The multi-million pound conversion of the 150 year old Christ Church in Teddington, Middlesex, by Renaissance Design & Build, into six luxury apartments was completed using fire resistant glazing solutions from Promat.

The building’s local significance and historic features meant the conversion would have to be approached sympathetically.

The project involved retaining many original features whilst redesigning the internal space. This included installing a spiral staircase, roof garden and extending the original tower to provide a lift to the third floor.

One of the challenges for the architects was to ensure the building could be redeveloped in compliance with building regulations, including Approved Document B in relation to fire safety. The passive fire protection strategy meant introducing compartmentation into what was originally a large open space used by the congregation in a way that provided the best technical and aesthetic solution.

Two versions of Promat Systemglas were specified, both of which were installed by approved installer, Folkestone-based Rated Solutions.

Systemglas Celare EI30, which is a butt-jointed glazing system offering fire protection of 30 minutes with integrity and insulation, was chosen to provide compartmentation between the living areas. It was specified with a feature anthracite trim, but otherwise Systemglas Celare appears virtually frameless thanks to its Promatect H frame which is concealed within the surrounding walls, floors and ceilings.

The church’s centrepiece gothic and trapezoidal windows required Systemglas Ligna, a timber framed fire rated glazing system. An EI60 rating was provided to ensure the original stained glass windows and stonework will be protected in the event of a fire, without compromising the aesthetics of these attractive original Victorian elements.

Cliff Hamilton, managing director of Renaissance Design & Build said: “The building is absolutely amazing, the devil is in the detail.

“We made sure every aspect of the building was finished to the highest possible standards. The Promat glazing systems were ideal with bespoke frames, slim sight lines and clear butt joints meaning that we never had to compromise on our ambition for the internal appearance of the building. In addition to the third-party accreditation the supports all Systemglas specifications, Promat provide building owners with 360 degree assurance that their fire resistant glazing has been designed, manufactured and installed to deliver the performance specified. This includes a project-specific Certificate of Conformity, which is provided after a check of the finished installation, giving additional peace of mind to building occupants.

https://www.promat.com/en-gb/industry/technologies/fire-rated-glass/

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