Project description
This Edwardian property designed in an arts & crafts style typical of the period is enjoying a renaissance with the addition of customised timber windows from George Barnsdale.
With traditional sliding sash bay windows and elegant casement windows, the appearance of the property; situated in the green belt area of Tyne & Wear, has been greatly enhanced. One of the main specifications of the owners was to preserve the character of the building.
A big factor for us was to maintain the character of the house, in fact it has been enhanced by the new windows.
Mr Bowen, homeowner
The owners bought the house four years ago when the windows were a combination of 40 year old aluminium and newer UPVC. The glazing units in the aluminium windows had mostly failed and the cost to replace them coupled with the difficulty of getting a supplier to do the work led to a search for replacement windows.
Originally, the couple considered uPVC but it became clear the openings weren’t deep enough and a lot of work would have been required to maintain the aesthetic. A search on the internet came up with a few suppliers including Blackthorn Timber Windows, one of George Barnsdale’s approved partners.
The couple placed an order for a range of signal white (RAL 9003) spiral balanced sliding sash windows with jet black (RAL 9005) frames on the outside.
They also chose some white flush casement windows with black external frames for the bathrooms. Hardware in polished chrome and astragal bars complete the period look.
Commenting on the approach taken by the installers, Blackthorn, Mrs Bowen said “They were very good, installation was first class and I would highly recommend them as well as George Barnsdale as a manufacturer. We are delighted with our new timber windows.”
Improved performance from aluminium to wood
Despite being double glazed, the old aluminium window frames felt cold and some of the seals had broken. Since having the new timber windows, the couple has noticed an improvement – the house is warmer in winter and they also noticed the house was cooler in summer.
What is the arts and crafts style of house?
Arts and Crafts style houses are slightly less ornate than Victorian designs, embracing a more simple vernacular. With mock tudor cladding, red brick and pebble dash, they feature large windows with bays, often dual aspect rooms and front doors in porches. This property is an excellent example of this style of house. The arts & crafts movement embraced handmade crafts so it is fitting that the new windows are supplied by George Barnsdale who have been crafting wooden windows on the same site since 1884.
