NEWS

New Steel Windows: Bringing Traditional Looks and Modern Performance to Refurbished Heritage Buildings

August 28th, 2024

This article was originally published in Conservation Heritage Journal. You can download the original article or view Clement Windows’ profile on the Conservation Heritage Journal website.

In recent years, Clement Windows have had the privilege of being involved in the restoration of a number of stunning heritage buildings where new steel window products were required. When it comes to fenestration, Planning and Conservation Officers are looking for windows which provide a near perfect match to the originals, but which also deliver high modern performance in terms of insulation, weatherproofing and security.

The range of products on offer at Clement can provide exactly that – like for like replacement windows that achieve the latest requirements of Building Regulations, as well as a selection of conservation rooflights which sensitively bring light and draught-proofing to refurbished heritage buildings. As the demand for slim steel frames increases, Clement have developed a range of internal steel screens which are also finding a place in conservation projects.

Here are some examples of projects where new, high performance Clement steel frames feature:

Old Marylebone Town Hall – London

A fine example of 20th century municipal architecture designed by Sir Edwin Cooper, Marylebone Town Hall opened in London in 1920 and was listed in 1981. Previously known as Westminster Registry Office, the building has hosted the nuptials of Sir Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher and Antonio Banderas. Today it is home to part of the London Business School and the five floor building has recently undergone a major £60m refurbishment programme, increasing the School’s teaching and research space by 70%.

Clement EB24 steel windows at the Old Marylebone Town Hall.

Clement EB24 steel windows at the Old Marylebone Town Hall.

Now named the Sammy Ofer Centre, after the late celebrated entrepreneur and philanthropist Sammy Ofer KBE, the main objective of the restoration programme was to unite the two original buildings. Wates were appointed the main contractor and proceeded to join the two buildings in an eclectic mix of the traditional and contemporary and Clement’s steel windows were chosen as the perfect fenestration solution to this combination of styles.

The unmistakeable slim frames of Clement EB24 steel windows at Old Marylebone Town Hall.

The unmistakeable slim frames of Clement EB24 steel windows at Old Marylebone Town Hall.

Clement EB24 steel windows, comprising 24 mm frames with genuine T bars, were specified to replace the original windows as sympathetically as possible, with the additional advantage of multi-point locking. Planning the right glass was a highly complex task as different combinations of panes had to be chosen for different windows. The specified glass included SunGuard which combines solar control with high light transmission and Low E performance, as well as acoustic laminated glass.

Comet Works – Birmingham

Located in the Gun Quarter of Birmingham and dating back to the 1830s, this derelict warehouse building was recently converted into 20 residential units. These included authentic lofts and mews houses, by building re-animators (not developers), Javelin Block.

Comet Works in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter with Clement W20 steel windows.

Comet Works in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter with Clement W20 steel windows.

Javelin has been responsible for the re-birth of many of the historic buildings located in and around the city’s Jewellery Quarter. Their philosophy is to preserve and enhance the patina, often built up over a lifetime, of heritage buildings many deem to be beyond repair.

Clement Windows were specified to manufacture and install the new steel windows required for Comet Works. Sensitivity was key when choosing a replacement to complement the original metal windows. Clement W20 steel windows were chosen as the best match – they are almost exact replicas to look at, but with the added advantage of double glazing and an incredibly long lasting polyester powder coating.

Clement W20 steel windows were chosen to match the original windows at Comet Works in Birmingham.

Clement W20 steel windows were chosen to match the original windows at Comet Works in Birmingham.

As Nigel Birch, owner of contractors Springworth (Building & Interiors) Ltd commented: “The Comet Works is a striking set of buildings that stand as a testament to Birmingham’s industrial past. Clement’s steel windows were the perfect product for the reinvention of these buildings, providing a strong heritage look as well as sound 21st century innovation and performance.”

Norwich City Hall

Clement also provided new steel windows for this listed Art Deco building, which was completed in 1938 and designed by architects, Charles Holloway James and Stephen Rowland Pierce.

The building was constructed to the highest standards, using the superior materials and methods of its day. The bricks were specially made, with each one being two inches longer than usual to better reflect the proportions of the finished building – and unusually retained many of its original features. This was particularly fortunate because the furniture, light fittings and other details were designed by the architects themselves.

Clement Windows in Norwich City Hall

The magnificent Norwich Town Hall with new Clement steel windows throughout.

Clement were chosen to replace the original steel windows with new Clement W20 steel windows, improving energy efficiency and security whilst retaining the character of this wonderful landmark building.

Morgan Sindall, the main contractors on the project, awarded Clement a Perfect Delivery Certificate for the works carried out.

Norwich Town Hall featuring Clement W20 steel windows.

Norwich Town Hall featuring Clement W20 steel windows.

Bentley Priory – Surrey

This Grade II listed 18th century mansion house was converted into a number of exquisite apartments, duplexes and villas by City & Country and Clement were chosen to supply all the conservation rooflights for the project.

Clement Conservation Rooflights in a slate profile to create a flush finish. Bentley Priory, Surrey. Photo courtesy of ArtHouse Digital.

Clement Conservation Rooflights in a slate profile to create a flush finish. Photo courtesy of ArtHouse Digital.

The Clement 6 range in a slate profile was specified for its traditional good looks and modern performance, complementing the sophisticated, luxurious units at this magnificent refurbished property.

The stunning Clement 6 range of conservation rooflights at Bentley Priory. Photo courtesy of ArtHouse Digital.

The stunning Clement 6 range of conservation rooflights at Bentley Priory. Photo courtesy of ArtHouse Digital.

David Smith of City & Country said: “We have chosen Clement Conservation Rooflights now for over 10 years and these are installed into a number of our most prestigious living spaces. They are of the highest quality, look in keeping with our heritage sites and are competitively priced being generally available from stock.”

Dimsdale House – Hertfordshire

Interior designer, Cherie Lee, Director of Cherie Lee Interiors, approached Clement to produce a steel screen design for one of her latest amazing projects, an apartment at Dimsdale House, a Grade II listed Georgian building in Hertfordshire.

Clement steel screens in Dimsdale House, Hertfordshire.

The use of steel screens internally allows maximum solar gain and adds a striking feature.

The steel screen allows maximum solar gain while opening up the space of the apartment, proving that even new steel window products have a place in refurbished heritage buildings.

Steel windows have always been prized for their slim, elegant frames and the strength and robustness of the steel sections meaning huge areas of glass can be supported and moulded into any design. But new steel windows come as double-glazed, insulated glass units. Heat is therefore retained in the building and noise levels are reduced, bringing down both energy bills and modern stress levels, while pioneering multi-point locking systems provide enhanced security.

For more information, contact us, we’d love to hear from you.