The works involved the introduction of secondary glazing at the new PsiOxus facility to meet the needs of an oncolytic virus research and development laboratory by enhancing the thermal and security properties of the primary glazing.
The main contractor, Morgan Lovell specified Selectaglaze to come up with bespoke solutions to improve the thermal insulation and security of the building in specific areas. Liaising with Tom Hing, the Morgan Lovell project manager, a challenging schedule was targeted, to keep the works on time in preparation for the opening of the centre in Summer 2017.
The original primary windows were thermally inefficient, draughty and let heat escape. PsiOxus’ research and development environment demands the utmost cleanliness so a glazing solution was required to meet these requirements. As part of the refurbishment, windows with fire ratings separating the labs and corridors were also required to conform to building regulations.
Selectaglaze met the brief by installing a total of 15 horizontal slider units with 6mm toughened low- E glass in the 2 and 3 pane options to all of the external primary windows. The inverted u-channel section was included to sit in the bottom of each frame to minimise the dust traps and enhance the ease of cleaning. This is ideal for tissue culture labs where there is a requirement for infection control. All of the secondary glazing on the ground floor was fitted with Satinovo obscurity glass to provide increased lab privacy.
In addition, a total of 22 Series 40 fixed light units were fitted as viewing panels in the research and development laboratories. The Series 40 has a sturdier frame which can house higher weights of glass. The vision panels within the internal walls were fitted in 6mm toughened glass and in the lab areas, units were fitted with a 10mm Pyrodur glass providing 30 minutes of fire integrity.
The U-values have improved, now exceeding 1.9 and draughts have been eliminated. The flush frames and Satinovo glass now ensure that any experiments will be contained within the laboratories thus promoting an optimised cleanable and controlled environment. Selectaglaze units combined with a cavity of at least 100mm from the primary window, provide a significant noise reduction from the outside environment.
The successful on-time installation of secondary glazing has greatly benefited the working atmosphere in the labs. Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004. It boasts a wealth of knowledge and an extensive range of products to suit all projects from Listed properties, to new builds.
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