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George Cadbury established the Bournville Village Trust in 1900 to oversee and expand the model community he had created half a decade earlier, adjacent to the Bournville Factory. In the century since its inception, the estate has grown considerably, now encompassing 1,000 acres and housing around 7,600 diverse properties. These residences are available through various arrangements, including secure and assured tenancies, as well as leasehold and freehold options.
A distinguishing feature of the Bournville estate is its abundance of green spaces and recreational areas. This layout reflects the founder’s vision that approximately 10% of the community should be dedicated to parks, leisure grounds, and open areas for residents to enjoy. This commitment to providing ample outdoor spaces has become a hallmark of the estate’s design and continues to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants.
The project
After demonstrating exceptional results in the initial two stages of an ambitious £15 million window renovation project spanning six years, TRC has secured a contract to continue work on the Bournville Village Trust estate. Our expertise has been recognised with an appointment to craft, deliver, and fit custom-made timber windows for a substantial number of the 400 remaining properties within this historic community. This ongoing partnership underscores TRC’s commitment to preserving architectural heritage while enhancing the comfort and energy efficiency of these iconic homes.
Preserving heritage and enhancing performance
In the initial stage of the project, TRC showcased our proficiency by delivering outstanding outcomes. Our team provided and fitted custom-made sash and casement windows for 46 diverse residences throughout the Bournville Village Estate. These properties represent a wide range of housing styles, from bungalows and maisonettes to flats and family homes. Additionally, the estate incorporates specialised accommodations designed for elderly residents and individuals with learning disabilities.
The Bournville Village Estate includes two designated conservation areas, with numerous structures boasting considerable architectural significance and historical value. To ensure compliance with preservation guidelines, TRC painstakingly designed window profiles that seamlessly replicated the form, arrangement, and aesthetic of the original windows. This meticulous process involved reproducing intricate elements such as glazing bars, horn features, and decorative beading.
TRC utilised premium, preservative-treated hardwood to fabricate windows for each property, guaranteeing remarkable resilience and extended lifespan. It’s worth noting that every window and door provided by TRC exceeded the rigorous thermal efficiency standards set forth in Building Regulation Part L1B. This achievement results in a minimum Window Energy Rating of 1.4 U-value, substantially improving the energy conservation capabilities of these residences.
Meticulous installation and collaborative excellence
Initiating the window renovation project, TRC conducted thorough measurements and assessments. When required, our team meticulously removed existing fixtures to pave the way for impeccable installation of new timber frames and glazing. Throughout the process, we strictly followed the BS 8213-4 guidelines for surveying and installation, ensuring the deployment of suitable equipment, scaffolding, and materials for both interior and exterior window and door mounting and sealing.
For properties where the original structural box frame was retained, TRC incorporated minor refurbishments and touch-ups to maintain a cohesive visual appeal. Balancing energy efficiency with historical authenticity, we opted for narrow cavity insulated glazing units. These components not only adhered to BS EN 1279 standards but were also sourced from Kitemark-certified or equivalently accredited manufacturers, guaranteeing superior quality.
The successful execution of the initial two phases of the Bournville Village Trust window replacement initiative underscores TRC’s dedication to collaborative efforts. Our proficiency in coordinating with architects, specifiers, and conservation authorities enables us to deliver outstanding outcomes that harmonise resident comfort, energy efficiency, and the preservation of architectural heritage in distinguished communities such as Bournville.
