Bespoke window solution for listed buildings
3rd June 2014

Patchett Joinery has been enlisted by Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust to provide a bespoke window solution as part of a project to secure listed building consent for 136 properties in New Earswick, York.

The £690,000 project was to improve the energy performance of listed solid wall, traditional brick houses in the garden village of New Earswick, which were originally built between 1902 and 1915.

The residential properties are a mix of terraced and semi-detached houses with up to five bedrooms and had single glazed, draughty windows dating from the 1970’s and 1980’s. Upwards of 1250 windows needed replacing with a modern specification of high performance double glazed timber windows that would not harm the context of the listed buildings.

Working with the City of York Council Conservation Team, Joseph Rowntree was asked to provide a design for flush casement double glazed timber windows which would be acceptable for fitting to listed houses, which Patchett’s was able to supply.

Patchett Joinery specially designed an internally glazed window with slimmer sections to match the appearance of the existing windows, particularly the putty line. Working closely with the Trust’s architects to refine the design, the windows were approved by the council.

The majority of windows were traditional hinged casements but there were also a small number of horizontal sliding sash windows. To ensure the designs were approved, Patchett’s provided samples for the council with different coloured spacer bars in the glass, dummy astragals and draught stripping, glazing, gaskets and ironmongery options.
The final windows approved by the council were designed with a white spacer bar option, white draught seals and traditional black ironmongery.

“Patchett Joinery’s assistance in the process of securing listed building consent was invaluable,” commented Brian Jardine, Development Services Manager at Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust. “The programme will improve the performance of the listed houses and help reduce fuel bills and improve comfort conditions for the residents.
“From the initial work with Patchett’s to develop an acceptable window, through to delivery of the finished products, the service has been excellent and the windows are of extremely high quality.

“Patchett’s worked with us to make the project as seamless as possible and their technical knowledge of window design and manufacture has assisted the Housing Trust in securing listed building consent from the council,” Mr Jardine continued.

“We hope to be able to continue with Patchett Joinery over the next few years for the provision of bespoke replacement windows to the remaining listed houses in the village.”

www.patchett-joinery.co.uk