Case Studies

Walkers Court, Westminster

Type

Commercial, Urban

When

2020

By

Cantifix

If you were to wander along the streets of Soho, you would likely arrive at an alleyway known as Walkers Court, originally dating back to the 18th century. Above the many pedestrians busily going about their business is a world first. We are, of course, talking about the world’s first and only two-storey frameless glass bridge that provides easy access to The Boulevard Theatre - built in 2019. 

It was designed by SODA (Studio of Design and Architecture) and ambitiously executed by structural engineers Tier Consult and main contractor Blenheim House Construction.

The Challenge

The history books are filled with plenty of architectural world firsts. In Soho, we were challenged with one of ours: the creation of a two-storey frameless glass walkway that is fully safe and provides a novel experience for those using it.

SODA chose this design because the frameless style would limit the visual impact on the historic area whilst also ensuring a practical way for two streams of foot traffic to pass without issue. We also needed to allow for differential movement in the two buildings to which the walkways are linked and ensure that installation was as straightforward as it could be – an important consideration in such a busy and built-up area.

The Glass

This project consists of three different parts, and the specifications for each can be found below: 

Vertical Bridge Panels

  • 17.5mm heat-strengthened, low-iron SGP laminate with solar control
  • 18mm argon-filled cavity
  • 25.5mm heat-strengthened low-iron 5GP laminate
 

Bridge Floor

  • 39mm low-iron, heat-strengthened 5GP laminate with fabric interlayer
  • 10mm low-iron toughened sacrificial layer
 

Bridge Roof

  • 17.5mm low-iron heat-strengthened 5GP laminate with solar control
  • 18mm argon-filled cavity
  • 17.5mm heat-strengthened 5GP laminate

The glass floor panel sits in a slot and is supported by the internal sheet of the double-glazed vertical panel. The upper layer of the floor is sacrificial and can be replaced without affecting the integrity of the structure.

 

We used typical glass-to-glass junctions, sealed with weathering silicone externally and bonded with structural silicone internally. A white ceramic-painted band conceals any irregularities.

 

For privacy, the glass floor of the bridge has a net curtain to allow skirt and kilt-wearing theatregoers to maintain their modesty.

 

To accommodate the differential movement of two buildings, we designed a special moving detail to ensure the bridge doesn’t shatter when it is pushed and pulled by competing forces on either side.

The Results

Our tried-and-tested engineering ensures that the world’s first double-storey fully frameless glass walkway is both safe and stylish. 

From the ground, passing pedestrians can enjoy unobstructed views through Walkers Court, whereas occupants of the walkway can enjoy the novelty of a glazed floor, safe in the knowledge that the sacrificial layer can suffer the wear and tear of thousands of theatre-goers and be replaced long before any danger presents itself.

This project gives us so much joy whenever we pass through the neighbourhood, and we are confident that it will continue to delight passers-by for many years to come.