"Sympathetic and Striking" Project Vulcan
21st February 2012

A Sea Cadets' building in Hull got a new lease of life recently, thanks in part to the sympathetic window replacement carried out by Hull-based Synseal fabricator and installer, Vulcan Windows.

The period property presented a number of challenges to the company, not least the building's general state of disrepair. "The Sea Cadets project was quite a challenge because the building was dilapidated and in poor condition," Peter O’Brien, Vulcan’s Commercial Manager, said. "Most of the fenestrations were boarded up and there was evidence of  subsidence."

The company replaced the boxed sash timber casements with PVCu windows made from Synseal's Shield profile. Extra care was taken to incorporate the very ornate internal decorative reveals.

"We replaced the frames while being sympathetic to retaining the internal finishes," Peter explained. "The Chairman of the board of governors, Mr Captain Pearson, commissioned the works, and he and the rest of the board were delighted with the finished work."

The improvements to the Sea Cadets building will be featured in the local press to celebrate the new life and interest in the building which has been stimulated by the refurbishment.

The difference that building renovation can make, including new windows, hit a chord with those working on this project. "I got a lot of satisfaction from being involved in this project," Peter said. "I've been in the business for 20 years, and driving past the Sea Cadets building each day makes me very proud to have been associated with it.

"I'm sure the students who use this building will benefit from the investment in their environment."

Brian Walker, Synseal’s Fabricator Development Manager, said the project was a fine example of how PVCu windows are being more widely accepted on sensitive period properties. "There's no doubt that in some cases PVCu windows can be inelegantly designed and improperly fitted, as can timber and aluminium." he said. "However, on the Sea Cadets building, Vulcan Windows have proved that PVCu replacement window solutions can be sympathetic and striking, and that the companies who make and install them take absolute pride in their work."