Heritage projects benefit from the versatility of new steel windows

Clement EB24 windows and doors at Sedlescombe Vineyard, East SussexOne of the many benefits of steel as a window framing material is its versatility. Steel is very malleable, which means it can be configured into a variety of shapes. It is also stronger than any other framing material and therefore able to support vast expanses of glazing, allowing light to flow into a space.

For heritage projects that versatility is appreciated by conservation officers, architects and designers, because using steel often means buildings can be brought up-to-date while simultaneously staying true to the original character of the development.

Some examples of projects using steel window frames, with which Clement Windows has been involved in recent years, include a vineyard, film studios, an unusual family home and a residential block. They demonstrate that the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to new steel-framed windows.

Sedlescombe Vineyard

Sedlescombe is England’s oldest organic wine estate, comprising 22 acres of organically-certified vineyards. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the ‘1066 Country’ region in and around Hastings, attracting approximately 5,000 visitors per year to its Vineyard & Woodland Nature Trail.

The vineyard’s shop and tasting room have been transformed with a stunning combination of steel and glass. The enormous pair of radius head door screens provide a magnificent feature both internally and externally. They are in keeping with the natural surroundings and provide a fabulous backdrop to the shop. Inside there are further Clement EB24 door screens and doors, which are used to beautifully partition rooms and allow light to flow throughout the building.

Rooftop bar at Twickenham Studios with Clement EB24 slim steel framed doorsTwickenham Film Studios

Twickenham Studios was established in 1913 and is one of the UK’s oldest and most celebrated film and TV studios. Many classic films have been shot at the studios, such as The Italian Job, A Fish Called Wanda, An American Werewolf in London, Ghandi and Zulu, along with most of the Beatles movies.

The Lounge is Twickenham Studios’ rooftop bar. Located at the top of the main building, it offers beautiful panoramic views over Richmond Park. The fabulous facility includes a roof terrace which is accessed through new Clement steel screens. Made from strong EB24 steel sections, they are robust but also incredibly slim and elegant. The bespoke doors have genuine T bars and a high glass specification, including Guardian Sun Guard offering solar protection and an argon gas-filled cavity which improves thermal efficiency.

To complement the steel screens and doors The Lounge also boasts a beautiful, matching Clement steel window.  All the steel windows, doors and screens have been polyester powder coated with one colour, Graphite Black, on the inside to complement the interior and another colour, Anthracite Grey, on the outside.

Clement Windows provide the industrial look at The Cooperage in London

The Cooperage

The Cooperage is located on a former industrial site in central London and is believed to have been built in the early 1900s. Following an unsympathetic earlier restoration, Chris Dyson Architects were invited to prepare a scheme for the extension and complete renovation of the property, turning it into a spectacular five-bedroom family house.

The preceding five-year design and construction process enabled the architects to gain a deep understanding of The Cooperage’s industrial heritage and opened up new opportunities for its role as a contemporary family dwelling. Although the building is not listed, it was a high priority for the architects, the client and the conservation officer to preserve and celebrate the remaining original elements.

Clement EB24 steel windows with genuine T bars were selected to replace the original fenestration because they offer a similar appearance to the originals, but with greater thermal and acoustic performance. A series of internal and external bespoke door screens were also manufactured for the project in Clement W20 sections. These feature genuine T bars to match the windows and provide the ‘industrial look’ which is in keeping with the character of the property. RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey semi-gloss polyester powder paint was chosen for both the windows and doors to complete the look.Chris Dyson Architects won the RIBA London Award for The Cooperage.

Clement EB16 steel windows at Harleyford Court in LondonHarleyford Court

Harleyford Court is a residential building which sits within the London Borough of Lambeth’s Vauxhall Conservation Area.

Clement worked closely with Lambeth’s planning department to agree precise details of the replica replacement steel windows for the red brick building. Clement’s bespoke EB16 steel window range was chosen to replace the existing single-glazed fenestration. Despite being fitted with slim 16mm glass units, they benefit from being krypton filled and Part L compliant, offering improved thermal efficiency over that of the original windows.

Clement Windows Group manufactures an innovative range of steel windows, doors and screens for both private residences and commercial projects. The company also offers a selection of conservation rooflights.

• For further information visit www.clementwindows.co.uk