Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) has won the Refurbishment Project of the Year prize at the 2026 Steel Window Association Awards for its work on the transformation of 214 Oxford Street, London.
The complex project saw the restoration of the historic former Topshop flagship building – now IKEA’s London headquarters – requiring specialist expertise across a wide range of original features. The Grade II-listed landmark, dating back to the early 20th century, presented significant technical and conservation challenges following decades of alteration and wear.
ASWS delivered a comprehensive programme of works, including the restoration of 342 steel windows, refurbishment of timber elements, and meticulous conservation of the building’s bronze shopfronts and distinctive roof domes. Combining in-situ repair with workshop restoration, the team ensured the building’s architectural integrity was preserved while preparing it for modern use.
Working closely with McLaren Construction and heritage stakeholders, ASWS demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and problem-solving throughout, making this project a standout example of sensitive, large-scale refurbishment.
Pictured is Kris Bennell, Operations Director for ASWS, who comments “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have won this award for the second time. 214 Oxford Street was a very special project; refurbishing a whole block on one of the world’s biggest streets is not something that comes along very often and the team worked exceptionally hard. This is what you get when a client and a team buys into meaningful retrofit and restoration, with the feedback from The Crown Estate, Ingka and McLaren Construction testament to the quality and finish achieved.”
ASWS is a long-established member of the Steel Window Association and a recognised specialist in the repair and restoration of metal windows, from historic wrought iron through to modern curtain walling. The company also delivers timber and architectural metalwork restoration, alongside surveys, thermal upgrades and workshop-based repairs.
