CONSERVATION COMPLIANCE AND HERITAGE WINDOW REPLACEMENT
This Victorian terraced property in the historic town of Barton on Humber presented a fascinating case study in the importance of heritage compliance from the outset.
The homeowner had previously replaced two upper-floor windows, but the replacements featured incorrect glazing patterns. The traditional sliding sash design had a nine-pane configuration that reflected the areas’ Georgian and Victorian heritage. The replacement windows, commissioned by the homeowner, had a 12-pane design, which disrupted the visual harmony of the building and, as a terraced property, was at odds with its neighbours.
In a conservation area, such details matter enormously. The visual inconsistency was immediately apparent when comparing the property to its neighbours, and the local conservation officer rightfully mandated that the windows be replaced to maintain the historic streetscape’s integrity.
This project highlighted a crucial lesson – always consult conservation requirements before undertaking any window replacement in heritage properties. What might seem like a minor detail can become a costly rectification project when conservation compliance is overlooked.
OUR APPROACH
Working closely with both the homeowner and conservation officer, we developed a solution that would restore the property’s authentic appearance whilst meeting modern performance standards. A site meeting at our works yard allowed all parties to finalise the exact design requirements.
Our brief was to create windows that would blend seamlessly with the neighbouring properties in the terrace, maintaining the authentic Georgian proportions and glazing patterns whilst providing improved thermal and acoustic performance.
