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Quenington Mansions is an Edwardian mansion block situated in one of Fulham’s established conservation areas. Built during a period when mansion flats combined generous proportions with considered architectural detailing, the building retains much of its original character – including its distinctive fenestration pattern.
As part of a wider refurbishment to create high-quality, energy-efficient homes, the replacement of the existing windows needed to be handled with care, respecting both the building’s heritage and the planning requirements of the conservation area.
Bespoke timber sash windows for a conservation-area refurbishment
The project centred on the supply and installation of 75 purpose-made timber sash windows designed to faithfully replicate the originals in every visible detail. Each window was manufactured to match the Edwardian proportions, glazing bar profiles and opening configurations found across the building’s façade, ensuring a seamless visual result that satisfied both the client’s aspirations and the expectations of the local conservation authority.
Design, performance and specification
Every window was crafted as a bespoke timber sash unit, with profiles and dimensions drawn directly from the building’s original design language. Glazing bar sizes, sightlines and opening patterns were carefully reproduced so that the replacement windows sit authentically within the Edwardian façade. To improve day-to-day usability and reduce long-term maintenance, spring balance sash mechanisms were specified throughout – providing smooth, reliable operation while preserving the traditional appearance that cord-and-weight systems are known for. This approach is particularly well suited to conservation-area refurbishments where visual authenticity is non-negotiable.
Alongside their traditional aesthetics, the timber sash windows were engineered to meet demanding modern performance criteria. An energy-efficient specification achieving a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K (EN ISO 10077-1:2006) was delivered across the project, contributing meaningfully to the building’s upgraded thermal envelope. Ground-floor and accessible openings were fitted with PAS 24:2016 certified timber sash windows, ensuring enhanced security where it matters most. Consistent manufacturing lead times supported the tight 16-week programme, enabling Dorrington to maintain progress across the wider refurbishment without delay.
The result
The completed installation at Quenington Mansions demonstrates that high-performance timber sash windows and conservation-area sensitivity are entirely compatible. The spring balance mechanisms provide residents with windows that operate effortlessly, while the bespoke timber profiles ensure the Edwardian character of the building remains intact – exactly as the original architects intended.
For Dorrington, the project delivered a reliable, quality-driven subcontract package that met programme, kept pace with the wider refurbishment works and produced a finished result that enhances both the building’s appearance and its long-term performance. Quenington Mansions stands as a clear example of how traditional timber fenestration, thoughtfully specified and expertly installed, can bring period buildings up to contemporary standards without compromising the details that make them worth preserving.