Sash Window Refurbishment & Double Glazing Regent’s Park

A sensitive refurbishment of a period property in Regent’s Park, London, demonstrates how modern glazing technology can be seamlessly integrated with traditional craftsmanship to deliver exceptional energy efficiency and comfort, while preserving the building’s historic character.

The Challenge: balancing heritage with modern comfort standards

Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most prestigious conservation areas, this elegant Regent’s Park property presented a common dilemma for owners of historic buildings.

The original single-glazed sash windows, while beautiful, offered poor thermal performance, leading to significant heat loss, uncomfortable draughts, and high energy bills.

The challenge was to upgrade the windows to modern standards of thermal efficiency without compromising the building’s period aesthetic.

The Solution: A Fusion of Technology and Tradition

Our team of specialists devised a comprehensive solution that combined cutting-edge glazing technology with time-honoured restoration techniques. The project involved four key stages:

1. Retrofitting with Vacuum Insulated Glazing (VIG)

The centrepiece of the project was the decision to retrofit the existing sash windows with vacuum insulated glazing (VIG). Unlike traditional double glazing, which has a gap filled with air or an inert gas, VIG units consist of two panes of glass separated by a micro-thin vacuum layer. This innovative technology offers several key advantages, making it the ideal choice for this project:

• Exceptional Thermal Performance: The vacuum layer acts as a highly effective insulator, significantly reducing heat loss. VIG can achieve a U-value (a measure of thermal transmittance) comparable to that of triple glazing, but in a much thinner unit.
• Slim Profile: Because the vacuum layer is so thin, VIG units are only slightly thicker than the original single panes of glass. This allows them to be fitted into the existing timber frames without the need for major alterations, preserving the delicate proportions of the sash windows.
• Acoustic Insulation: The vacuum also provides excellent soundproofing, reducing the intrusion of external noise – a valuable benefit in a busy urban environment.

2. Restoring the Original Timber Frames

With the glazing solution decided, our craftsmen set about carefully restoring the original timber sash frames. This involved:

• Stripping back decades of old paint.
• Repairing any damaged or decayed sections of timber, using traditional joinery techniques to ensure a seamless and durable result.
• Sanding and preparing the frames for painting.

By restoring the original frames, we were able to preserve the authentic character of the windows and the building as a whole.

3. Installing High-Performance Draught Proofing

To complement the new vacuum insulated glazing, we installed a comprehensive draught-proofing system.

This involved fitting discreet seals into the frames to eliminate air leakage, further enhancing the windows’ thermal performance and preventing uncomfortable draughts.

4. Professional Painting and Finishing

The final stage of the project was to paint the newly restored windows.

Our team applied several coats of high-quality, durable paint, providing a flawless finish that will protect the timber for years to come.

The result is a set of windows that not only perform to the highest modern standards but also look as good as new.

The Result: A Home Transformed

The successful completion of this project has transformed the Regent’s Park property. The owners now enjoy a home that is warmer, quieter, and more energy-efficient, without sacrificing any of the period charm that makes it so special. The key benefits include:

• Dramatically improved thermal comfort: The combination of VIG and draught proofing has eliminated cold spots and created a more comfortable living environment.
• Reduced energy bills: The significant reduction in heat loss will lead to lower heating costs.
• Enhanced acoustic insulation: The property is now much quieter, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Preservation of heritage: The building’s historic character has been fully retained, demonstrating that it is possible to upgrade period properties without compromising their unique charm.

Conclusion

This Regent’s Park case study is a testament to the power of combining innovative technology with traditional craftsmanship.

By retrofitting the original sash windows with vacuum insulated glazing and carrying out a meticulous restoration of the timber frames, we have delivered a solution that offers the best of both worlds: modern performance and timeless elegance. timeless elegance.

This project serves as a model for the sensitive and sustainable refurbishment of historic buildings, proving that heritage and energy efficiency can go hand in hand.