Bristol building at ‘risk’ gets Selectaglaze treatment

The Lower lodge Gatehouse, a grandiose Grade II Listed former entrance to Ashton Court Estate, in Bristol, has been fitted with secondary glazing from Selectaglaze.

The extravagant Gatehouse features a castellated bathstone exterior and heraldic entrance. It was the entry to a sweeping drive up to the Mansion and a statement piece of architecture in its time.

However, the building was left abandoned and fell into disrepair, so much so it featured on Historic Englands ‘Heritage at Risk Register’. Roofs had fallen in; floors had disintegrated; windows were missing and large cracks had appeared in the stonework due to the walls separating.

Its refurbishment works are part of Bristol’s ambitious plans to restore five estate lodges funded through grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and money raised by Bristol Buildings Preservation Trust.

As the Gothic Revival building is Grade II Listed, original features had to be retained and restored such as the stone flagged floors and stairs, plastered vaulted ceilings, gothic doors and beautiful gothic arched windows. 

Main contractor Ken Biggs, approached Techniglaze, a partner of Selectaglaze for more than 20 years, for assistance with the specification of secondary glazing. The original windows had irregular original glass, no thicker than 3mm and the frames were leaky; meaning the building was cold and draughty.

They are set in stone and have leaded lights, so the character and sightlines had to be retained to highlight the craftsmanship of the time.

18 openings were treated, all of which were very irregular in size and shape. Timber frames were made for all, to ensure a true opening was created to fix the secondary glazing to, which made sure it was a tight fit to eliminate any drafts or air gaps.

The series 45 hinged casement was specified with gothic arched heads, to allow an undisrupted view of the primary glazing, without adding any new sightlines.

It also provides full access for cleaning and maintenance of the original windows. The high performance seals and use of low-E glass in the secondary glazing, has improved the overall thermal performance of the building and created a far more comfortable environment.

Ben Mellor, Gatehouse Manager, expressed his delight with the secondary glazing, saying that as well as keeping the building warm, it does a fantastic job at keeping noise from a busy road nearby to a minimum.

“Ashton Gatehouse is more than 200 years old, yet the newly installed glazing fits perfectly with the look and feel of this historic site,” Ben said.

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Selectaglaze,
Alban Park,
Hatfield Road,
St. Albans,
Hertfordshire,
AL4 0JJ

Phone: 01727 837271
Fax: 01727 844053

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