Doors & Windows
West London pub restored to ‘ Showroom ’ condition
The flexibility of Associated Steel Window Service ( ASWS ) as a fenestration specialist was ably demonstrated when it responded to a regular client ’ s call to help convert a derelict public house into a pristine marketing suite for a neighbouring residential development .
ASWS has carried out enablement services , as well as full steel window remediation contracts on behalf of Erith Contractors on a number of projects over recent years . Alongside the redevelopment of the The Whiteley on West London ’ s Queensway , ASWS was asked to replace an array of timber windows and doors in just a three week timespan . And rather than getting fit for a full house of revellers again , the brief was to ensure The Redan would be ready to turn the heads of prospective purchasers for the nearby luxury apartments .
The Contracts Director for ASWS , Kris Bennell , explains how the tight deadline was achieved , “ We have great experience when replacement timber windows are required on a project , and this old pub actually contained quite a mix of different types , including traditional sash windows with weights , side hung casements , and a number of doors . The first floor balcony doors were almost 3 metres tall by 2.2 metres wide and not in a salvageable state .”
“ We also installed a very large , double glazed lantern light above the main stairwell to the building , which was quite a challenge . Unusually on projects like this we were asked to take on all of the lifting requirements – hiring in our own minicrane and rigs – while taking responsibility for the safety matters and lifting plans . We have often worked in tandem with Erith to enable their demolition or alterations of significant buildings , including in Fleet Street and at Olympia , and were delighted
to assist in this very unusual and rapid turnaround .”
As well as dealing with the logistics and installing all the large and disparate frame types , the lantern light being fully painted and glazed offsite , increasing the care and accuracy needed when positioning it on the rooftop upstand . All of the doors and windows also had their mastic seals applied and their assorted locking systems set up .
James Williams , Erith ’ s Project Manager on the job , commented , “ Having worked closely with ASWS for nearly two years on the main Whiteleys redevelopment scheme , I could not recommend them enough . This led us to putting the company forward for the Redan Pub refurbishment . The team ’ s professionalism , knowledge and experience in the heritage sector is second to none - it was a no brainer for this unusual , short duration and bespoke scheme . Quality and speed do not often go hand in hand , however ASWS delivered fantastic results to the client ’ s elite standard within the programme demanded of them . The Redan was to be utilised by the Whiteley ’ s client team as
a high-end office space for the duration of the main development of the historic shopping centre around the corner , and it was imperative Erith could rely on a trusted contractor to deliver the quality finish required . Kris and the team did exactly that and I look forward to working with him and everyone at ASWS in the future .”
As an acknowledged specialist in the restoration and replica replacement for steel , wrought iron , timber and aluminium windows of all ages , ASWS is frequently asked to carry out pre-contract surveys on behalf of the client ’ s consultants , while the subsequent drawings and documents are sometimes also used as part of the submissions to English Heritage or local planning officers .
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 . The family-run business is frequently called upon to prepare condition surveys during the appraisal stages of a project , which then become part of the planning or listed building permission process . The company also maintains a very large stock of ironmongery and metal frame components to assist in its restoration work .
www . asws . co . uk
22 FEBRUARY 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM