Conservation & Heritage Issue 49 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 103
Improving the Energy
Performance of Heritage
Projects with Clement’s Steel
Windows and Doors
One only has to read recent press articles about The Hobbit and Sherlock actor, Martin
Freeman, battling with Camden Council over the replacement of the original steel windows
at his London home, to be reminded of how difficult it can be to get planning permission.
As Liberal Democrat councillor, Matthew Kirk, was quoted in The Telegraph: “Preserving
heritage and achieving energy efficiency and modern standards often conflict.”
Getting planning permission to replace the original
steel windows at Listed Buildings, properties in
Conservation Areas, or other architecturally important
buildings is undoubtedly challenging. With the main
objective being to conserve the original appearance
of the building, usually only like for like replacement
windows will be considered.
Luckily, modern steel windows are comprised of
exceptionally slim frames which very closely emulate
the look and character of original steel windows.
New steel windows also contribute to better energy
performance in a building, by way of developments in
thermal breaks, glazing, weatherstripping and locking.
Thermal breaks are now available with numerous steel
window ranges and these insulating barriers significantly
reduce heat transfer. Double or triple glazing, with
argon or krypton gas fill, or specialist glazing such as the
vacuum insulated glass by FINEO, together with high
quality glass coatings, work towards reducing heat loss
and increasing solar gain. Advanced weatherstripping
acts as a barrier against water, air and dust and
innovative multi point locking systems can also help to
control airflow leading to better air tightness.
Below, Clement’s W40 steel doors at Kew Studios provide modern
performance while remaining true to the original character of the building
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