Issue 42 summer 24 web - Flipbook - Page 58
“Rather than gutting out the 5th floor, the old parquet
floor was cleaned and preserved while many wall areas
were left bare. For the fenestration, new handles were
fixed to the original back-plates, while we designed new
blocks which were fitted to the heads, for the spring
catches to engage with. Any broken panes were replaced
and all of the hinges reset to ensure ease of operation.”
Late on in the challenging 13 week programme, ASWS
was also asked to undertake the redecoration of all the
windows. And although this was limited to spot-priming
areas of bare metal and applying one topcoat, it did involve the window specialist’s operatives putting in a lot
of overtime, including weekend working.
Cast Interiors’ Projects Director, Steve Gayle,
commented, “ASWS’s expertise and flexibility was
instrumental in safeguarding the heritage windows at
County Hall. The company’s commitment to preserving
the essence of the Grade II listed windows has been
essential in ensuring the precious historical elements
remain intact within our environment.”
Kris Bennell concluded, “This is one of the very first
contracts of its type in the country, where interventions
have been kept to an absolute minimum - based on
sustainability and environmental impact rather than cost
-and we have been very proud to be involved.”
The refurbished workspaces were successfully completed
in April 2023 and have proved popular with potential
new tenants.
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.
Pictured is Kris Bennell, Director for ASWS.
For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk.
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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