September 2024
‘Scope' involvement sees ASWS earn refurb contract for historic Copthall House
As an acknowledged specialist in the restoration of steel and other metal windows,Associated Steel Window Services(ASWS) is regularly called upon to carry out surveys for client's consultant teams in advance of major projects beginning. Copthall House in the City of London being one instance where its involvement in preparing a scope document led to the company being awarded a contract to carry out the demanding work.
The property on the edge of the City of London dating from the late 19thCentury - originally built as described in ‘The Buildings of England' (Pesvner guides) as ‘Mathiesons the Printers' - has been redeveloped into four high specification serviced offices byL.M. Stern. The cost consultant for the scheme wasGardiner & Theobald, with whom ASWS has a long association and which led to the fenestration specialist's early involvement, surveying the historic four-storey frontage and advising on the most economic intervention for the aging aluminium fenestration.
The Contracts Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell explains, "We were approached during the tender process by three contractors as we were the recommended specialist for the glazing restoration/work; having made the recommendation in our original scope document that the windows could be refurbished instead of being replaced.Culena Londonwas successful in being appointed as main contractor, and we were awarded our contact in December 2022, two years after conducting the survey."
"When work began the programme was very tight with the scaffold due to be struck in April 2023 while, with the aluminium frames being 30 years old, there were a number of split edges to the casements which required repairing, but the bulk of the work involved servicing the vents, replacing the factory fitted draught strips, as well as cutting out the perished rubber glazing gaskets and replacing them with manually applied silicone top caps, internally and externally."
"Then because the original manufacturer of the window system could not be identified, we also faced a significant task of sourcing new ironmongery; eventually going toSteel Window Fittings, a fellow member of theSteel Window Association."
Derek Finnegan, the Project Manager for Culena London, confirmed, "This was the first time we have worked with ASWS, but they did a good job keeping to what was a tight timetable and sourcing all the replacement ironmongery required. Overall, the project went well."
The letting agents for the development describe the way various interventions at Copthall House have blended, saying, "The sensitively refurbished exterior stone elevation to Copthall House gives way to an immaculately presented reception and other interior spaces within the building, resplendent with period features such as glazed brick bays and decorative cast iron columns, which have been retained and restored in respect of the historic building, and combined with luxurious modern finishes."
ASWS is a long-established member of the Steel Window Association and well-recognised expert in the repair of metal windows, from the earliest wrought iron examples through to contemporary curtain walling. As well as in-situ servicing and restoration, the company frequently removes frames back to its Croydon workshops for repair, or the production of replica replacements. Further services include carrying out enablement works for demolition and other contractors, where fenestration can be documented and removed to secure storage for the duration of a project.
Pictured is Kris Bennell, Director for ASWS.
For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk.
-ends-
With compliments:
Taylor Alden Ltd
7 Bell Yard
London
WC2A 2JR
Email:media@tayloralden.co.uk