Atrium Thermal & Energy Upgrades
Transform the energy performance of your commercial atrium with modern high-performance glazing. Reduce heating and cooling costs, improve occupant comfort and meet current building regulation standards.
The Energy Problem with Older Atriums
Many commercial atriums built before 2000 were glazed with single-pane or early double-glazed units that fall far below current thermal performance standards. These older glazing systems are responsible for significant heat loss in winter and excessive solar gain in summer, driving up energy costs and creating uncomfortable conditions for building occupants.
With energy costs continuing to rise and regulatory pressure increasing through EPC requirements and net-zero targets, upgrading atrium glazing has become one of the most impactful energy efficiency measures available to commercial building owners. A well-executed thermal upgrade can reduce heat loss through the glazing by 60-80% and cut solar gain by 40-70%, delivering measurable reductions in both heating and cooling costs.
Our Upgrade Approach
We take a whole-system approach to thermal upgrades, considering not just the glass specification but the entire glazing assembly. Simply replacing glass units without addressing the framework, seals and drainage can result in condensation problems, thermal bridging and premature failure of the new units.
Our thermal upgrade process includes a comprehensive assessment of the existing glazing system and framework, thermal modelling to determine the optimum glass specification, assessment of the framework's capacity to support heavier modern glazing units, specification and procurement of high-performance replacement glass, systematic replacement with full resealing of all joints, and post-installation thermal performance verification. Where the existing framework cannot support the weight of modern double or triple-glazed units, we design and install supplementary support systems or recommend partial framework replacement as part of the upgrade.
Glass Specification Options
Modern glazing technology offers a wide range of performance options for atrium applications. We work with clients to select the optimum specification based on their specific requirements and budget. Options include high-performance double-glazed sealed units with low-emissivity coatings for maximum thermal insulation, solar control glass with selective coatings that reduce solar heat gain while maintaining natural light transmission, self-cleaning glass with photocatalytic and hydrophilic coatings that reduce maintenance costs, acoustic-rated units for atriums in noisy environments, and laminated safety glass with enhanced impact resistance for overhead applications.
All replacement glass is specified to comply with current Building Regulations Part L (energy efficiency) and Part K (safety), ensuring your upgraded atrium meets or exceeds current standards. We also consider the aesthetic impact of different glass types, ensuring that the upgraded glazing maintains the architectural character of the building.
What's Included
- Comprehensive thermal performance assessment
- Thermal modelling and glass specification recommendation
- Framework capacity assessment
- High-performance glass procurement
- Systematic unit replacement with full resealing
- Framework reinforcement where required
- Post-installation thermal performance verification
- Building Regulations compliance documentation
- Energy performance improvement report
- Full workmanship and materials guarantee
Access Methods
- IRATA rope access
- Crane operations for heavy units
- Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)
- Bespoke scaffolding for large-scale upgrades
Office Complex — Single to Double Glazed Atrium Upgrade
The Challenge
Replacement of 180 single-glazed atrium panels with high-performance double-glazed solar control units in a 1990s office complex. The building's EPC rating needed improvement to meet minimum letting standards.
The Result
All 180 units replaced over 10 weeks using rope access and crane operations. Heat loss through the atrium reduced by 72%. Solar gain reduced by 55%, eliminating the need for temporary cooling measures in summer. The building's EPC rating improved from E to C, meeting the client's letting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. Overhead glazing is often one of the weakest thermal elements in a commercial building, so upgrading it can have a significant positive impact on the overall EPC rating. We can provide thermal calculations showing the expected improvement before you commit to the work.
This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Many frameworks can support modern double-glazed units without modification. Where additional support is needed, we design and install supplementary systems as part of the upgrade. In some cases, partial framework replacement may be recommended.
Savings depend on the existing glazing specification, the size of the atrium and the building's heating and cooling systems. As a guide, upgrading from single to high-performance double glazing typically reduces heat loss through the glazing by 60-80% and solar gain by 40-70%. We provide project-specific energy saving estimates as part of our proposal.
We minimise disruption by working systematically across the atrium and scheduling noisy activities out-of-hours where possible. The building can remain fully operational throughout the upgrade. Temporary weatherproofing is maintained at all times during the replacement process.
Various government and local authority schemes periodically offer support for commercial energy efficiency improvements. We can advise on current schemes that may be applicable to your project and provide the technical documentation needed to support grant applications.
Request Your Free
Site Survey
Tell us about your thermal upgrades requirements and we will arrange a free site survey at your convenience.
Our Other Services
Explore our full range of specialist atrium glazing services.