Built on a plot that has been vacant for a number of years, the site has had a creative past. During the 1920’s Ham Yard was home to the Hambone Club for writers and musicians. During the 1940’s it then became a regular paid Jazz club for London musicians called Club 11. Unfortunately during the Second World War the site saw serious damage through bombings and the area was never redeveloped.

Many plans were put forward over the years to develop the site, but all were rejected until, finally permission was granted for Firmdale hotels to redevelop the area. They went on to create 91 individually designed hotel bedrooms and 24 apartments, along with a 1950’s style bowling alley, cinema and restaurant. However, building a hotel in the centre of an area with such vibrant night life does come with its drawbacks.

Although new double glazed windows were installed throughout the hotel, the corner of the hotel on Great Windmill Street still had trouble with external noise levels. Firmdale Hotels approached Selectaglaze to help deliver a solution with their bespoke secondary glazing systems. The introduction of secondary glazing, which is fitted to the room side of a building, is one of the most effective solutions for combating outside noise, and a reduction of 45dB is achievable when there is a gap of at least 100mm.

Three different unit styles were used, one of which was the S80 horizontal slider, typically used for larger windows as it can hold up glass to 12mm thick glass. Acoustic laminated glass was used, which absorbs the outside noise levels, to assist in creating a more peaceful and relaxing environment – as well as a good night sleep.

A total of 37 openings were treated with the secondary glazing being finished in a dark grey colour to match the existing primary windows, making them as inconspicuous as possible.

As testament to the detailed planning throughout the design and build phases, their efforts were rewarded with the Hotel gaining a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Selectaglaze are the leading specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazed units. Established in 1966 and granted the Royal Warrant in 2004, they have a wealth of experience, working closely with clients on all different building styles from Listed buildings, to new build.