Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 14
The Halifax Piece Hall and
the Congregational Church Double Glazing the Rose Window
Dating back to 1779, the Halifax Piece Hall was built as a Cloth Hall which acted as a hub for traders from
all over the world. Due to the size and the prestige of the structure, the Grade I listed building is recognised as
one of the most ambitious and outstanding Georgian buildings of its time. The hall was a crucial part of West
Yorkshire’s economy and traded for more than 80 years until the 1970’s. From then, the Hall became a centre
for small shops but never really took off as a ‘place to visit’.
After falling into a state of neglect and struggling to
maintain shopping growth, Calderdale Council submitted
a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Costing over 19
million, the two year project was set to restore the existing
architecture with the added addition of an extension to
create a thriving local point for residents, workers, shopper
and tourists. The project also covered restoring the
adjacent church which was destroyed by a fire in the early
seventies. This would allow for a modern new library.
but didn’t compromise on the characteristics or aesthetics
of the Church.
Touchstone’s solution meant that each individual shaped
opening had to be hand templated in order to create a
perfectly fitted window. By using Touchstone’s Insulead
glazing system, it meant that each shaped opening could be
double glazed. Touchstones lead profile offers a minimal
sightline of only 20mm and is able to follow the outline of
the stonework perfectly. Touchstone also incorporated their
own Albion Crowne glass to promote an aged, slightly
distorted appearance. However, the use of this glass didn’t
compromise on the thermal and sound efficiency. For
longevity, Touchstone used a 28mm unit with toughened
glass on either side for additional security.
Touchstone was approached by LDN Architects to assist
with the historic mullion and tracery windows. The main
concern was the 5m Rose window which was made up
from 81 individual shapes. A glazing solution was required
that improved the buildings thermal and sound efficiency
Above, internal shot of the Rose Window
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