Product: Bespoke Glazing
Application: 317 Finchley Road
Contractor: Ernest Park Ltd
Architect: Amin Taha of Groupwork
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PROJECT DETAILS
Glasstec Systems is delivering specialist glass and aluminium to transform 317 Finchley Road into a residential and retail showcase, overcoming complex site challenges to realise the architect’s vision.
Glasstec Systems is proud to be the glazing partner for an ongoing project at 317 Finchley Road, London NW3, a mixed-use development that has become one of our most ambitious undertakings to date. Working alongside Ernest Park Ltd, the main contractor and long-time collaborator, Amin Taha of Groupwork, the architect, we have been challenged and inspired in equal measure by this complex, architecturally led project that combines upper-floor residential apartments with commercial space at street level.
Project Background
Situated at 317 Finchley Road in the heart of West Hampstead, the development brings together residential units on the upper floors with vibrant retail premises on the ground floor. Construction originally began in 2022 with initial project expectations aiming for completion in 2023. However, unforeseen difficulties led to a three-year delay, pushing the revised completion into late 2025. Despite these interruptions, we have remained committed to seeing this remarkable scheme through to fruition, and it is now fully back on track.
Ernest Park Ltd engaged us to supply and install the entire windows and glazing package, with a spec that was far from standard and demanded the best of our technical and logistical capabilities.
Challenges on Site
No project of this scale comes without challenges, but 317 Finchley Road has offered a few that are unique even by London standards.
First were the frequent disruptions in schedule and tight restrictions on site access and movement. The development’s city centre location, right next to the central railway and major arterial A41, meant minimal space for materials storage and careful planning was required for every delivery and installation sequence. The delays and changes to the programme created extra complications, most notably the risk that glazing materials could be lost or damaged during periods of inactivity.
Our Approach and Solutions
To overcome these obstacles, our team prioritised flexible planning and frequent communication with all partners involved. Every significant delay or site change triggered joint meetings to ensure deliveries and installations could be re-booked, re-sequenced, and ultimately completed efficiently and safely. When the project hit longer stoppages, we arranged for completed units to be removed from the site and stored off-site, protecting them until the site was genuinely ready. This not only preserved the quality of our products but also reduced the risk for our client, Ernest Park.
Architecturally, the project presented fascinating technical challenges that allowed us to demonstrate true bespoke capability. Groupwork under Amin Taha’s lead is known for complex and innovative stone buildings, and the design here was no exception. The stone frame and façade demanded non-standard window shapes, sloping units, and numerous custom interfaces – none of which could be achieved using off-the-shelf products. Every window was purpose-engineered, working closely with both the architect and the contractor to get the details right the first time.
Innovative Materials for Performance and Safety
Because the site is adjacent to major train lines and the A41, our glazing schedule included several advanced materials not seen in every project. We specified and installed anti-glare glass in exposed areas to prevent sunlight reflections from impacting train operators and road users – a detail that required high technical input as well as careful planning.
The project also called for a diverse range of specialist glass types to achieve performance on every front.
- Acoustic glazing that offers high insulation up to 45dB in key locations to provide resident comfort above major transport links
- Fire-rated glazing, including EI30 screens, addresses both regulatory and architectural demands
- Bespoke double-glazed aluminium windows delivering thermal efficiency and seamless integration into the unique stone geometry
Thanks to rigorous detailing and collaboration, we achieved the specified low U-value of 1.0, supporting the development’s overall energy efficiency goals.
Project Outcomes and Success Factors
Although 317 Finchley Road is not yet complete, several critical successes are already clear. The collaborative culture between our team, Groupwork, and Ernest Park has been essential. We have adapted continuously to a changing programme, protected all specialist products during uncertain periods, and maintained a clear focus on delivering to the client’s aesthetic and performance targets.
As an architecturally ambitious project, the scheme has benefited from regular design meetings and technical reviews, ensuring every window not only met the physical requirements for safety and airtightness but also contributed to the striking design intent set by Amin Taha.
What Sets This Project Apart
Beyond the day-to-day challenges of urban construction, 317 Finchley Road stands out as a landmark in creative design and technical delivery. The team at Groupwork are friends with Glasstec Systems and a trusted long-term partners. This mutual knowledge helped us troubleshoot complex details and ensure all bespoke units met the highest standards from the start.
Our ability to provide both fire-rated and acoustic glass solutions alongside high-visibility and anti-glare products meant Ernest Park could rely on a single source for all their glazing needs, simplifying procurement and scheduling. The project is a showcase for our expertise in advanced architectural glazing and our capacity to handle technically demanding projects in complex urban environments.
Looking Forward
With work progressing towards completion at the end of 2025, our primary focus remains on timely delivery, close coordination, and meeting our clients’ evolving needs. We look forward to sharing final photographs of the completed façade and interiors, and to using 317 Finchley Road as a model of what is possible when expertise, collaboration and architectural vision meet.
Come back to our website for updates and more on our bespoke glazing work in London and across the UK. For specific enquiries, please get in touch with the Glasstec Systems team directly.
