The Guard House
Fineline Aluminium was approached by architect Duncan O’Kelly of Duncan O’Kelly Partnership in late 2014 to provide glazing for the planned upgrade of a listed building in Woolwich, South East London.
Fineline Aluminium was approached by architect Duncan O’Kelly of Duncan O’Kelly Partnership in late 2014 to provide glazing for the planned upgrade of a listed building in Woolwich, South East London.
Level thresholds were an essential requirement as they would allow ease of access to the raised patio area outside. Whilst as many as five tracks are possible with Fineline’s System 22 sliding doors, a two-track configuration was chosen as this would keep the frame depth to a minimum. A sequence of fixed and sliding panels achieved this, while still allowing ease of access to the outside.
The further challenge of incorporating a new single storey extension to the original Guardhouse was solved with a bespoke set of bi-parting doors that were offset at an angle of 126 ̊. The end return comprises fixed glazing with frameless glass-to-glass joints and corners, and a raked head detail.
To complete the extension, 14m of fixed clerestory glazing set at differing angles was designed to allow light into the back of the building.
All the glazing tracks and frames were to be concealed within the structure. Fineline’s technical team put together a comprehensive set of design drawings that detailed exactly how the glazing would interface with the structure of the building.
In addition to the complete renovation of the building envelope, the listed building required a new bar with a small, intimate dining area and courtyard. System 22 bi-parting doors with their discreet, minimal frames give access to the small courtyard. Additional natural light was needed in this area, so Fineline’s Skyline lantern roof with 40mm rafters was used to great effect, along with solar control glass to ensure an overall U-value of 1.4W/m2K.
All the doors were fitted with stainless steel handles to complement the dark grey frames. A run of 26m of external glass balustrade, which incorporated a glass door for access, was proposed to complete the design concept for Duncan O’Kelly.
Planning and listed building approval for the design was granted in April 2015, along with approval for change of use to restaurant and public house, to be operated by Geronimo Inns.
The site, which was located within a new development in Woolwich, had limited access. Offloading and moving the large glass units was one of the many challenges to be overcome at installation. Units weighing more than 270kg each had to be moved over 100m from offload to site location. Fineline’s project manager and installation team developed excellent working relationships with both the contractor, Phelans, and with the project manager, PSE Associates. This made it possible to overcome all the challenges on site efficiently and professionally and to deliver the project on time.
Fineline’s highly experienced team understands the needs of architects, contractors and end users. Their involvement early in the design stage, and unstinting attention to detail throughout the project made it possible to deliver bespoke solutions to this challenging and rewarding project.
