Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 82
Preserving steel heritage:
SWA member leads the way as
ASWS delivers excellence at
The Northcliffe
The Steel Window Association (SWA) represents the UK’s leading specialists in the
preservation and refurbishment of steel windows and doors – particularly in listed
buildings, heritage properties, and conservation areas. Its members, including Londonbased Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS), are trusted custodians of architectural
legacy, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern performance standards.
JRA’s Associate Andy Thomas praised the restoration,
highlighting the importance of retaining the historic
copperlight windows as a key design feature. ASWS’
sequencing and execution were instrumental in helping the
project team meet sustainability goals, with The Northcliffe
on track to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating – placing
it among the top 1% of UK commercial refurbishments.
Steel windows and doors are renowned for their longevity and
preserving them is often more sustainable and historically
respectful than replacement. SWA members offer a range
of services to retain original features, improve performance,
and ensure compliance with conservation guidelines.
Preservation can range from in-situ servicing to full off-site
restoration:
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For technical guidance, the SWA’s downloadable fact sheets
outline best practices in steel window preservation, including
safe handling of lead-based paints, glazing upgrades, and offsite cataloguing.
In-situ servicing: easing and adjusting, replacing
ironmongery, treating rust and lead-based paints.
In-situ overhauls: deeper restoration including seal
and glazing bead replacement, repainting with heritage
finishes.
Off-site restoration: cataloguing, removal, shot blasting,
galvanising, repainting, and reinstallation with upgraded
performance.
For more information on the Steel Window Association
or to enquire about membership, visit
www.steel-window-association.co.uk.
Below, The Northcliffe, where ASWS restored the copperlight windows and
serviced steel frames on the Grade II listed building.
A standout example of this expertise is ASWS’ work on The
Northcliffe, the Grade II listed former Daily Mail HQ in
London’s Whitefriars Conservation Area. Working with ISG
Ltd and John Robertson Architects (JRA), ASWS carried
out a full condition survey and meticulous restoration of
steel, timber, aluminium, and curtain walling elements.
ASWS Operations Director, Kris Bennell, noted the detailed
cleaning and servicing of original copper light glazing and
ironmongery. Timber sashes were overhauled off-site, with
new draught strips, reglazing, and extensive perimeter mastic
work.
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