Issue 37 Spring 23 WEB - Flipbook - Page 26
While these units are increasingly popular, the specialist
knowledge and expertise required to create and fit them
is in short supply.
Warm homes with traditional aesthetics
The perennial issue for owners of period properties is
how to create warm, energy-efficient homes without
compromising the valued aesthetics of the building.
Curved-in-plan units are an increasingly popular choice
with homeowners looking to improve the insulation and
energy efficiency of their homes.
Precision & Quality
Storm Windows, based in the West Midlands, is one of
the few companies in the UK that have the expertise to
provide curved-in-plan units. Their approach to creating
the units is underpinned by a commitment to precision
and quality. The process begins with a survey of the
windows. A paper template is used to create an exact copy
of the curved window, then an MDF template is made in
the workshop. This template is sent to the glass company
to create the curved glass. The glass that is created is then
cut to size by hand in the Storm Windows workshop.
Throughout the process there is close attention to detail,
ensuring that the windows that are created fully meet
the requirements of the customer and the particular
installation.
The owner of a property in Scotland wanted to add extra
warmth and insulation to an alcove that had beautiful
views but was too cold and draughty to linger in,
particularly in the winter. Storm Windows was tasked with
adding three curved-in-plan units to the alcove's
windows, including two slimline units and a horizontal
sliding unit for the centre window.
The team at Storm Windows were able to design and
install the units in a way that not only improved the
thermal insulation and reduced draughts but also
enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the space. The new
glazing units matched the curve of the original windows
and were finished with safety film to ensure the safety of
the occupants. As a result, the alcove is now a warm and
cosy space that can be enjoyed throughout the year, no
matter the weather conditions outside.
This highly developed expertise means that Storm
Windows are in demand across the country. Over recent
years they have been involved with a range of prestigious
projects that required curved-in-plan units. A shining
example of this is K1 Knightsbridge.
If you’re looking for advice about curved-in-plan units,
their practicality and the impact they can have on your
energy bills, then the experienced team at Storm
Windows is always happy to help.
K1 Knightsbridge
K1 Knightsbridge is a prestigious mixed-use development
located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea,
London. The development is made up of commercial,
residential, and retail space and comprises 35 luxury
apartments, high-end retail shops, and office space.
For more information, advice or to book a survey,
telephone 01384 636365 or
email sales@stormwindows.co.uk today.
As part of the development, Storm Windows were
commissioned to provide bespoke curved-in-plan units
for 33 of the 60 windows that were being installed. The
company’s expertise in creating slimline units with
the curved-in-plan design was crucial in meeting the
demanding specifications of the project.
The developer, Skanska, went through a number of
different window designs before settling on a final choice.
Storm Windows developed an innovative approach that
saw the secondary glazing integrated into the structure of
the original window. This means that when the window
is opened, the entire window, including the secondary
glazing, opens simultaneously. The original ironmongery
of the window is then fitted over the secondary glazing
fittings, ensuring the required thermal and noise
reductions are achieved.
In addition to the K1 Knightsbridge project, Storm
Windows has also provided curved-in-plan units for other
high-profile projects such as the Bury Street project for
the Crown Estate in London and The Pick Building in
Leicester. In both cases, contemporary expectations in
terms of insulation, energy efficiency and acoustic noise
reduction were all met without compromising the overall
aesthetics of the buildings.
The owner of this beautiful period window below didn’t think it
could be secondary glazing could be fitted, and if you look at its
complexity, you can see why. For such a complex window we used
traditional bespoke curved glass and fitted units to each frame.
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
24