Secondary Glazing Kicks External Noise Into Touch

External noise has been kicked into touch by a bespoke secondary glazing system, supplied by Granada Glazing, at the historic Stock Exchange Hotel in central Manchester owned by two prominent footballers.

Former Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville have turned what was once the Manchester Stock Exchange into a 4-star luxury boutique hotel. A striking example of Edwardian Baroque architecture, the Grade II* listed building has 40 bedrooms, signature suites and an impressive top floor residence.

The Manchester Stock Exchange first opened in 1906 and pictures and framed artefacts on the walls tell the story of the building’s history. The celebrity chef Tom Kerridge runs the restaurant in the former trading floor, a grand domed room with marble columns, tables and flooring.

Due to the hotel’s city centre location on Norfolk Street close to the Royal Exchange Theatre, noise insulation from traffic and late-night revellers was a key requirement to create a quieter, more comfortable experience for guests. The original single-glazed timber box sash primary windows were retained due to the building’s listed status and a desire to retain the stone building’s character.

Granada Glazing’s aluminium secondary glazing was specified to attenuate external noise without impacting on the visual aesthetics of the guest accommodation.

Working directly with their client, Granada Glazing’s technical team designed, manufactured and installed Heritage Hinged casement units to blend discreetly with the existing primary windows.

Powder-coated in a white high gloss finish, the slimline aluminium frames support 6.8mm acoustic laminated glass that was crucial to meet the required noise reduction level.

Secondary glazing is the proven cost-effective, efficient and discreet solution to cure issues with external noise, thermal efficiency and enhance security in buildings of all ages. When correctly installed, secondary glazing can make buildings up to 80% quieter by reducing noise levels up to 54dB.

A total of 31 windows on the front street-facing elevation were treated in this first phase, increasing both acoustic and thermal insulation.

“Our secondary glazing has successfully solved the principal issue of typical city centre noise, making the rooms so much quieter,” comments Mike Latham, Granada’s Commercial Director. “We used just one panel of glass per window so that your eye’s drawn through the secondary glazing to the primary window.

“The project was a success, and as a result we have been asked to complete another secondary glazing phase on the rear elevation of this unique building.”

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 or email: info@granadaglazing.com.