Hodgkinson Case Study

Conservation approval for tasteful timber window replacement

Brook House had last been renovated in the 1970s. At this time, the windows were replaced with single glazed wooden replacements. Over time, the windows began to fail and became prone to interior condensation. The owner Paul Hodgkinson states that: ‘I was having to repair and fill the old window frames every other year, plus they caused condensation and damp, it was becoming a losing battle.’

Once Paul decided to replace the old failing windows, he contacted several companies in the local area for designs and prices. He also needed to contact the local Conservation Officer to gain approval for the replacement windows. Unfortunately, the Conservation Officer wasn’t happy with some of the windows. The window bars on some of the options were too thick whereas others were deemed to be unsympathetic with the local area.

Running out of options, Paul discovered George Barnsdale. He liked the look of their timber windows and was put in touch with their local approved partner Lifestyle Windows. From here, the team at Lifestyle managed the entire project from survey to installation. After much discussion, the Conservation Officer finally approved the George Barnsdale Spiral Balance sliding sash windows for the project.

George Barnsdale timber window enhancement

The renovation project involved replacing all the windows at the property and installing a set of matching French doors. The products used were:

• Spiral Balance sliding sash windows
• Casement windows
• French doors

The timber used in the project was a combination of engineered softwood and Grandis hardwood. It was finished in RAL 9001 cream. This subtle cream shade perfectly complements the beautiful Derbyshire grit stone exterior with which the original property was built.

A selection of traditional hardware was used in classic pewter with a discrete locking system mounted on the windows. For the glazing a 4mm float with white historic aluminium spacer was chosen with obscure glass used where appropriate.

In addition to this, slimline putty style glazing was used to tastefully replicate the classic appearance. Lambs tongue sash profiles and solid glazing bars are perfectly in keeping with the Georgian style and help to recreate the elegant and understated aesthetic popular at the time.

Glowing customer testimonial

Following much debate, the Conservation Officer was eventually happy with the renovation project. The new windows were deemed to be in keeping with the property’s character and the area’s historical significance.

Paul Hodgkison was delighted with the project and left us this glowing testimonial: ‘Our new windows have made such a big difference to our home, both the appearance which has been transformed and also the fact that it is no longer draughty and damp. We are so happy with them, in fact, I’ve recommended them to our neighbours who are having them installed themselves soon.’