Sensitive Victorian retrofit wins West Leigh Best Commercial Project at SWA Awards 2024

London based West Leigh has won the Best Commercial Project category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2024 for its sensitive and painstaking work on the restoration of a former Victorian wallpaper factory in West London.

Voysey House in Chiswick had previously been refurbished in the 1980s with the work featuring the ever-popular W20 window, in the large pane format. All the architecturally important curved heads had been panelled to save money, severely detracting from the period styling of the property, which the client wanted to renovate as offices.  Thankfully, West Leigh had both the experience of commercial refurbishments, and the logistical resources to rectify the shortcomings of the one-time industrial building and its imposing three-storey façades.

Voysey House will now be re-occupied by one of the most renowned interiors brands worldwide who originally built the manufacturing facility extension in 1902.

‘A more radical approach’

Andy Bawn, Managing Director at West Leigh, comments: “We initially offered a W20 section frame in small panes, which is a common product for this type of building but the client felt this was not sympathetic enough. We then realised we needed a more radical approach and instead, found a rarely used arrow section Series 200 alternative, which is still rolled and mimics the appearance of the original cast iron frames. However, a regular heritage double-glazed unit would have been too large for the rebate.

“We therefore sourced a product that is new to the UK – the Fineo double-glazed unit – a vacuum technology that delivers a U-value of 0.7 W/m²K and a front to back dimension of just 8mm; but more importantly the sight line is of only 6mm. The combination of these two materials is ideal for period properties of this type and achieved a genuinely great finished result.

“We provided samples and design information, then quickly moved to manufacture in our London factory and in December 2023 we were very proud to deliver the finished product to our client. From the factory visits to discussions on site, the West Leigh team were totally clear and knowledgeable in what they were delivering. The finished product has helped transform the building.”

Attention to detail and in-house skills

West Leigh’s attention to detail and in-house skills were displayed in the fact its team designed new tooling to enable all of the end and crucifix notching to be achieved. This was employed in the company’s power presses to create uniform joint details. The largest windows produced for Voysey House were a trio measuring 4.5m wide by 3.7m high which, like the rest of the frames were hot zinc sprayed and then given a RAL6007 Bottle Green polyester coat finish. West Leigh’s own operatives carried out all of the installation work.   

The SWA Awards judge, Architecture Today’s Technical Editor, John Renshaw, says: “Completed in 1902, Voysey House is the only commercial building designed by the celebrated modernist architect CFA Voysey. This project demonstrated what can be achieved when a committed client and a highly knowledgeable and experienced window manufacturer work together. 

“The overall result is stunning, with West Leigh playing a crucial role in returning an architecturally significant building back to its original aesthetic, while providing modern levels of performance. From onsite discussions and factory visits to the provision of product samples and comprehensive design information, this SWA member has clearly gone above and beyond to find the right solution for this demanding and important project. Congratulations to all involved.”

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk