Steel windows help conserve historic industrial space

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 in the 1990s, Chris Dyson Architects were invited in 2011 to prepare a scheme for the extension and complete renovation of the property, turning it into 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 Chris Dyson, their 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 but greater thermal and acoustic performance to the originals. A series of both 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.

In 2017, Chris Dyson Architects won the RIBA London Award for The Cooperage.