Commercial Education Project
City of London Academy Shoreditch Park
Glass Parapet Wall Extensions
Over 300 linear metres of frameless structural glass installed to enhance student safety across a four-storey educational building while preserving the openness of the central atrium.
Sector
Education
Location
London
Completed
Summer 2025
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Extending Safety Without Changing the Architecture
Following a competitive tender process, CreoGlass was appointed by the City of London Academies Trust to design, manufacture and install bespoke glass parapet wall extensions throughout Shoreditch Park Academy.
The academy required a discreet solution to increase the height of the existing parapet walls surrounding its impressive four-storey central atrium. The new safety barriers needed to improve protection while maintaining the building's open character, uninterrupted sightlines and abundance of natural daylight.
Rather than proposing an externally mounted system requiring extensive access equipment, CreoGlass developed an engineering-led solution that concealed the structural fixing system within the existing parapet construction. More than 300 linear metres of frameless glass were installed during the summer holiday programme, allowing the academy to reopen safely before the new academic year.
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Project at a Glance
A Large-Scale Safety Glass Installation
The project combined extensive commercial glazing, concealed structural fixing and a tightly controlled installation programme across four levels of the academy.
Design and Engineering
Solving a Concealed Structural Challenge
The principal challenge was not the glass itself, but how to create a secure structural connection through an existing timber-clad parapet without dismantling the finished architecture.
Working with an Existing Structure That Could Not Be Exposed
The structural concrete was concealed beneath timber cladding and capping. The finishes could not be removed for exploratory work, making the depth and exact position of the solid substrate difficult to verify before drilling commenced.
- Restricted investigation: the existing timber finishes had to remain largely intact.
- Unknown fixing depth: the solid concrete substrate was hidden below the capping.
- Angled parapet surfaces: the existing ledges fell slightly inward rather than sitting level.
- Four-storey access: glass and aluminium components had to be manually handled across multiple levels.
- Limited programme: all installation work had to be completed during the academy's closure period.
- Visual constraints: the completed system needed to remain discreet and preserve uninterrupted views across the atrium.
A Top-Fixed System Anchored Directly into the Concrete
CreoGlass developed a method of fixing structural aluminium base channels directly through the existing parapet capping and into the concealed concrete below. This avoided the need to install the glass externally from within the atrium.
- Concealed base channel: aluminium profiles were recessed within the existing parapet detail.
- Deep structural anchoring: fixings were embedded into the concrete substrate below the timber.
- Individual alignment: channels were packed and adjusted to compensate for the inward fall.
- Installation from above: the method reduced reliance on scaffolding or complex atrium access.
- Reinstated finishes: existing timber cappings were modified and refitted around the glass.
- Minimal visual impact: the final structural system remained largely hidden from view.
Cross-sectional design showing the glass, concealed aluminium channel, modified timber capping and structural fixing into the concrete parapet below.
Why this approach mattered
The top-fixed solution reduced installation complexity, avoided extensive internal scaffolding and allowed the new safety barrier to integrate naturally with the existing architecture.
Design Development
From Initial Concept to Buildable Detail
The final installation method was developed through site observation, concept sketching, digital visualisation and technical detailing. Each stage helped refine the structural approach before manufacture and installation.
01
Initial Thinking
Concept Sketch
The first-stage sketch explored how the glass could be fixed from above while maintaining the existing timber-clad parapet and avoiding complex access from inside the atrium.
02
Visual Development
Digital Visualisation
A digital model was used to demonstrate the proposed barrier height, glass proportions and visual relationship between the new installation and the existing architecture.
03
Technical Resolution
Cross-Section Detail
The technical section established how the aluminium base channel, structural fixings, modified timber capping and laminated glass would work together as one integrated system.
04
Project Approval
Tender and Installation Proposal
The final proposal defined the project scope, panel arrangement, fixing approach and delivery programme across the academy's four storeys.
INSTALLATION
Engineering the Installation
Every fixing, every channel and every glass panel had to be installed from the existing circulation walkways without disrupting the architecture below. The chosen installation method reduced access complexity while maintaining a clean architectural finish.
The structural aluminium base channels were fixed directly into the concealed concrete parapet beneath the existing timber capping. More than one thousand structural fixings were installed across approximately 300 linear metres of glass parapet extensions.
Preparing the Structure
The existing timber capping was carefully removed and prepared before drilling commenced, allowing the concealed concrete structure beneath to receive the structural fixing system.
Channel Installation
Aluminium base channels were aligned individually to compensate for the slight inward fall of the existing parapet walls while maintaining a perfectly vertical glass line.
Glass Installation
Each laminated glass panel was manually positioned, aligned and secured before the modified timber capping was reinstated to conceal the structural fixing system.
Corner Detailing
Every return, corner and change in direction required bespoke manufactured panels and carefully mitred timber details.
Finishing Details
Existing finishes were modified and reinstated around the glass to create a seamless architectural appearance with minimal visible intervention.
Quality Inspection
Every floor was inspected before handover to ensure consistent alignment, secure fixing and a clean finished appearance throughout the installation.
An Installation Designed Around the Building
Rather than forcing the building to adapt to the glazing system, CreoGlass developed a solution that worked with the existing architecture. By anchoring the aluminium channels directly into the concealed concrete structure without disturbing the timber cappings, the completed installation appears as though it were always part of the original building design.
Completed Project
A Safety Intervention Designed to Disappear
The completed frameless glass extensions increase the barrier height throughout the academy while preserving views, natural light and the original character of the central atrium. The restrained detailing allows the new system to sit naturally within the existing building.
Finished Result
The strongest evidence of the installation's success is how little it changes the character of the building.
The completed glass barriers provide a substantial improvement in safety while remaining visually light. Concealed structural channels, reinstated timber finishes and carefully aligned glass panels create an intervention that feels considered rather than added afterwards.
Technical Capability
Technical Highlights
The project required a combination of structural thinking, accurate surveying, bespoke manufacture and carefully sequenced installation across a complex existing building.
Concealed Structural Fixing
Aluminium base channels were anchored directly into the concealed concrete structure beneath the timber capping, leaving the finished fixing system largely hidden from view.
Bespoke Laminated Glass
The installation used 111 individually manufactured 13.5 mm toughened laminated glass panels, including returns, corners and custom acute-angle sections.
Four-Storey Coordination
More than 300 linear metres of glass were coordinated across four floors, with each area requiring accurate sequencing, manual handling and consistent alignment.
Restricted Programme Delivery
Installation was programmed around the academy's summer closure, allowing the work to be completed safely and handed over before students returned.
Project Delivery
Scope of Works
CreoGlass supported the project from competitive tender and design development through to manufacture, installation and final handover.
Competitive Tender Submission
Development of the commercial and technical proposal.
Site Survey and Assessment
Measurement and review of the existing parapet construction.
Concept Development
Development of a practical top-fixed installation method.
Technical Detailing
Cross-sections, panel layouts and fixing coordination.
Bespoke Glass Manufacture
Production of 111 laminated safety glass panels.
Aluminium Channel Installation
Setting out, packing, drilling and structural fixing.
Glass Installation
Manual handling, positioning, alignment and securing.
Timber Capping Reinstatement
Modification and refitting around the completed glass system.
Project Coordination
Sequencing of labour, materials and floor-by-floor installation.
Inspection and Handover
Final review of alignment, finish and completed installation.
Materials Used
A Restrained, Durable Material Specification
- Glass: 13.5 mm toughened laminated safety glass
- Edges: Polished exposed edges
- Support: Structural aluminium base channel
- Fixing: Mechanical anchors into concrete substrate
- Finishes: Modified existing timber capping
- Appearance: Frameless, concealed-fixing design
