Replica windows help turn former church into luxury homes

[THE TRACERY, a new development housed in a former church in Shropshire, features new steel windows, doors and rooflights manufactured by the Clement Windows Group.

A chapel was first built at Swan Hill in Shrewsbury in 1767. In 1868 it was demolished and replaced with the current building. Schoolrooms were added in 1880.

Sensitivity was key to the conversion, with the majority of the original features being preserved. The walls and roofs were insulated and energy-saving measures implemented to create a comfortable, efficient living environment.

Although it was possible to restore some of the original fenestration, double-glazed replacement steel windows were still required throughout

the building. Charters Property Ltd, who purchased the deconsecrated church and transformed the building into four fabulous homes, chose various Clement ranges to meet the different criteria of the project: the Brooking range for the beautiful arched head windows on the front elevation, EB16 for other windows where silicone fronting was not required and W20 to make the steel doors.

Clement’s Brooking, EB16 and W20 bespoke steel windows and doors are modern replicas of original windows, offering improved thermal performance and security. Manufactured from hot-rolled steel window sections, generally in compliance with BS 6510, they are produced from recycled steel source material, hot dip galvanised to EN ISO BS:1461 and with a polyester powder coat paint finish to BS:6497 or BS EN 13438.

In total, over 30 windows were specified in various shapes and sizes.

Clement 2 and 4 Conservation Rooflights were also installed throughout the development, allowing masses of light in through the beautiful, high ceilings. The rooflights are offered in two profiles – slate and tile – and silicone fronted to give the appearance of traditional putty glazing. Available in eight standard sizes from stock or made to measure, the range achieved a BFRC Window Energy Rating of A+. Manufactured from mild steel sheet to ISO 9001 quality systems,

they are all supplied with 24mm insulated glass units, argon gas filled and with self cleaning glass as standard, with a polyester powder coat paint finish to BS EN 13438.

James Charters, director of Charters Property, commented: “We were very pleased with the attention to detail and finish of the steel windows. Clement took ownership of their section of the project and were able to deliver a complex scheme on time and to a very good standard. We have used Clement rooflights on numerous projects and appreciate the fast delivery and easy installation. Their products have met with local authority approval on all of our heritage-sensitive work. This means we can specify a great looking product in the knowledge that it will also fulfil our planning criteria.”

Clement Windows Group manufacture an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and rooflights, specialising in conservation work for both private residences and commercial projects. Based just outside London in Surrey, they regularly supply to overseas clients, particularly in North America. q • For further infirmation call 01428 643393, email info@clementwg.co.uk or visit the website at clementwindows.co.uk.