Clean, private and secure environments for laboratories enhanced with secondary glazing

PsiOxus Therapeutics Ltd is a UK and US based cancer therapeutics company listed 25th in the Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 in 2017 for its ‘Gene Therapy for Cancer’ platform technology for the treatment of solid tumours. PsiOxus has recently expanded into 21,000 sq ft of new facilities including a state of the art research and development laboratory in The Quadrant at the Abingdon Science Park. 

The main contractor, Morgan Lovell specified Selectaglaze, to improve the thermal insulation and security of the building. The original primary windows were thermally inefficient, draughty and let heat escape. PsiOxus’ research and development environment demands the utmost cleanliness so a glazing solution was required to meet these requirements.  As part of the refurbishment, windows with fire ratings separating the labs and corridors were also required to conform to building regulations. 

Selectaglaze met the brief by installing a total of 15 horizontal slider units with 6mm toughened low- E glass in the 2 and 3 pane options to all primary windows. The inverted u-channel section was included to sit in the bottom of each frame to minimise the dust traps and enhance the ease of cleaning. All of the secondary glazing on the ground floor was fitted with Satinovo obscurity glass.

In addition, a total of 22 Series 40 fixed light units were fitted as viewing panels in the research and development laboratories. The Series 40 has a sturdier frame which can house higher weights of glass than required in a standard unit. The vision panels within the internal walls were fitted in 6mm toughened glass and in the lab areas, units were fitted with a 10mm Pyrodur glass, providing 30 minutes of fire integrity. 

The successful on-time installation of secondary glazing has greatly benefited the working atmosphere in the labs. The PsiOxus staff are already reaping the benefits of the new secondary glazing in their daily operations.

Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004. It boasts a wealth of knowledge and an extensive range of products to suit all projects.

Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271 e mail: enquiries(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk