Vernon & Sicilian House - Timber Window Refurbishment

Introduction:

The site sits on the west side of Southampton Row with Sicilian Avenue to the north and

Bloomsbury Square to the northwest. It consists of three buildings: Sicilian House, Vernon House, and no. 21 Southampton Row. The Grade II buildings were constructed between 1905 and 1910 and were altered during the 1970s.

Scope of Works:

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TRC Contracts were chosen for this project having successfully worked in the past for the Contractor Structure Tone.

The project incorporates the repair, refurbishment and upgrading of 250nr existing timber sash and casement windows and the design, supply, manufacture, delivery, and installation of 55nr equivalent replacement windows where restoration of existing was not feasible or changes to the building are required. TRC Windows worked closely with the contractor and client to survey the existing windows and develop a repair strategy to include additional windows, glass, cills and decoration to facilitate a one stop approach to completing all windows under one contractors package.

TRC Windows conducted 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 film from glass surfaces, replacement of missing or broken historical glass or redundant fans with approved matching glass alternative. Overhaul is completed with installation of draught exclusion system and fully decorated to match the existing paint colour.

Timber repairs are conducted 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 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.

New bespoke replacement windows 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 II listed structure, so the refurbishment had to be carried out in a sensitive manner.

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

​The company developed a detailed project plan/program 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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​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.