Selectaglaze assisted interior designers Absolute Project Management on a project involving the modernisation of a residential apartment in a Listed repurposed warehouse. Selectaglaze fitted four acoustic secondary glazed units to seamlessly blend in with the internal architectural features creating a quieter and more comfortable living space.
The Grade II Listed Aberdeen Wharf, located in Wapping, East London; has been privy to countless changes to the area over decades. Right by the river Thames, it maintained a solid maritime link into the 20th century, still evident in surrounding buildings. Constructed in 1843, the wharf was in a part of Wapping which was home to many in the nautical trade, from mast-makers to first mates. Built next to the Police Station, it provided a storage service for goods transferred in from Scotland by the Aberdeen Steam Navigation company, with trading lasting close to 100 years.
Fear and destruction enveloped Wapping during the Blitz in WW2, with countless warehouses emptied or left to decay. For many years Wapping was run-down, until the 1980s, when it was significantly redeveloped by the London Docklands Development Corporation. A number of the standing warehouses, such as Aberdeen Wharf, were subsequently converted into luxury apartments. Fast-forward to 2020, where one apartment was modified to 21st century norms.
The owner of the property reached out to Absolute Project Management to support a full renovation of the split-level apartment. With views over the Thames one end, and overlooking the noisy Wapping Rose Gardens on the other, acoustic insulation was high on the agenda.
The original single glazed metal framed windows provided little acoustic insulation and were excessively draughty due to their age. Having come across Selectaglaze secondary glazing at a BIID event, Absolute were able to recommend them, due to their vast experience in working on Listed buildings.
A total of four windows were treated; one in particular was facing internally into the building foyer. The Series 10 2-pane horizontal sliders were specified for three of the windows and a smaller one treated with a Series 30 lift-out unit. Fluted glass was specified to enhance the property’s privacy credentials. To contrast with the exposed brick work and compliment the black framed original windows, the secondary glazing was powder coated in a matt slate grey (RAL 7015). Installed with a 150mm-200mm cavity with 6.8mm laminated glass, the noise insulation has been enhanced, as well as increased heat insulation properties. One of the openings required splayed timbers and crafting at the property by the installation team, to ensure the best fit was formed to optimise the benefits and performance levels.
The client is very happy with the overall result and has noticed from the offset the difference which the secondary glazing has made. The space has been altered and is a far cry from its original use when it was built over 176 years ago; ready for more generations to live peacefully and comfortably.
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