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Landmark project boost for Solaglas

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jul 4, 2005

Solaglas Structural Contracting awarded the prestigious project to glaze Fort Dunlop from Urban Splash.

After five years of planning and capital funding, Fort Dunlop, the old Birmingham tyre warehouse is getting its long awaited makeover.

The famous landmark will be transformed into mixed development of contemporary offices, shops, bars and hotel accommodation.

The ambitious project is the latest development to be undertaken by Urban Splash working with regeneration consortium Advantage West Midlands as part of a plan to revitalise the West Midlands.

Architects Shedkm have designed a scheme which combines the original character of Fort Dunlop with bold contemporary additions.

The final development will consist of 300,000 sq.

ft of office space, 45,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, a 100-bedroom hotel, secure car parking for 1,500 and a roof garden designed by renowned landscape architects, Martha Schwartz Solaglas Structural Contracting were awarded the prestigious project to glaze Fort Dunlop from Urban Splash in May 2005.

Their remit will be to provide over 6,000m2 of structural glazing which will be manufactured by the company's two German plants in Dresden and Cologne.

Once on site, the 60mm double glazed units up to 4.5m x 1.5m in size, will be craned into position, butt jointed and silicone sealed.

Solaglas are using two types of double glazed units, laminated safety glass SGG STADIP and SGG STADIP SECURIT a toughened, laminated safety glass, both types will be coated with low E SGG PLANITHERM.

To the new southeast elevation of the structure, the glazing will be installed in large open apertures whilst in the original part of the structure, it will be set back behind the original window space to form a service walkway.

Jeff Upton, Commercial Manager for Solaglas Structural Contracting says "We are delighted to be working with Urban Splash on this important landmark project".

"Although unusual site access limitations won't apply in this case, craning individual units weighing upto 750Kg to a height of 30m will be quite a challenge!" Glazing will commence in late June and the building is due for completion by the end of 2006.