London’s Iconic Lighthouse Building - From mysterious past to bright future

Once a building at risk, the Grade II Listed Lighthouse building has been renovated into quieter and warmer office and retail space with the help of Selectaglaze.

Neighbouring Kings Cross sits the iconic Flat-Iron Lighthouse building. No one knows when it was built exactly, but there are indications it was between 1884 - 1875, the purpose of the building is also unknown. Some guess the building once sold oysters, others say the Lighthouse may have been used to spot fires; it still remains a mystery today.

Having lain derelict for years, UK Real Estate took on the mammoth task of revitalising the iconic building and appointed Balfour Beatty as its main contractor. The project wasn’t without its trials, with two underground tunnels running beneath; the building’s restoration had to be carefully managed, including tackling the issues of noise and vibrations.

The resolution to the extensive vibration issues was to isolate all internal fixtures and fittings by inserting elastomeric bearing pads at all points of contact with the external structure. Secondary glazing was an intrinsic component of this solution as a fully independent internal window system allows the full sealing of the internal envelope.

Selectaglaze recommended the use of 8mm toughened glass, glazed to series 25 and series 90 vertical sliders and series 41 lift out units. In total Selectaglaze installed 83 units.

When there is a cavity of at least 100mm between the primary and secondary glazing a reduction of 45dB is possible. An additional benefit of secondary glazing is thermal retention and a U-value of 1.8 is possible.

As all of Selectaglaze units are a fully reversible adaptation it is accepted by most heritage bodies.

Selectaglaze is the specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazing, with fifty years’ experience working on a wide range of building types.

For further information, please contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271/e mail: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk