Originally built as a factory, Springfield House in Hackney, East London, now provides spacious accommodation in the form of some 90 apartments. A complete refurbishment of the building has been completed with Crittall steel windows helping to reinforce its character appeal.
Locally listed, the seven-storey brick building had been built, in 1902, with Crittall fenestration. Hackney Council planners insisted that like-for-like window profiles must be used for the refurbishment and that the external putty on the windows should be replicated.
“They were very specific,” says Chris Bowles project supervising officer for building surveyors Rider Levett Bucknall. “They also wanted
Crittall Corporate W20 windows & doors were installed, powder coated black, featuring a mix of opening styles and configurations. Steel spandrel panels were also included to conceal floor slab and ceiling spaces,
Crittall Windows Project Manager Peter Cutts explains how the local authority’s putty ‘requirement’ was achieved. He says: “We used a high-performance low modulus silicone sealant, colour matched to the frames, that retains the glass and replicates the original appearance. It is a bespoke method that we often use to meet planning requirements, and it does look really smart.”
The entire refurbishment project was undertaken with residents in-situ with Crittall’s installers working closely with them to keep disruption to a minimum by ensuring the windows and doors for each flat were replaced in a single day.
The converted building retains many original features inside and out, including exposed brickwork. The flats benefit from high ceilings and good daylight throughout, the latter enhanced by the slim profile of Crittall steel windows.