Preston Sash Window Case Study: St. Walburge Parish Church

Sash Window Restoration

Upgrading Glazing

Refurbishment & Draught Proofing

Replica Box Sash Windows

Decorative Finishing

about this project

We were entrusted with the task of restoring the historic sash windows at St. Walburge's Presbytery in Preston, a Grade I listed building known for its striking architecture, including the tallest spire of any parish church in England. The project aimed to repair and refurbish the sash windows while preserving the original features, adhering to conservation guidelines, and implementing sustainable practices.

LOCATION & CONTEXT

St. Walburge's Presbytery, situated in Preston, is adjacent to the iconic St. Walburge's Church. The church, designed by the renowned Gothic Revival architect Joseph Hansom, boasts historical significance and architectural splendour. The presbytery shares the same cultural heritage and was a critical element of the restoration project.

BRIEF & CHALLENGES

The initial brief presented by the client emphasised the need to restore the Preston properties sash windows to their functional state, as many of them had been painted shut over the years. The project sought to improve heat retention, address rotten sections, and preserve the building's original features, reflecting the client's desire for a faithful restoration.

The most significant challenge arose when extensive water damage was discovered on the existing roof and some of the windows. The extent of the damage made it unfeasible to undertake a standard restoration approach. However, our team adeptly navigated the situation and offered a complete replacement solution for the severely affected windows, ensuring the preservation of the building's character.

sOLUTION PROVIDED

The project primarily involved the restoration and replacement of the sash windows. As a listed building, however, gaining permission to modify any element of structure is always difficult. As such, this opportunity was used to make some minor improvements in other areas at the same time. 

Sash Window Restoration: The team meticulously repaired small areas of rotten wood using replica sections, ensuring that the original structure's integrity was preserved.

Upgrading Glazing: Single glazing was replaced with new heritage slim double glazing, enhancing the building's heat retention and energy efficiency.

Refurbishment and Draught Proofing: The existing box sash windows received a comprehensive refurbishment, and the team incorporated draught-proofing measures to improve the building's insulation.

Replica Box Sash Windows: Where water damage and extensive deterioration made restoration unviable, our team manufactured and installed replica box sash windows, carefully matching all original features to maintain the building's historic charm.

Decorative Finishing: Upon completion, the newly restored windows were impeccably decorated, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the project.

CONCLUSION

The initial brief presented by the client emphasised the need to restore the windows to their functional state, as many of them had been painted shut over the years. The project sought to improve heat retention, address rotten sections, and preserve the building's original features, reflecting the client's desire for a faithful restoration.

The most significant challenge arose when extensive water damage was discovered on the existing roof and some of the windows. The extent of the damage made it unfeasible to undertake a standard restoration approach. However, our team adeptly navigated the situation and offered a complete replacement solution for the severely affected windows, ensuring the preservation of the building's character.