Granada Cuts Out Heathrow Noise at Adult Education Centre 2

Noise intrusion from the flightpath into London’s Heathrow Airport has been dramatically cut at Meadowbank Adult Education Centre in Cranford, thanks to Granada secondary glazing.

Run by the London Borough of Hounslow, the Centre serves a valuable purpose for local residents, providing a number of classrooms, crèche and a hall available for community use.

Keeping external noise to an acceptable and comfortable level for teaching was a challenge given the building’s proximity to such a major airport. As acoustic glazing specialists, Granada Glazing was specified by the architect (NBF) to deliver a discreet, cost-effective and efficient solution for two principle teaching areas.

Working with architect NBF Partnership, the Granada technical team recommended the use of Heritage Hinged Units as the secondary glazing solution to supplement the existing aluminium double-glazed primary windows, considerably enhancing the acoustic performance of the building. The aluminium frames were finished in a white high gloss to blend in seamlessly with the existing internal décor.

To meet acoustic requirements, a 6.4mm acoustic laminated glass was specified with 19mm acoustic reveal liners. The result was a 53dB reduction in external noise – the equivalent of turning the sound of a diesel bus into a whisper.

Having specified Granada Secondary Glazing, Stephen Palmer, Partner at NBF Partnership comments: “Granada’s technical representative met us on site and was extremely helpful in advising on the type of secondary glazing needed to address the issues with sound intrusion in the building. Aluminium double-glazed windows were already installed, but the acoustic insulation was really satisfied by the secondary glazing and the acoustic linings.”

On the appearance of the secondary glazing, Stephen says that the final product was ‘entirely appropriate to the design aesthetic of the interior’, adding: “We were looking for a 53 dB reduction in sound and I believe from the contractor’s acoustic tests that the secondary glazing satisfied those requirements.”

Granada Glazing partners with architects and specifiers on the design, manufacture and supply of high quality commercial secondary glazing for all sectors and building types across the UK. For more information on how we can assist with your project, please telephone 01909 499 899.