New Look For Macdonald Hotel In Manchester

Two regional businesses of the glass and glazing specialist Solaglas Contracting have worked in partnership on a £3-million glazing project to transform the former BT building on London Road, Manchester, into a luxury four-star, 338-bedroom Macdonald Hotel.

The Solaglas teams were appointed because they were able to offer the short lead times required and had the expertise to meet the high standards expected by Macdonald Hotel & Resorts. Due to its busy central location, the Group took the decision to specify a similar level of glass insulation as that found in business and hotel premises next to Heathrow airport, ensuring guests would enjoy a restful night sleep.

Designed by Cardiff-based architect firm Rio Architects, the contemporary refurbishment incorporates a striking glass exterior which echoes the original look of the building. Sweeping feature screens were created on the ground floor, using Technal MC Trame Horizontale, bull nose caps and faceted screens.

Technal MC curtain walling was specified throughout, with insulated double skin aluminium panels to the lower area of the bedrooms.

High acoustic performance was required from the glass to block out traffic noise, so SGG STADIP SILENCE was used for the bedrooms. Two entrance areas were also supplied, each containing a revolving door and electrically operated, disabled, pivoted glass door.

To maximise health and safety, work was carried out from the top floor downwards with the scaffolding dismantled progressively. The Solaglas team worked from the building's balcony ledges using a safetyline system when additional work was required after scaffolding was removed. Solaglas operatives, access equipment and tools were attached to the building to ensure that nothing could fall to the street below and detailed risk assessments were approved by the Health and Safety Executive before work began. All work was undertaken under the supervision of Solaglas Health and Safety specialists, with daily tool box talks before work recommenced.

Throughout the project Solaglas worked with Timber Recycling in Manchester (TRiM) to recycle the 500 timber crates used to transport glass to the site. TRiM transform timber waste into tables, benches and planters through disabled support schemes and by work placement students, demonstrating to young people the potential for the re-use of waste materials.

Eager to reduce the waste sent to landfill, Solaglas employed TRiM to provide a cost effective and environmentally friendly method of disposing the unwanted timber from the project. TRiM was able to collect the crates from the site and supply risk assessments, satisfying any health and safety concerns. Solaglas also worked with TRiM during its project for Piccadilly Plaza and are committed to working with TRiM again for future projects.