Admiralty Arch - Timber Window Repair and Refurbishment

Introduction:

Admiralty Arch is a landmark building in London providing road and pedestrian access between The Mall which extends to the southwest, and Trafalgar Square to the northeast. Admiralty Arch, commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, and designed by Aston Webb, is now a Grade I listed building. In the past, it served as residence of the First Sea Lord and was used by the Admiralty. Until 2011, the building housed government offices. In 2012, the government sold the building on a 125-year lease for £60m for a proposed redevelopment into a Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel and four apartments.

There is reputedly an underground passage connecting Admiralty Arch with 10 Downing Street.

Scope of Works:

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TRC Contracts were chosen for this project having successfully worked in the past for the Contractor Knightbuild; who specialise in delivering complex projects and construction services to the prime and super prime real estate markets. There were six other companies competing for the contract and TRC provided two sample windows to the clients exacting requirements.

The project incorporates the repair, refurbishment and upgrading of timber windows, supply of equivalent replacement windows and doors where restoration of existing not feasible.

In-depth it includes the production of Control Samples and Benchmarking windows, baseline overhaul involving removal of built up debris to frames and glazing where defective, removal of excess paint and plastic film from glass surfaces, replacement of missing or broken historical glass or redundant fans with approved matching glass alternative, size and shape restoration of sashes by packing or shooting, sash cord replacement, mechanical check/action facilitating correct operation of windows. Overhaul is completed with installation of Draftfix draught exclusion system and fully decorated to match the existing paint colour.

Timber repairs are carried out using our long practice proven RepairCare methods in combination with modern timber splicing technique and bespoke timber parts replacement made of resembling timber species and aiming for minimal removal of original material.

Improved resistance to decay of timber on windows in future is achieved by use of Conservation Joints and replacement of old weathered putty with modern putty alternative.

All bare timber repair surfaces are made ready and primed using more user/environment friendly water-based dual-purpose Dulux Wood Primer.

Any window ironmongery items including high level sash opening pulleys are carefully removed, bagged up and inventory record kept. Any ironmongery found to be defective and beyond repair is notified and suitable replacement alternatives offered. The finishes and base material of replacement ironmongery are matched as originals. On return after restoration ironmongery is carefully installed back on to the windows in original locations.

New bespoke replacement windows and doors require detailed design approval process to match existing prior to manufacture. Removal of existing and installation of new is performed in focused manner. The reusable parts of existing windows are kept and be used for repairs of other windows in the building achieving minimal waste.

Challenges:

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​The building is a Grade I listed structure, so the refurbishment had to be carried out in a sensitive manner emphasizing the very central-iconic location of it.

​The windows contained lead in the paint and substrate and required a coordinated approach which involved our dedicated health and safety advisor who formulated a site-specific risk and method statement along with additional training for our operatives.

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Solutions:

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​TRC is using a variety of techniques to minimize the impact of the refurbishment on the building's historic fabric.

​The company employs high skilled labour and expert management.

​TRC worked closely with the client and contractor to ensure that the refurbishment met the required standards.

​The company developed a detailed project plan/programme to manage the project effectively.

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Results:

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​The refurbishment of windows will enhance the building's appearance.

The new windows and doors are a faithful reproduction of the originals.

​The project on windows have improved the building's energy efficiency and convenient use.

Retrofitting the UK’s historical buildings will play a crucial role in achieving climate targets.

​​The project to be completed on time and within budget.

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Conclusion:

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​The Admiralty Arch window refurbishment is a complex project that will be successfully completed by TRC Windows.

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Additional Information

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​TRC Windows is a leading provider of window refurbishment services in the UK. The company has a long history of working on historic buildings and has a reputation for quality workmanship.