London-based fenestration repair specialist, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS), is involved on a very tight programme of works to ensure an upmarket new restaurant opens its doors to customers in July. The project not only demonstrates skills in replacing age-worn glazing and undertaking other upgrades to the mix of window types across two floors, it also highlights experience in obtaining the permissions for the changes to be carried out.
Pictured is 19-21 Billiter Street, London where ASWS refurbished the historic steel windows on this Grade II listed building.
Having worked with Mace Group, the main contractor on major projects like Woolwich Dockyard and Battersea Power Station, ASWS was called upon early this year to offer its expertise for the fit-out of the ground and first floor of 19-21 Billiter Street, located close to Fenchurch Street Station. Although the whole of the Grade II listed building had been extensively refurbished three years ago, the appearance of the windows and their glazing did not fit with the ambition to create a high-class destination, so the ASWS team sought permission from the heritage authorities to update the glass as well as redecorating the windows.
This was achieved by proving neither the current windows, nor their even later infills, date back to1865 when the former Mercantile Premises were constructed. The switch probably resulted from wartime bomb damage and later maintenance. These definitely included the removal of large Vent Axia type ventilators, identified from a 1970s photograph obtained by ASWS’s archival investigations.
ASWS also had to obtain permissions for the road and pavement closures before erecting site hoardings which then necessitated the use of cantilevered access towers that require specific safety training for the operatives involved. Work on the windows commenced in May and saw the ASWS team cooperating closely with the restaurant fit-out contractor and client’s representative.
The Operations Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell, commented: “Although the windows are not original, they do appear to be quite old, possibly 1950s; while the glass showed both heavy scratch marks and the impression of previously applied films which manifested the building’s past life. This was not satisfactory for an upmarket restaurant. In addition to the actual work carried out by our team, we have helped both Mace and the client with aspects such as obtaining listed building consent, the planning documents; and provided ‘fenestration statements’ which set out our views on the glazing, the windows themselves and what we believe would be the most effective interventions. The fact we showed that the glass does not have the characteristic ripple or wave effect of hand drawn or hand-blown heritage glass was a primary reason we are being allowed to replace it with 6.4mm laminated glass; and that we are on track to complete on schedule for the business to open in eight weeks.”
Significantly, ASWS advised against using traditional putty glazing for installing the glass in the first-floor windows as the linseed oil can penetrate the central laminate and affect its clarity. Perimeter mastic with a silicone top cap has been specified instead and these windows are being painted white, while the larger, 3m x 3m ground floor frames are being re-stained to achieve the desired finish.
ASWS offers a full range of survey, repair, replica replacement and maintenance services for all ages and types of metal and timber windows. For more information visit the services page.
