LONDON
Refurbishment and Replacement of Heritage Windows
Situated in the heart of Central London 55-91 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge Gate was built in 1902 and was originally designed for the Church Commissioners by architect WD Caroe. This distinguished building was one of London’s first retail promenades and it has managed to maintain its sizeable footprint in SW1 ever since.
Spanning a staggering 120m in length, and covering an entire block of busy Knightsbridge, this exquisite Grade II listed building has undergone a recent and sympathetic redevelopment. In doing so it has seamlessly managed to balance its elegant Edwardian façade, along with its clean-line modern-day interior.
The building’s fresh and considerate re-development work undertaken by Cheval Residences will enable it to operate successfully as a mix-use development, including provision for a combination of new and refurbished spaces. The building will now cater for 3,400m2 of retail space on street level along with 7,800m2 of residential and 3,100m2 of office space on upper levels, offering bijou artisan and high-end boutique outlets, professional space and luxury apartment living.
TRC Windows Commissioned For The Extensive Renovation
In April 2019, TRC Windows were commissioned to deliver the supply of windows throughout this extensive renovation. Over a 14-month project, completed in 2020, a total of 338 metal, 140 timber and 110 new heritage timber sash windows were successfully re-instated.
Metal Windows
- In line with the project scope metal frames and casements were stripped of paint and rust.
- Weld repairs were carried out to areas of damage with new hinges and new sections of steel used where required.
- A 5-coat Teamac Painting System was utilised on all frames.
- New 4mm GOETHEGLAS* heritage glass was installed with applied leadwork replicating the original glazing layout.
Timber Windows
The timber window repairs were subject to overall draft proofing and re-decoration. These were painted using a Dulux Paint System and installed with new 4mm GOETHEGLAS* heritage glass.
Heritage Box Sash Windows
Constructed from hardwood timber the heritage sash windows incorporate single glazing with a 4mm GOETHEGLAS* heritage glass and work via the classic weight-and-pulley mechanism. These also include individual solid bars providing the windows with genuine character. Traditional heritage putty was utilised externally to secure the glazing and continue with the visual aesthetics.
*GOETHEGLAS is a colourless, drawn glass with the irregular surface characteristic of window glass common to the 18th and 19th centuries. It is used to protect precious, leaded glazing from the elements and other adverse environmental conditions.
