Parklife enjoys a renaissance

In the regeneration of historic Baxter Park, a stunning glass walled pavilion has been built that uses the revolutionary Pilkington Planar Triple system.

The latest stage in the regeneration of historic Baxter Park in the centre of Dundee has recently been completed.

A stunning glass walled pavilion has been built that uses the revolutionary Pilkington Planar Triple system from Pilkington Architectural.

Baxter Park has been awarded GBP 3.25m by the Heritage Lottery Fund with further funding of GBP 262,000 from Historic Scotland and a fund award from Dundee City Council.

The aim is to restore the park to its former glory for 21st Century use.

In its Victorian heyday Baxters Park was considered one of the finest examples of urban planning, fusing open space with stunning architecture, with the centrepiece being a pavilion, a listed building of architectural and historical significance.

Named after the park's benefactor, the renowned jute mill owner, Sir David Baxter, the park initially opened in 1863 and today still represents an important part of the city's cultural heritage.

The park was the vision of Sir Joseph Paxton, considered the greatest park designer of the Victorian age who was also responsible for the Crystal Palace.

Dundee City Council is responsible for the current restoration with the new pavilion pivotal to the success of project.

The primary objective for the new pavilion was to introduce a new pavilion for public use and to maximise the fantastic surroundings of Baxters Park.

Architect Gordon Stephen, from Dundee City Council's Architectural Services comments: "Not only did we have to provide a sympathetic design that complemented the park surroundings, but spatial considerations were really important".

"We did not want to build walls within the park and the landscape is there to be enjoyed".

"Therefore we wanted to create an outdoor feel indoors and the glass enabled us to achieve that".

"The next step was to use a glass of great architectural merit, but also a tough, vigorous system that complied with Scottish legislative requirements".

"After some research, we found that the Pilkington Planar Triple system fitted the bill perfectly." With accessibility a key consideration in the design, the use of Pilkington Planar Triple allowed for greater transparency due to the increased vision areas and allowed for a seamless transition into the exterior environment.

It is enclosed yet airy.

Merrill Smith, Leisure and Arts Development Manager of Dundee City Council, adds: "While the aesthetics were crucial, the pavilion performs an important public role and it is used for public events, meetings and other activities".

"Therefore the functional aspect of the glass system was of equal importance".

"The triple glazed system offered enhanced structural durability and achieved an improved thermal insulation performance." Specialist glass contractors, Charles Henshaw and Sons, had the challenging job of installing the glazing system and Jerry Almond, Commercial Sales Manager for Pilkington Planar and Fire Screens, from the company comments: "This was an exciting and unusual project for us, but one that was extremely satisfying".

"The use of Pilkington Planar Triple has created a really stunning building".

"With the walls constructed entirely from glass, the issue of heat retention and heat loss was of critical importance and the degree of environmental control offered by Pilkington Planar Triple provided the perfect solution.".

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