Sheffield University

Key features: Commercial, Grade II Listed, Sash Windows, Education, Renovation, Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS), Victorian

The original and oldest part of the University of Sheffield has been revived with the help of sash window specialist Ventrolla.

The Sir Frederick Mappin Building, is a grade II-listed building fronting onto Mappin Street, Sheffield. The building and street are named after Sir Frederick Mappin (1821–1910) who was a Sheffield factory owner and politician who supported the formation of the University of Sheffield and subsequently became the first Pro-Chancellor in 1905.

Ventrolla renovated a total of 32 previously broken sash windows in the Sir Frederick Mappin Building, improving the condition of the timber windows and reducing draughts. The large project has helped to transform the building from a redundant lab that now houses a number of state-of-the-art meeting rooms.

Whilst restoring the sash windows, the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was also installed, improving the energy efficiency of the windows by eradicating draughts and rattles.

Bryan Evans from the University of Sheffield Estates said:

“The renovation has had a huge impact and the building now looks more beautiful than ever. Just 20 per cent of the windows had to be replaced, and even these were highly authentic replicas, so we are very pleased.”

“We went with Ventrolla because they are the market leader in the industry, and our choice was well received when gaining planning permission, due to Ventrolla’s outstanding reputation.”

The University of Sheffield has around 25,000 students and was born from the merging of Sheffield Medical School, Firth College, and the Sheffield Technical School in 1905. It is currently ranked 19th in the UK in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings and was recently rated as having the best university library in the UK.

Ventrolla offers a bespoke renovation service for timber sliding sash and casement windows, as well as timber doors. The company has its central office in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with additional locations throughout the UK.