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We are proud to celebrate a significant milestone for one of our premier installers, Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd., based in Thame, after they officially won the prestigious GGP (Glass and Glazing Products) Award for Best Heritage Installation.
The winning project? A meticulous restoration of the former NatWest Bank on Thame High Street, a building that sits at the heart of a sensitive conservation area and carries a rich history dating back to the late 18th century.
When the former bank was slated for conversion into two luxury residential apartments, the pressure was on to maintain the architectural integrity of the Grade II listed structure. Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. didn’t just aim for similar aesthetics; they aimed for historical perfection.
By sourcing a 1910 photograph from the Thame Museum, the team was able to accurately recreate the original fenestration pattern that had been lost over decades of minor changes.
To achieve this balance of historical accuracy and 21st-century thermal efficiency, our Residence 9 in Grained White was the natural choice.
Highlights from the project included:
● 26 bespoke Residence 9 windows featuring leaded glass.
● The use of Timberweld® technology allowed the units to replicate traditional timber joinery perfectly, satisfying strict planning requirements.
● While the windows look like they belong in 1910, they perform for today, boasting a U-value of 1.2 W/m²K and an A++ energy rating.
● Each unit was individually measured to accommodate the irregular masonry of the historic stone reveals.
Installing modern systems into a Grade II listed building on a busy high street is no small feat. The Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. team navigated several logistical hurdles.
The first being that the building sits directly above an active bakery, requiring precise coordination to ensure zero disruption to local commerce. Deliveries and installations had to be staged carefully due to the High Street location.
As well as this, dealing with centuries-old masonry meant that “off-the-shelf” was never an option — every frame was a bespoke fit, which maintained the building’s beautiful aesthetic, but added to the challenges.
This project serves as a masterclass in how the industry can respect the past while building for the future. By securing listed-building consent for Residence 9, Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. has proven that timber-alternatives, when designed with the soul of the original building in mind, are the premier choice for conservation officers and developers alike.
Enis Evlat, Managing Director at Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd., explained:
“We are so pleased that the R9 windows perfectly replicate the style of the windows from 1910. These windows not only add to the aesthetics but also bring exceptional durability and energy efficiency.
Our team took great pride in working on this project to seamlessly integrate each window to perfection. We’re thrilled to have been part of this project alongside our windows and fabricator CWG Choices.”
We commented:
“This project is a perfect example of how our R9 windows can be used to replicate that heritage feel and look while still being high-performing and energy-efficient.
The transformation of the historic NatWest Bank offices into modern apartments presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Retaining the architectural integrity of the original structure was paramount, and our R9 windows provided an ideal solution by combining traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality. The result is a seamless blend of old and new, honouring the building’s legacy while providing contemporary living spaces.
Establishing quality partnerships is crucial to the delivery of the superior design, manufacturing, and installation standards we consistently strive for. For this project, Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. and CWG Choices played pivotal roles in seamlessly executing this transformation. Their expertise and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the window installation met the highest standards. We look forward to future projects with them and to continuing to set benchmarks in the industry.”
The Residence Collection are thrilled to have won Best Commercial Project at this years G21 awards in London. You can find out more about the winning project by clicking here.
