Royal Artillery Barracks

Principle Issues

With the works being within a secure site, and with the sensitive retention and protection of retained structural and architectural features to consider, the requirement for unobtrusive, top-rated, thermally efficient secondary glazing that would meet Counter Terrorist Measures (CTM) specification was critical.

It was important to consider a number of designs and specifications in order to provide optimum thermal efficiency, while still providing essential ventilation where necessary, and delivering a frame solution that would play an integral part with the existing traditional box sash windows in addition to the barracks architectural heritage. The importance of furnishing the barracks living quarters with a discreet system that would comply with CTM criteria was a further requirement of the client, and needed to be integrated into the final design.

• Works for phases 1 and 2
• Front elevation (Parade Ground) – full refurbishment of existing timber sliding sash windows, including:
  • overhaul
  • draughtproofing
  • resin repairs using the Repair Care System (pre-paint epoxy resin)
  • full window decoration internally and externally using the Dulux Weathershield paint system
  • replacement glazing with bomb film applied from Solar Shield.

Once works were completed, this allowed Granada Secondary Glazing to provide a high-specification solution. It used a bespoke heritage window tilting balanced vertical slider with 6.8mm Class A laminated glass in order to achieve high levels of thermal efficiency, largely for the troops’ comfort and well-being, but essentially ensuring their safety and security by complying with the CTM for Normal Risk levels.

Custom-made units reflected the lines of the original windows and were designed to have a minimal visual impact on the character and design of the original building, internally and externally.

Another benefit was further improvement to the acoustic performance of the existing windows, which reduced noise levels in the living quarters, and delivered a more comfortable environment.

Phase 3

Work carried out in the Officers’ Mess. TRC supplied and fitted 50 new timber sliding sash windows and timber casement windows.