Dolphin Shopping Center
Client:
The Dolphin Shopping Center
Location:
Poole
Summary:
When Dolphin Shopping Center in Poole needed a shattered entrance pane replaced, they turned to Glazing Renovations for our specialist expertise. With no architectural drawings available and the glass fixed via complex spider fixings, the project required technical precision, in-depth research, and expert handling to ensure a flawless installation of the oversized glass unit.
Introduction
Glazing Renovations was contacted by Dolphin Shopping Center in Poole, as our expert services and knowledge were required to help replace a shattered glass pane at the entrance to the shopping center. The project was originally with another glazing company; however, it was passed over to Glazing Renovations as the project required specialist skills and expertise.
“We were really pleased to see the area cordoned off and all operatives in full PPE. It is always a risk using subcontractors and at our client’s property, but every member of the team was health and safety compliant and polite to the public.”
– Greg Collier, Director, MCM Facilities Management
Scope of works
The challenge
A key challenge of the project was the lack of ‘as-built’ architectural drawings, which meant it was not going to be easy to specify the correct glazing. The main complication was the glass pane being attached to the shopping centre facade via spider fixings, and so the Double-Glazed Unit (DGU) had to come with the attachment fixings structurally bonded to the unit.
How we overcame it
Using the combined experience of Jeremy Dunn, Technical Director at Glazing Vision, and Paul Ayms, General Manager at Glazing Renovations, we were able to identify the correct specification. After intense research, the technical team identified it as a Hansen Glazing System which meant that the replacement glass had to be procured from Europe which wasn’t a problem given Glazing Renovations extensive network of glass suppliers. Due to the lack of architectural drawings, the team also had to agree the external colour of the DGU with the client with samples, along with completing an intrusive site survey to ensure the glass size purchased would mirror what was in situ.
The end project
The outcome
The glass was installed by one of our specialist teams, with RAMS being submitted 7 days before the install to the client so they could understand the sequence of works to prepare the area in advance and agree what hours would be preferable. Glazing Renovations dedicated Project Manager then organised and ensured that the correct health and safety equipment, along with the appropriate lifting and installation equipment, was onsite where needed on the day.
With the glass panel being oversized with dimensions of 3m x 2m, the 8 structurally bonded fixings had to be eyed at the same time instead of simply leaning the DGU in once securing the base like any normal curtain walling replacements.
This meant 4 technicians were needed, one at each corner and along with some precision lifting from the spider crane supplied by our lifting partner, and with the site survey being millimeter perfect, the pane was smoothly installed and secured in good time.
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