Divine Intervention - Ventrolla recreates Sash style at Angel Hotel, Leamington Spa

Angel Hotel, Leamington Spa

Sash window experts, Ventrolla, faced one of their greatest challenges to date, as they reinstated a colossal 4.3 metre wide quadruple sash window at the Angel Hotel in Leamington Spa.

The massive sash window structure was introduced on the ground floor of the Angel Hotel - an impressive Grade II listed building in Leamington, in the heart of historic Warwickshire.

As part of the UK's leading national sash window specialist Ventrolla Midlands have extensive experience in both the commercial and domestic sectors, nevertheless they viewed this project as a particular challenge due to the sheer magnitude of the window.

Colin Porter, who has managed Ventrolla Midlands for over 10 years, described it as "the largest and potentially trickiest window I have ever been involved with". Four adjoining timber sash windows were fitted in the 4.3 metre aperture, replacing a less traditional metal structure. In addition to producing the large quadruple sash, which was in keeping with the style of the other original sash windows on the ground floor, Ventrolla renovated a number of other windows in the hotel.

Furthermore, so that all the renovated windows met modern performance standards, Ventrolla introduced its award winning Perimeter Sealing System, to virtually eliminate draughts and rattles, and reduce the effects of external noise. A further feature of the window upgrades was the inclusion of Ventrolla's Sash Removal System, which allows both the upper and lower sashes to be removed inside, to simplify future maintenance such as cleaning and decorating.

Throughout the project, Ventrolla were actively involved in assisting the appointed interior designer, Richard Nash, to ensure that the character of the building was retained, in accordance with the requirements of the local council Conservation Officer. Furthermore, the suitability of Ventrolla's system for this project was endorsed by the fact that it is recognised by English Heritage for its use in conservation areas and listed buildings.

Nash, who has previous experience of working with Ventrolla in Bristol had no hesitation in recommending the company for this project stating his "confidence that the job would be tackled efficiently and quickly".

The renovation of the ground floor windows was part of an ongoing programme of refurbishment of the Angel Hotel.

October 2003