Location: Kensington Gardens, London
Client: Serpentine Gallery
Project: Glass Replacement for Listed Building
Project Overview
The Serpentine Gallery, a Grade II listed former tea pavilion built in 1933-34, is nestled in the heart of Kensington Gardens, London. This historic gallery was preparing for a new exhibition, and as part of the preparations, the gallery identified the need to repair a large crack that had developed in one of the high-level secondary glazed windows in the main room.
Challenges
As a listed building, any work on the Serpentine Gallery must be carried out with respect for its architectural heritage, preserving its original aesthetic. This presented several unique challenges:
- Ultraviolet Protection: To ensure the safety of the artwork within the gallery, it was crucial to install glass that could filter ultraviolet (UV) light.
- Bespoke Glazing Beads: The glazing beads holding the glass were deteriorated and needed replacing. Due to the building’s historical status, these beads had to match the original profile, which was no longer available as a standard part.
Solution
To meet the specific requirements of the project, we undertook the following measures:
- UV Protection with Laminated Glass: We installed a custom-made laminated glass panel, featuring a UV barrier within the interlayer to effectively shield the artwork from harmful light exposure.
- Custom-Made Glazing Beads: With no off-the-shelf options available, we manufactured bespoke glazing beads to replicate the original design, ensuring continuity with the building’s architectural character.
Site Coordination
The Serpentine Gallery was bustling with various tradespeople—carpenters, decorators, electricians, and curators—working to prepare the space. To streamline the installation process and minimise disruptions, we coordinated closely with the decorators, sharing a scissor lift for access. Once we had securely installed the new glass, the decorators followed up by painting the newly fitted glazing beads.
Results
The project was a success, with the window restoration completed promptly and with minimal disruption to the site. The new UV-protected glass and custom glazing beads not only enhance the gallery’s functionality by safeguarding the artwork but also seamlessly preserve its historic charm.
This project underscores our commitment to delivering efficient and meticulous glazing solutions, even within the strict limitations of listed buildings.
