Replacing Steel with Slim Aluminium Window Frames, Heritage 47 Maidenhead

Location: Maidenhead

We have recently brought this traditional cottage in Maidenhead into the 21st century by incorporating energy-efficient slim aluminium window frames.

This beautiful cottage is situated in a semi-rural location with far-reaching views over the River Thames and Berkshire countryside.

The family home still had the original iconic steel windows installed, which were prone to condensation, and over the years, the heat was escaping through these poorly insulated metal windows.

The homeowners tried to improve the thermal and acoustic performance a few years ago by installing secondary glazing to maintain the authentic aesthetic and charm of the property.

The Maidenhead owners were looking to upgrade the steel doors and windows to a highly secure double-glazed aluminium solution with exceptional thermal performance.

They contacted Thames Valley Windows requesting a quote for a slim aluminium glazing solution with narrow sightlines for approx twenty windows throughout their traditional cottage.

Our senior designer Paul Mills contacted the homeowners, listened to their requirements, discussed the various options, and arranged an appointment at our Bracknell showroom.

Part of the Maidenhead homeowners brief was the importance of the replacement window style and frame colour, as these details were fundamental to the overall look.

As part of our consultation service, we offer clients a bespoke architectural design service. Paul provided the homeowners with a couple of full-colour 3D visuals with different window styles and colours. From these visuals, they knew the window style they preferred but were unsure about the shade of grey or if they wanted dual colour profiles.

Paul paid close attention to the overall design and period features of the doors and windows. For the downstairs windows, he recommended that our installation team cut the plaster line back by an additional 20mm (including the tiled cills where appropriate) so that the 47mm depth windows would fit into the same line as the existing steel windows.

He also recommended the upstairs windows. The team would remove the timber insert between the window and the plaster (as well as the secondary units) and then replaster to where the new aluminium windows will be installed.

After a couple of days, the homeowners confirmed they wanted to proceed with an order for the Heritage 47 aluminium windows with an art-deco style Georgian astragal bar finished in powder-coated pebble grey colour (RAL 7032) on both the interior and exterior.

Combining modern technology with period charm, they also chose a combination of graphite window and door handles with an enhanced Secured by Design multi-point locking system that is independently tested by BSI.

Heritage 47 window and door systems have been expertly designed and crafted to closely replicate an original steel window frame’s proportions and thin mullion and transom details. It is manufactured for optimal thermal performance and weather resistance with a heritage look available in a wide range of RAL colours.

With this aluminium system and thoughtful consideration, Paul designed the proportions of the aluminium windows with a flat square flush design, which matched the original steel-framed windows.

The project’s beauty combines old and new: The benefits of a polyamide thermal break technology reduce thermal transmittance to suit the homeowner’s modern lifestyle. At the same time, the windows and door design symmetry still stay true to the building’s heritage and character.

The end result is spectacular! This stunning large detached property required high-quality aluminium windows and doors. The pebble grey colour of the window and door frames is perfect for property architecture and blends well with the white external render and timber cladding. The low iron glazing achieves a window energy rating (WER) of A and makes the most of the stunning countryside view.

The slender frames of the Heritage 47 window and doors authentically replicate the appearance of the original single-glazed steel windows but embody all the benefits of outstanding thermal efficiency and acoustic performance of a highly secure modern double-glazed window system.

The elegant French doors at the front of the house maintain the timeless iconic industrial look from a bygone era that complements the slim aluminium windows frames

Despite the design, manufacturing and installation being completed during multiple COVID-19 lockdowns, we completed the project to the customer’s satisfaction.

The Maidenhead homeowners are delighted with their new windows and doors and advised of the following:

Decision making:

Principally the design and quality that TVW had on offer – specifically the steel look/Heritage – the modern, slimline range. Secondarily the price and flexibility of the configuration are available for both windows and doors.

Expectations and Results:

Yes, completely, as it improved the overall look and feel of the house, particularly much-improved light and opening up external views.

Why was TVW unique:

The overall design of the windows and the attention to detail in the specification.

Overall experience:

In a complex project undertaken in a difficult time (during Covid), TVW’s installation team ensured we were completely satisfied during the process and with the result.

We have included ‘before’ photos with the original steel windows in the gallery above.

• Traditional Aluminium Windows

You may also be interested in reading our blog article: Black Metal Windows and Doors v Aluminium

Our ref: 0029892