A former cattle market gets a sustainable overhaul with Selectaglaze secondary glazing

Braintree Town Hall was faced with the challenge of making its building more energy efficient, which was no easy task seeing as it is Grade II* Listed. William Julian Courtauld paid the princely sum of £50,000 to give Braintree its own Town Hall. The first stone was laid in 1926 and it has been in constant use since its construction.

Selectaglaze was approached by Braintree Town Hall to address issues with the windows, which allowed cold air in and heat to escape.

A meeting was arranged with Braintree Town Hall and the local Conservation Officer, where an aluminium sample from Selectaglaze was set up next to one of the windows. Those in attendance were surprised at how well the timber grain effect blended in with the wood panelling of the room.

After the successful demonstration, Selectaglaze installed 20 vertical sliding units. All products were finished with a timber grain effect that harmonised perfectly with the interior.

The installation of secondary glazing dramatically reduces heat loss and all units are bespoke to achieve airtightness which virtually eradicates draughts. Another added benefit of installing secondary glazing was the reduction of outside noise.

“The Council researched a modern secondary glazing system that would complement the oak panelled interior of the Town Hall. A colour matched oak print with raised wood grain has been applied to the visible parts of the aluminium frame achieving an exact match to the existing oak surround.

The estimated savings from installing secondary glazing in the Town Hall is at least 12% of the combined heating bill, over £400pa at current prices, which are predicted to increase annually.”

Councillor Robert Mitchell, Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment and Place

Selectaglaze has been established for 50 years and received the Royal Warrant in 2004. Working on all building types from new build to Listed, it offers a wide product range to make buildings warmer, quieter and safer.

Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271/e mail: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk