Sapa Helps to Transform Landmark Art Deco Building

Sapa Building Systems' windows and curtain walling has helped to transform a treasured landmark Art Deco building in Glasgow. Baird Hall has been converted into contemporary private apartments with the highly distinctive facade carefully retained and updated.

The eight-storey building was built in 1938 as the Beresford Hotel and was described as Glasgow's first skyscraper.

The hotel was originally used for visitors to the Empire Exhibition, and then became a favourite rendezvous for American servicemen during the Second World War.

After the war, the building became an office block and was later acquired by the University of Strathclyde for student accommodation.

Its recent transformation has seen it restored to its former glory with painstaking restoration of the existing façade, the addition of an extra floor and the inclusion of a foyer reminiscent of the elegant style of the thirties.

The slim lines of Sapa's aluminium window systems were used to replicate the original style windows whilst the internal central atrium features Elegance 52 curtain walling which spans all 10 floors to the open skies above.

The sightlines of the original steel windows had to be preserved as part of the distinctive and historic appearance of the facade. At the same time, the refurbished building needed to deliver high standards of thermal efficiency. Sapa windows contributed to the improved thermal efficiency of the building whilst successfully replicating the slim sightlines of the original windows.

The refurbishment was overseen by 3D Architects for City Site Estates Plc. The windows and curtain walling were installed by Sapa customer SRS Group for main contractor Tannon Ltd.

Web: http://www.sapabuildingsystems.co.uk