A private residential home built in an Edwardian style was in a state of disrepair when the client purchased it. The property required extensive renovation throughout, including the windows. Hawkscroft was selected as the specialist contractor, bringing expertise in stained glass restoration, decorative leaded lights, multi-pane metal casement windows, and steel door installations.
Summary of Work Carried Out
The restoration aimed to preserve the property's authentic Edwardian character while incorporating sympathetic modern windows and door systems. Key objectives included:
Stained Glass Restoration: The property featured distinctive owl-themed stained glass panels in both the front door's upper section and a ground floor window, reflecting the previous owners' passion for owls. To continue this legacy and retain the authenticity of the building, the client commissioned a full restoration of these decorative features.
Hawkscroft carefully extracted the stained glass panels for workshop-based restoration. This meticulous process involved dismantling the glass panels and replacing the damaged glass sections. Specialist stained glass was sourced to match the original colours and glass textures for an authentic looking repair. The metal framework supporting the complete owl design was restored as part of the process.
Bespoke Decorative Glazing: Inspired by other buildings she had seen, the client requested a decorative leaded design on double glazed units for a prominent feature window. Hawkscroft were able to translate her vision into a design and create bespoke leaded glazed panels. The design featured an intricate pattern with diamond detail, culminating in a distinctive T-shaped feature window and focal point of the property's facade.
Leaded lights: To maintain original features of the property, the client commissioned replication of an original leaded window design for a new double-glazed oval window featuring a central diamond detail. Hawkscroft created an accurate template by carefully removing the glass from the original window and taking a rubbing. This traditional approach enabled Hawkscroft to produce a faithful reproduction.
Metal Window Replacement: Without the restriction of being in a conservation area, slimline double glazing was permitted to be used throughout for the replacement metal windows. Hawkscroft manufactured bespoke subdivided steel windows in four and six-pane configurations for the large bay apertures. These units were fitted within matt black metal casements, which blended in with the existing architecture of the building. Other subdivided steel windows were also manufactured with fluted glass for privacy.
Steel Door Installation: Three slimline steel doors replaced existing timber alternatives, each featuring narrow glazing panels. The sleek, unobtrusive design preserves the property's character while the extensive glazing enhances natural light into the main living areas.
The entire project was completed within a five-month period with careful coordination with other trades. The team scheduled installations in collaboration with the stone mason working on the mullioned windows.
The project demonstrates Hawkscroft's ability to undertake complex, multi-faceted glazing projects requiring diverse specialist skills, from traditional stained glass restoration to contemporary window manufacturing and installation.
The completed work preserves the original features of the Edwardian property while introducing new decorative glazing elements that add visual interest to the building and blend seamlessly with the period architecture.
