceiling height with large double glazed units – the largest of which are 1m wide by 2.2m high.
This maintains unbroken sightlines externally so retains the original vision of architect John Madin, who was renowned for his iconic Brutalist architecture across the West Midlands.
Thermal performance is complemented with proven weather-tightness.
The project demanded superior resistance to the weather including extreme wind loadings due to the high rise nature of the towers.
The project perfectly illustrates how the thermal performance of a notable commercial building can be transformed without any change in the external appearance – something which is vital for iconic and listed buildings.
Landlord, Mercia Real Estate Ltd will benefit by this refurbishment work adding value to the building and delivering a financial return on investment.
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