The Science Museum in London is a much loved and familiar landmark, but over the years, the exterior has fallen prey to the wear and tear. A replacement window programme was recently undertaken, and appointed by architects, Kirsop and Co, Crittall had to draw on its extensive experience and expertise to replace the windows to the Exhibition Road entrance.
Having provided initial elevation and detailed drawings for planning purposes, Crittall helped to obtain permission to the satisfaction of all parties, including main contractor, DBR (London) Ltd, and supplying its Corporate 2000 profiles, began the meticulous and exact replacement programme.
One of the features of the glazing was the inclusion of Enduroshield transparent coating to the surface of the glass for the very large top hung fixed light Corporate 2000 profiles. The openings at the top are supplied with electronic chain actuators, supplied by long term Crittall partner, SE Controls. Double glazed, the centre pane of the glazing achieves the required U value of 1.2w/m2K for compliance with Part L of the Building
Regulations, with Low E glass on the inside to control heat gain. The windows were finished in black matt polyester powder coating.
Logistically, Crittall faced numerous challenges on the project, with a limited time period each day to strip out, glaze and install the profiles. With no deliveries allowed before 6pm, the timing and meticulous attention to detail had to be exact in order for the smooth progression of the instalment. However, with intense planning and thorough application, the windows were installed to schedule and within the time limits.
“We are delighted with the finished result,” comments Mr Andrew Haycock of the Estates Department at the Science Museum. “In addition to brand new windows that meet all the requirements in terms of aesthetic and thermal value, the replaced windows were all recycled, which reduced wastage and disposal costs and which is a major environmental bonus.”
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