Olympia Exhibition Hall – National Hall Glazing Replacement
Background
Standard Patent Glazing Company has a long-standing relationship with the Olympia Exhibition Hall in London, having first carried out remedial glazing works in 2009. Following those repairs, another contractor applied a liquid membrane waterproofing system over the existing lead-covered glazing bars. By 2025, the system had reached the end of its serviceable life and Olympia London commissioned a comprehensive replacement scheme. Standard Patent Glazing was appointed in April 2025 to undertake the works, following a two-year development period of specifications and approvals in collaboration with Stuart Roberts of Icon Building Consultancy.
Project Scope
The works involved the full replacement of:
- Three tiers of glazing either side of the lantern.
- One complete gable façade.
Key project metrics:
- 1,460m² of new glazing
- 2,427 linear metres of traditional glazing bars
Our system replaced the original lead-covered glazing bars and liquid membrane with the Standard Patent Glazing Traditional System and 9.5mm Heat Strengthened Laminated Glass featuring a Crepi textured design. This specification was carefully selected to replicate a similar appearance of the original Georgian wired glass while providing:
- Class 1B1 performance to BS EN 12600.
- Non-fragile total assembly compliance with CWCT TN66 & TN67.
Challenges
- Heritage and planning approval – Replicating the historic appearance while meeting modern safety and performance standards.
- Safety compliance – Achieving non-fragility without compromising aesthetics.
- Live venue environment – Works had to be carried out while Olympia remained fully operational for events.
- Access restrictions – Direct access to large roof areas was not possible, requiring an innovative approach.
Solutions
- Collaborative design & approvals: Over a two-year period, we supported the client with technical input and drawings for planning approval.
- Specialist access solution: Inner City Scaffolding engineered a suspended scaffold system hung from the original steel trusses. This movable platform allowed phased working in restricted areas, enabling events to continue safely.
- Expert installation teams: Our directly employed surveyors and installers used their extensive experience to manage sequencing, access and installation challenges within a tight programme.
- Team collaboration: Bi-weekly site meetings with Olympia London, Icon Building Consultancy, G&T amongst others, Inner City Scaffolding, and our project teams ensured swift resolution of issues and coordinated delivery.
Outcome
The project successfully delivered a sympathetic yet robust glazing solution for one of London’s most iconic exhibition venues. The new system preserved Olympia’s historic character while achieving full compliance with modern safety and performance standards. Despite the complex heritage, logistical and access challenges, the works were completed within programme thanks to close collaboration between all stakeholders.
Testimonial ~ Brian Jones, Head of FM, Olympia London
“From the early design development work through to completion on site, Standard Patent Glazing have been a trusted partner on the National Hall glazing replacement. Their traditional system has recreated the character of the original Georgian wired glazing while giving us the assurance of a fully compliant, non-fragile roof build-up. Despite the challenges of working over a live exhibition space with complex access, their planning, collaboration with our professional team, and the quality of their directly employed installers meant the works were delivered safely, to programme, and with minimal disruption to events.”
