Heritage Double-Glazed Sash Windows in Kensington & Chelsea
Location
Kensington & Chelsea, London
Bespoke Timber Sash Windows for a Victorian Home
Victorian properties in London are known for their elegant proportions and distinctive timber sash windows, which play an important role in defining their architectural character. However, as these windows age, maintaining their original appearance while improving comfort and thermal performance can become increasingly challenging.
For this Victorian property, Ventrolla was appointed to manufacture and install six new pairs of timber sash windows across the third floor, introducing heritage double glazing while retaining the traditional detailing of the original windows.
The project covered two rooms, a library and a bedroom, each featuring three sash window openings. The aim was to provide a consistent upgrade across both rooms, combining bespoke timber windows with improved draught-proofing and modern glazing performance.
Six Pairs of Bespoke Sapele Hardwood Sashes
The project involved replacing the existing sashes within six windows, with each new pair being manufactured from Sapele hardwood, selected for its durability and suitability for traditional timber window construction.
To remain in keeping with the Victorian property, the new sashes incorporated traditional Ovolo mouldings, bespoke sash horns and multi-pane designs with solid glazing bars. These details helped preserve the appearance and proportions of the original windows while introducing the benefits of modern heritage double glazing.
Heritage Double Glazing and Improved Performance
All six pairs of sashes incorporated argon-filled heritage double-glazed units, providing improved thermal performance while maintaining a traditional appearance.
The glazing was carefully incorporated into the bespoke timber sashes, allowing the windows to retain the proportions and detailing appropriate to the Victorian building.
Ventrolla’s award-winning Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was installed throughout, helping to reduce draughts and improve comfort within the library and bedroom.
The windows also incorporated Ventrolla’s Sash Removal System (SRS), designed to make future maintenance easier by allowing the sashes to be removed without disturbing the surrounding window structure.
Together, these upgrades provided a practical improvement to the property’s existing windows while retaining the architectural character of the building.
Careful Repairs and Installation
Alongside the new sash windows, the project included targeted repairs to the existing timber joinery.
One of the bedroom windows required a replacement cill, addressing deterioration while retaining the surrounding window structure. The installation also involved temporarily removing and refitting existing security grilles, allowing the necessary work to be completed without permanently altering these features.
Working across six third-floor window openings required a careful and organised approach, particularly when handling the new double-glazed timber sashes and completing the associated repairs.
The homeowner was particularly impressed by the standard of the finished installation, praising the quality of the work and the care taken to minimise mess within the property.
A High Standard of Workmanship
The completed project has introduced six pairs of bespoke heritage double-glazed sashes across the property’s library and bedroom, improving thermal performance and draught protection while maintaining their traditional Victorian appearance.
The homeowner highlighted the quality of the installation and the professionalism demonstrated on site, particularly the standard of workmanship and the tidy approach taken throughout the work.
“The work achieved was excellent. A very high standard of work and very little mess.”
The project demonstrates how carefully designed replacement sashes, combined with targeted timber repairs and draught-proofing, can improve the performance of traditional Victorian windows without unnecessarily replacing their existing frames.
Specialist Timber Sash Windows for Victorian Properties
Ventrolla specialises in the restoration, renovation and bespoke replacement of traditional timber sash and casement windows for period properties.
Whether restoring original joinery or manufacturing new heritage double-glazed sashes, our approach focuses on preserving architectural character while improving comfort, performance and longevity.
For more information about our heritage window services, visit ventrolla.co.uk or contact our team on 0800 0277 454.