Tue Sep 3
Paramount House in London’s Wardour Street was the former UK headquarters of Paramount Studios, the international film and media organisation. This majestic, seven storey building was acquired in 2011 in order to convert the office and retail spaces into luxurious residential apartments. Located within a conservation area, it was essential that the external look and feel of this iconic 1930s construction was preserved whilst also modernising both the thermal and audio performance of a structure planted firmly in the heart of London’s busy and noisy Soho.
TF Architecture designed the internal reconfiguration and refurbishment for fifteen high specification apartments. As they wished to preserve many of the original features, including the metal casement frames with lead light glazing and timber sash windows, they approached TRC Contracts to work with them to supply the best windows for this project.
With over 25 years’ experience in the manufacturing of bespoke heritage windows, TRC Contracts was the logical choice and we were delighted to design, manufacture and install 83 bespoke new “like for like” heritage-style slim profile single and double-glazed sash windows and heritage timber casement windows, complete with solid glazing bars and putty fronting.
These windows were all made from accoya acetylated wood, a high-performance timber that is created using a patented chemical process that dramatically increases its strength, stability, durability and insulation, whilst still maintaining the timber’s natural beauty and character.
Some of the advantages of using accoya come from its long life and its strength and stability. Accoya timber can last for over fifty years and this chemical process reduces its propensity for shrinkage or swelling in adverse weather conditions by over 75%, which means that accoya doors and windows open effortlessly all year round. This process doesn’t damage the beauty of the wood and any coating requires less sanding and preparation than other timbers. When translucently coated, its natural appearance lasts longer as it has superior resistance to UV degradation. The right paints and varnishes will also last three or four times longer on accoya thus dramatically reducing any ongoing maintenance costs.
Accoya also offers improved thermal and audio insulation in comparison with other commonly used timbers and the Slim Low-Sight Line double glazed units with 8.5mm sightline look amazing. The use of Krypton gas brings the U-values of these units down as low as 1.5 W/m2k and using Pilkington Optiphon™ laminated acoustic glass offers superior noise insulation that completely shuts out the bustling street life below.
Our supplies of accoya come from sustainable sources endorsed either by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and all of our Heritage and traditional TRC range, including our heritage sash windows, heritage timber casement windows, traditional box sash windows, and traditional sash spring balance windows are available in accoya.
In 2017, we worked with the Accsys Technologies, the wood acetylation specialists, and successfully completed their training and certification programme to become trained users of accoya.
This remarkable reconfiguration and refurbishment project resulted in fifteen highly desirable high-spec apartments, including a luxury penthouse complete with panoramic views of the London skyline. We are delighted to have contributed our expertise in windows, accoya timbers and other specialist products to this prestigious project.
If we can help you with your heritage window restoration project or you would like custom-made replacement “like for like” slim profile double glazed sash and casement windows, please call TRC Contracts, “Experts in Bespoke Timber Sash & Casement Windows Replacement & Restoration” on 01858 469 225 or send an email to info@trccontracts.com.
