These three case studies showcase the versatility of Super Spacer ® in restoring buildings in heritage contexts . With a wide range of Super Spacer ® bars available , providing historic aesthetics and future-fit thermal technology can be delivered to heritage buildings across the globe , reflecting their importance as a symbol of the past and celebrating their place in our future .

THE BANK BUILDINGS , BELFAST

The Bank Buildings is a Grade B1-listed five-storey building in the Northern Irish capital . A jewel of Belfast , the building was designed by architect W . H . Lynn , and opened in 1900 .

The building has survived two fires in recent years - the last and most devastating one in 2018 destroyed the entire timber construction and practically the entire supporting structure .

The fire was an important reminder that historic buildings are more than just a landmark or the legacy of an architectural era – they are an important part of the city ’ s history and its continuing evolution . After the initial impulse to simply demolish the charred structure , a reconstruction began based on the original building .

IMC Glass supplied a total of 300 units from its Slim- Glaze range to replace the single-glazed windows from the

3rd floor upwards , which were also manufactured according to the historical model and installed in 1980 .

The reconstruction included the use of Edgetech ’ s Super Spacer ® Heritage spacer , a flexible warm edge spacer bar that was specially developed for double glazing in the restoration sector . Super Spacer ® dramatically improved the thermal efficiency of the building , ensuring its preparedness for a more carbon-conscious future . Crucially , however , the Super Spacer ® Heritage spacer bar also allowed the building to maintain its historic slim sightlines .

A resounding success , the restoration project combined historical integrity with technological innovation , and the restored Bank Buildings are once more a welcome sight in the city of Belfast .

ADARE MANOR HOTEL & GOLF RESORT , COUNTY LIMERICK

The luxury Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in County Limerick was built in the mid-19th century in neo- Gothic style as a private family residence .

A rare example of a ‘ Calendar House ’ ( a building with 365 windows , 52 chimneys , seven pillars and four towers ), it was important that this building was restored sympathetically in order to preserve its beauty for future generations .

A restoration project began whereby the windows in this historic building were repaired and restored . Wherever possible , the historic glass was reused , and all modern single-glazed windows were replaced with double glazing .

IMC Glass supplied a total of around 1,100 insulating glass units to three different window manufacturers for the renovation of the main house and Carriage House .

Edgetech ’ s Super Spacer ® Heritage spacer bar provided the perfect solution for maintaining the charm and aesthetics of the Manor while ensuring it was thermally efficient and would continue to be so for years to come .

Church of St Margaret , Apetlon

CHURCH OF ST MARGARET , APETLON

The heritage-listed Catholic parish church of St Margaret in the Burgenland municipality of Apetlon is an important local landmark .

In 2023 a project was planned in order to restore the church , and in particular the windows .

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort , County Limerick

The Bank Buildings , Belfast

The old Plexiglass windows on this church were arched outwards , and had failed to withstand strong winds in the past . Therefore , the ability of the new windows to endure high winds was essential .

Coloured church windows had been planned by Berlin artist Marie-Luise Dähne , and the monument protection authorities made curved panes ( based on the old Plexiglass panes ) a requirement .

Edgetech ’ s Super Spacer ® TriSeal was chosen for this project , as its flexibility not only allowed for a greater degree of creative freedom in the glass units but could also endure strong winds without damage .

In September 2023 the long-held wish of the Apetlon parish finally became a reality . With no thermal bridges at the edges of the glass , Super Spacer ® dramatically enhanced the thermal efficiency of the structure , and the original curved windows have been reflected beautifully in a stunning new design .

www . edgetechig . co . uk

88 JUNE 2024

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