Govette Windows wins Best Domestic Project at the SWA Awards 2024

Govette Windows has won the Best Domestic Project category at the Steel Window Association Awards for work on a house extension in Weybridge, Surrey.

John Ramshaw, Technical Editor of Architecture Today and judge for the Steel Window Association Awards, explains: “Govette worked hard to ensure that the windows and doors met the exacting performance and aesthetic demands of both the architect and client – and this really shows in the finished building. A worthy winner.”

Read on to find out why John was so impressed with this winning project.

A major extension to a large detached property in Weybridge, Surrey featured elegant W20 steel windows and doors to create a series of tall screens, opening up views of the verdant garden while flooding the stylish new kitchen and dining room with light.

Govette Windows designed, fabricated and installed the fenestration package, which was carried out by approved developer Kantec Bespoke Ltd. Concept Eight was the lead architect on this project.

The architect designed single storey extension wraps around the full width of the building’s rear elevation, with a 2.4 metre long, L-shaped window creating a stunning corner feature. 

Multiple double doors, with side panels and fixed lights above, form the two main 3430mm tall screens where the line of the steel mullions emphasise the height of the fenestration.

All of the W20 sections are hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coated in RAL 1035, Pearl Beige, while the 16mm double glazed units are Krypton filled and contain soft coat as well as low iron glass with warm edge spacer bars to offer high thermal performance. 

Peace of mind

Steel doors and windows also provide peace of mind in terms of their rugged resistance to forced entry and long term durability against the elements. 

Govette Windows’ contribution to the project also included a stylish internal sliding door screen, separating the kitchen from a dayroom/lounge. Again, fabricated from W20 profiles to ensure continuity between the internal and external screens and glazed with 6.4mm laminated glass, the doors use a Henderson mechanism that is also suitable for ceiling mounting and ‘pocket’ applications. 

Special blanking off plates developed by the SWA cap the profiles for a neater appearance, with the meeting stiles also including a draught strip. 

Commenting on the choice of steel frames, the owner of the property Sarah Stirrett) says: “This was something I’d always wanted to do, because I think steel framed windows just have that timeless, industrial appearance and would really suit the style of our old Edwardian house. 

“This is a really modern addition to the house – almost like a 180 degrees extension across and around the side, rather than the typical ‘box on the back’, and the large area of glazing really suits it. Govette Windows was fantastic to deal throughout – they really reassured me over thermal performance of steel systems at the beginning. Overall, it’s been a lovely job throughout.”

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