Client: Chelsea Harbour Development
Type of works: supplied solar control film

With its three glass domes forming an unmistakable part of West London’s skyline, the Chelsea Harbour Development combines luxury flats and premium office space with an exclusive threestory shopping mall. Unfortunately, the glass domes have proven problematic, with excessive summer temperatures making the mall uncomfortable for staff and customers. The architects sought a window film that would reduce the solar heat gain, but that was also nearly imperceptible.

The architects initially approached LLumar manufacturer Solutia Performance Films about the use of externally applied film due to the fact that the domes were so hard to access, but they recommended an internally applied film (LLumar LS61 SR CDF) based on the aesthetics, performance, and durability desired. The access challenge could be met, the architects were advised, by using an accredited application specialist with experience in similar projects.

Due to the extreme heat within the domes, the install work started at dawn and stopped at midday, taking two weeks to complete each dome. “The work was completed on time and within budget without any problems—quite a feat considering the difficulty of the project,” said architect Simon May. “Once the film was applied, the temperatures in the dome were considerably lower, which the client noticed immediately.