Ramsgate Library has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes after fire gutted the impressive 104 year old Grade II building on the Kent coast. The two-storey north façade escaped the ravages of the flames and, along with the west façade, were the only elevations of the original building to have survived. The fire also destroyed the library’s contents, including its priceless museum collection. Architects Radley House Partnership, specified single glazed timber sash windows to the original surviving north and west facades, some of which were salvaged from the fire, but to meet modern standards of thermal insulation and energy efficiency, RHP commissioned Selectaglaze to produce purpose designed secondary glazing. A total of seven different styles of unit were installed, including vertical sliders and side hung casements, some with curved heads. Laminated glass and locking systems were specified to the ground floor to improve security and the secondary glazing also provides high levels of noise insulation ensuring the quiet environment that is such an important feature of libraries.