Case study · Glazing audit · City of London
A Thames-side landmark, its glazing audited in a single day on site.
McKay Turner Consulting was appointed to audit every glazing system at One Millennium Bridge, a newly redeveloped office building overlooking the Thames, combining close-up inspection with on-site glass testing to give the client a clear, independent record.
The building
A riverside office reborn beside the Millennium Bridge
Originally built in the 1980s, One Millennium Bridge was comprehensively redeveloped between 2021 and 2024. It now provides more than 250,000 sq ft of high-end office space and over 29,000 sq ft of outdoor terraces, over a ground floor and five upper storeys, on the north bank of the Thames between St Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge.
Its glazing is as varied as it is extensive: punched windows set into factory-made precast façade modules, sliding doors, entrance and shopfront glazing, sunken courtyard screens, frameless glass balustrades to the terraces, and three distinct rooflight forms, including a sawtooth roof, kite rooflights and a glulam-framed atrium roof.
The brief
An independent audit of every glazed element
The client asked for an audit of all glazing systems around the building, recording the state of each and identifying any health and safety considerations for building users and the public around it.
The audit was turned around quickly: instructed, surveyed within a week, and reported two weeks later.
How we did it
Close inspection, backed by on-site glass testing
We surveyed the building on foot, from street level to the roof, using the fall-arrest system to reach the rooflights safely and a professional zoom lens to inspect elements at height. Opening lights, restrictors, hardware and automatic doors were operated and checked as we went.
Rather than relying on drawings alone, we used specialist glass testing equipment to confirm glass thickness, low-e coatings and toughened glass on site, then reviewed the findings against the available O&M information so each system was described as built.
Information review
Drawings, O&M manuals and test certificates reviewed ahead of the visit.
Façade & terraces
Windows, doors, shopfronts, courtyards and balustrades inspected and operated.
Roof & rooflights
Sawtooth, kite and atrium rooflights reached via the fall-arrest system.
Glass testing & report
Glass make-ups confirmed on site; findings reported system by system.
The outcome
A clear, system-by-system glazing record.
The client received a structured, fully illustrated report covering each of the five glazing systems and three rooflight types, with confirmed glass make-ups, a clear statement on health and safety, and practical recommendations for the building's ongoing management.
One day on site, a report two weeks later, and an independent record the client can rely on.
Every glazed element of a Thames-side landmark, inspected, tested and documented.
Work with us
Need an independent view of your building's glazing?
McKay Turner Consulting carries out glazing audits, façade condition assessments, PAS 9980 external wall appraisals, EWS1 assessments and façade fire-safety consultancy for buildings of every height.