Contemporary glass in heritage buildings
I
ncreasingly, architects builders and specifiers are recognising the value of
renovations
incorporating glass into heritage and
refurbishments.
Contemporary glass can create and divide spaces without obscuring or de- tracting from architecture, it allows light to flow around the building and can work perfectly in conjunction with stained glass windows without impacting on their artistic beauty. However commissioning glass in heri-
tage surroundings requires expert input to ensure that it meets a range of criteria. The glass needs to be fully compliant with all current building regulations whilst at the same time meeting the requirements of heritage organisations and other inter- ested parties. It has to meet the relevant technical
specifications without damage or impact to the existing architecture and it needs to be precisely manufactured to ensure that it fits perfectly, especially around true walls and ancient stonework. Glass specialists Ion Glass have a well
deserved reputation for high quality and complex installations in heritage and ec- clesiastical buildings and have developed some unique skills and techniques to ensure their wholly bespoke glass works perfectly in ancient environments. In particular they have developed a range of concealed fixing systems to ensure that the glass makes minimal
impact on the
substance of the original building, provid- ing a robust finish that meets all structural requirements without the need for visually intrusive framework. Ion Glass has also developed a tech-
nique that ensure the glass fits around uneven walls and corbels, with precise templating carried out prior to manufac- ture where necessary. “Working in buildings originally con-
structed hundreds of years ago poses some very unique challenges,” said Ion Glass MD Peter Hazeldean. “Once the project has been agreed with everyone concerned we have to ensure that the glass
is fully functional, fits perfectly
and that the installation itself is carefully planned for a flawless result. We employ a team of experienced technicians, with
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Incorporating glass into heritage projects
STEWART & HUTCHINSON
In 2012, stained glass and leadlight specialist Stewart & Hutchinson restored a his- toric piece of artwork to its former glory. The company painstakingly restored four irreplaceable stained glass windows at
St Cardoc’s Church in Glynneath after two of the window lancets were identified as requiring urgent attention. The work was completed in January 2012 and helped to revitalise an important area of the church. Each window lancet measures 9ft high and contains two medieval stained glass
panes surrounded by a section of Victorian glass. The medieval panes were paint- ed in the 16th century and feature images of abbots, monks and saints. Previous attempts to repair the windows had left the historic glazing showing visible signs of wear and tear so specialised restoration work was therefore required to protect the artwork from further damage. Stewart & Hutchinson removed all of the glass panels from the lancet in order to
enable conservator Bryony Benwell to clean, repair and restore the medieval panes. To ensure that the hard work will continue to payoff for future generations, Stewart & Hutchinson then employed a technique called Isothermal Glazing to help preserve the life of the windows. The Isothermal Glazing process involved repositioning the medieval panes so that
they sit 30mm in front of the background glass. A sheet of plain glass was then placed in front of the medieval panes to create a space within the lancets where air could comfortably circulate around the frame. The external face of the medieval glass is now protected from acid erosion and other external damage. Stewart & Hutchinson Managing Director, Gordon Stewart, said: “Once we had completed the project I really couldn’t believe the difference that we had made by restoring the windows. “This was the perfect job and we couldn’t have completed it any better if we had
tried. The work was finished on time, within budget and to a very professional stan- dard. “At Stewart & Hutchinson we really enjoy being involved in work of this nature.
Projects like this come up only once every so often, so we were very lucky to be a part of the restoration of such an important piece of history.”
WWW.PREMIERCONSTRUCTIONNEWS.COM OFFICE@ROMAUK.NET
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