Promat fire rated solutions key to luxury development

A multi-million pound redevelopment project to convert a Victorian church into six luxury apartments has been completed using assured fire resistant glazing solutions from Promat.

The scheme to convert the Christ Church in Teddington, Middlesex, by Renaissance Design & Build, is said to have secured the future of the 150-year-old building after it had fallen into disrepair over recent years.

The extensive conversion project involved completely modernising the building, retaining many original features whilst redesigning the internal space to incorporate the six dwellings. This included installing a spiral staircase, roof garden and extending the original tower to provide a lift to the third floor.

One of the key challenges for the architects was to ensure the building could be redeveloped in a way that ensured compliance with current 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 in a way that provided the best technical and aesthetic solution.

Two versions of the Promat Systemglas range of fire-resistant glazing systems were specified to provide a dependable level of fire protection to both property occupiers and the building itself, both of which were installed by Promat Systemglas 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 due to its suitability for the modern internal décor of the apartments, and effectiveness in providing compartmentation between the different 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 Christ Church’s centrepiece gothic and trapezoidal windows required a different approach which involved 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 the original Victorian elements.

Cliff Hamilton, managing director at Renaissance Design & Build, said: “The building is absolutely amazing, the devil is in the detail, and we made sure that 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.”

Keith Crouchman, project director at Renaissance added: “I was really impressed by the professionalism and expertise of Promat and Rated Solutions. They worked extremely hard through the pandemic to ensure we kept to our original build schedule.”

In addition to the third party accreditation the supports all Systemglas specifications, Promat provides 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.

Promat Systemglas is a complete range of fire resistant glazing systems, which includes steel and timber frame options, plus Promatect H framing which can be overclad, painted or concealed.

Suitable for internal screens, partitions, atriums and external glazing elements, these systems are complemented by steel and timber doors, plus a walk-on load-bearing glass floor.