Kris Bennell, Director for Associated Steel Window Services, explains how the business has helped in the transformation of a prime city office headquarters in London.
A specialist in the restoration of steel and other metal windows, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) is regularly called on to carry out surveys for client’s consultant teams in advance of major projects beginning.
A recent project at Copthall House on Throgmorton Street, in the City of London, is one instance where ASWS’ involvement in preparing a scope document led to the company being awarded a contract to carry out the demanding work.
The property on the edge of the City of London dates from the late 19th Century. Its traditional architectural style includes grand features and Classical motifs, with stone facing that is familiar to those who live and work in the City. The large windows on the main levels help light penetrate through the building, reflecting its original use as a printers’ shop. The building’s parapet features pediments to each of the outer bays, with a taller central feature. Square French mansard-like roofs sit behind each pediment as pavilions.
The building – which was described in ‘The Buildings of England’ (Pesvner guides) as ‘Mathiesons the Printers’ – has been redeveloped into four high-specification serviced offices by L.M. Stern.
The cost consultant for the scheme was Gardiner & Theobald, with whom ASWS has a long association on previous projects. This led to the fenestration specialist’s early involvement, surveying the historic four-storey frontage and advising on the most economic intervention for the aging aluminium fenestration.
Contracts Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell, explains: “We were approached during the tender process by three contractors as we were the recommended specialist for the glazing restoration/work; having made the recommendation in our original scope document that the windows could be refurbished instead of being replaced. Culena London was successful in being appointed as main contractor, and we were awarded our contact in December 2022, two years after conducting the survey.
“When work began the programme’s schedule was very tight, with the scaffold due to be struck in April 2023 while, with the aluminium frames being 30 years old, there were a number of split edges to the casements which required repairing. The bulk of the work involved servicing the vents and replacing the factory fitted draught strips, as well as cutting out the perished rubber glazing gaskets and replacing them with manually applied silicone top caps, internally and externally.
“Then, because the original manufacturer of the window system could not be identified, we also faced a significant task of sourcing new ironmongery; eventually going to Steel Window Fittings, a fellow member of the Steel Window Association.”
Derek Finnegan, the Project Manager for Culena London, continues: “This was the first time we have worked with ASWS, but they did a good job keeping to what was a tight timetable and sourcing all the replacement ironmongery required. Overall, the project went well.”
The letting agents for the development describe the way various interventions at Copthall House have blended, saying: “The sensitively refurbished exterior stone elevation to Copthall House gives way to an immaculately presented reception and other interior spaces within the building, resplendent with period features such as glazed brick bays and decorative cast iron columns, which have been retained and restored in respect of the historic building, and combined with luxurious modern finishes.”
ASWS is a long-established member of the Steel Window Association and well-recognised expert in the repair of metal windows, from the earliest wrought iron examples through to contemporary curtain walling. As well as in-situ servicing and restoration, the company frequently removes frames back to its Croydon workshops for repair, or the production of replica replacements. Further services include carrying out enablement works for demolition and other contractors, where fenestration can be documented and removed to secure storage for the duration of a project.
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