Picture above: The Northcliffe
London based metal window specialist, ASWS, has carried out the painstaking repair and restoration of multiple window types for the project team which undertook the redevelopment of the former Daily Mail headquarters at Temple in the City of London.
The work on the Grade II Listed, The Northcliffe, which stands in the Whitefriars Conservation Area, was carried out by ISG Ltd with John Robertson Architects leading the design team. ASWS was awarded its sub-contract based on both the architect and ISG’s experience of working with the specialist in the past – giving them confidence in the high-quality finish which the firm strives to achieve through all its interventions.
At the outset ASWS was initially engaged to carry out a full condition survey across the complex elevations, as well as internal doors and screens. This covered all of the steel, timber, aluminium and curtain walling, with the report being used as a key part of the pricing/tender document for the project.
The Operations Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell reflected on the project saying, “For the steel windows, the work included the full servicing and detailed cleaning of all the original copper light glazing, along with the redecoration and overhaul of all the ironmongery.”
“In the case of the timber windows all of the sashes were removed back to our workshop for a comprehensive overhaul, which included the routing in of new draught strips, re-glazing and overhaul of the opening lights. The remainder of the windows on site were serviced, prepped and redecorated, including the extensive mastic work to the perimeters and glazing fronts.”
Andy Thomas, Associate at JRA added, “The mix of fenestration throughout The Northcliffe is really very interesting, and it was a key early design decision that the existing Grade II listed copperlight windows were expressed as a prominent feature within the internal office space. Given the listed status of the building, retention of these historic elements was also a key consideration throughout the planning process”.
Andy continues, “The works included cleaning and restoring all of the copper lights in the listed façade and ISG proposed ASWS as the preferred specialist for this, along with other elements of the window restoration work. ASWS executed a very competent job, including ensuring all of the sequencing was managed correctly.”
The expertise of ASWS was material in helping JRA and ISG achieve their goals of repurposing or recycling as much of the original building as possible, with The Northcliffe is on track to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, putting it in the top 1% of the UK’s commercial refurbishment schemes.
ASWS is a member of the Steel Window Association and is experienced in working with both planning authorities and heritage bodies to ensure all conservation requirements can be met on contracts. ASWS can also carry out the forensic dismantling, cataloguing and secure storage of metal, timber and aluminium windows while major alterations are in progress, prior to restoration and reinstatement. As well as full replacement project we also specialise in full window and façade surveys.
For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk.
