Barking Town Hall, an iconic building and landmark in Barking has been lovingly refurbished. Externally, all visual aspects of the original architecture have been maintained whilst creating a bright new spacious contemporary workplace within.
A major part of retaining the original character of the building was the meticulous visual ‘like for like’ replacement of the original sash windows. Masterframe Windows, having 30 years’ experience, in the manufacture of authentic sash windows was approached by Barnes Construction, the main contractor.
Carol Slade, Sales and Operations Director elaborates “When we were first approached, our main challenge was to present a credible case for sash windows manufactured using composite materials instead of timber. It was critical to prove to all parties that our windows were a perfect low maintenance timber alternative so that the project team was completely confident in how they would look and perform.
We invited representatives from Barnes construction, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham and LAP Architects & Interior Designers to visit our premises and factory to get to know our windows in more detail and to witness the manufacturing process from start to finish.
Suitably impressed, the specification chosen was the Masterframe Vintage Conservation sash window complete with slender 39mm sash rail, deep bottom rails, patented Timberweld® butt joints, lower sash bar handles to assist with opening the extra-large windows and dual foil, cream externally and white internally. The client could also have peace of mind knowing that the town hall is secure with Secured by Design approved windows and energy efficient with special solar controlled glass. Over 220 enormous sash windows were manufactured and were so large and heavy that the sashes had to be delivered separately from the frames.
At all stages of the project we worked closely with the project team, including the professional installers, Asset Fineline, to ensure that the client was completely delighted with their sash windows looking every bit like the original wooden windows, even up close.”
Internally, the refurbishment works, designed by LAP Architects & Interior Designers has created bright and contemporary open-plan office space across four floors with meeting rooms, tea points/kitchens and toilet facilities.
The Vintage Traditional Conservation sash window is available to the trade for commercial projects and more information, including testimonials from all project partners can be found at https://bit.ly/2QqVGtc.
Call Richard Howe on 07739-506 838 for initial discussions on your commercial sash window project.
