South Derbyshire’s First Vacuum Glazed Windows in Grade II Listed Property

In 2021, an 1840s model farm in South Derbyshire underwent a remarkable transformation. This Grade II listed building (that was originally built for a local lord’s luncheon retreat during hunting trips) set a historic precedent by becoming the first in the region to have vacuum glazed windows approved. The completed Newton Park Farm seamlessly blends heritage conservation with cutting-edge technology.

Why Replace Windows in a Listed Building?

Replacing the current windows was necessary. “The windows were shot. Completely rotten, built in the 1970s out of fast-grown timber. It was so bad you could put your hand through most of the sills. And all single glazed too! Really draughty,” the homeowner, Ben, explained. The dire state of the old windows, emphasised by ineffective temporary fixes attempted by the previous resident, made it clear that a complete overhaul was necessary. “We hadn’t moved in at that point, but an elderly lady was living in it like that. She’d attempted to fill the gaps with a sort of papier mâché concoction.”

Why Choose Timber Windows?

Ben was bound by the property’s historical status to maintain the architectural integrity. “That’s what was there originally so we had to copy that,” he stated. Keen to not ruin the integrity of the building whilst also making it the ideal home for his family, Ben, was keen to put his engineering expertise to work including pioneering technology with a heritage look.

Why Choose Gowercroft Joinery?

Ben had considered various other options, including some well-known names from trade shows and smaller joineries. He discovered Gowercroft through a contractor. “We chose Gowercroft because other companies could only offer standard double glazing that wouldn’t have worked in our house or met the planning permission standards,” Ben explained.

Our offerings, particularly Accoya wood and LandVac vacuum glazing, played a significant role in cementing his decision. “I had heard a bit about Accoya but didn’t know the details. Joe from our team had explained how the treatment of the wood prevents rot by blocking the pores, making it highly effective for sash windows,” Ben recalled. He was also impressed with our water-based microporous paint coatings, which, unlike oil-based coatings, do not detach or peel, requiring only top-ups rather than a complete strip and repaint.

Ben’s engineering background influenced his approach to evaluating our sample window. “When the sample was dropped off, about ten of us, including myself, a painter from a joinery company, and my right-hand man who used to run a joinery company, gathered around it. We inspected everything from aesthetics to build quality,” he detailed. The sample underwent rigorous testing, including physical impacts to test its durability, staying at his workshop for about a month for thorough evaluation.

The final decision was influenced by the comprehensive approval from his team, all agreeing, “That’s about the best you’re going to get.”

This thorough scrutiny and the detailed explanations provided by his own team ensured that Ben felt confident in choosing our high-quality products, even though we weren’t the cheapest option on the market. “Quality costs,” Ben acknowledged, appreciating the value of investing in top-tier materials and craftsmanship for his heritage property.

Why Use Accoya Wood and Vacuum Glazing for Heritage Timber Windows?

Accoya wood was chosen for its durability and resistance to rot, ideal for the sash windows of a historic property. “I’d heard there was a wood that was treated that shouldn’t rot,” Ben recalled. Further discussions about the benefits of water-based microporous paint coatings over oil-based options solidified his choice – liked the idea of it being a ‘top up rather than a strip everything down and repaint job” when the windows were maintained. Vacuum glazing was pivotal for its ability to look like single glazing while providing the thermal efficiency of modern double-glazed windows, a crucial factor in gaining planning approval.

How Was the Planning Approval Process Managed?

This project marked a significant breakthrough, as Ben enthusiastically remarked, “This was the first time that vacuum glazing/our Heritage range was approved for Grade II listed in South Derbyshire—setting a precedent for the rest of the planning authority.”

“The only thing they didn’t like was the seal colour, something that you changed to match. They were also initially nervous about the glazing bars but you developed a different system.” This development led to the creation of integral astragal bars that are part of the frame itself (called ‘machine fixing’), ensuring they remain secure and intact. Ben appreciated this innovation and responsiveness to feedback, noting, “It’s a big plus point – we had bars that fell off in our old house and it was a real pain. These don’t.”

The innovative use of vacuum glazing had been a game-changer for the renovation of this Grade II listed property. The technology allowed the windows to maintain the traditional appearance of single glazing while delivering the enhanced performance of modern double glazing. Ben explained the appeal, “People loved the concept of that vacuum glass; you could have both—it looked single glazed and was efficient. So it ticked the box for both the homeowner and the planner.” This balance of historical aesthetics with modern functionality had been particularly appreciated by all involved. Moreover, the planners were impressed with how the windows were finished, painted as a single unit to closely mimic the authentic, traditional look, further validating the success of the renovation project.

What Impact Have the New Windows Had on the Property?

The installation of new windows by Gowercroft Joinery had dramatically transformed the property, both aesthetically and functionally. Ben enthusiastically described the effect, “The difference is night and day. Fenestration is the face of the house! It looks great,” underscoring the visual enhancement that aligned with the historical character of his home.

Beyond the improved appearance, the thermal performance of the windows had seen significant advancements, a crucial factor for the comfort of the inhabitants. Ben often mentioned the technical aspects with pride, specifically the U-value improvements, “We do bang on about the 1.2 U-value, so even better than building regs.” This improvement signified not only compliance with current building regulations but a substantial leap beyond them, ensuring the house was warm and energy-efficient, despite its large size and historical construction.

How Is Gowercroft Joinery’s Customer Service?

Ben’s experience with Gowercroft’s customer service had been overwhelmingly positive, a stark contrast against his prior dealings with other service providers, particularly a kitchen company whose approach had left much to be desired. “Despite initial delays with the glazing bars and importing the glass, it was great,” Ben explained. He praised Gowercroft’s quick responses, problem-solving efforts, and transparency, noting how these qualities turned potential problems into positive experiences.

his experience with the kitchen company, where he felt shuffled between contacts with no consistent communication—”The sales side for them was just horrendous. It was a pushy sale, you have to sign on the dot because there’s an offer and they really convince you that that’s the offer. Then with them, you get passed to another team from the girl in the showroom to another guy who’s like your installation guy”—Ben had enjoyed a more personal and direct relationship with Gowercroft. “With you, there was no being passed on with no link, it was very clear,” he had expressed, highlighting the personal touch and continuity in service he received.

According to Ben, Gowercroft’s commitment to aftercare had been especially notable. The team had addressed any concerns post-installation effectively, including adjustments to the paint after Ben decided to change colours. “You guys came and repainted when we shotblasted afterwards and got some spots on it, and now that I’ve decided to repaint my door a different colour we just emailed and sorted it,” he had mentioned, appreciating the hassle-free service and the ease with which issues were resolved.

What Advice Does Ben Offer to Others Facing Similar Renovations?

Ben offered definitive advice to others considering renovations for heritage properties, particularly those navigating the complex process of obtaining planning permissions and deciding between repairing or replacing features like windows. He strongly advised against merely repairing extensively damaged features, as was the case with his project. “It’s not worth it to try and repair if the windows are as shot as ours were. If you’re worried about not being able to get planning permission, just come here and look at ours! There’s a precedent in South Derbyshire now, and we’re it,” he had said, encouraging others by referencing the success of his own renovation.

Moreover, Ben had highly recommended working with Gowercroft Joinery, not just for our adherence to quality and regulatory requirements, but also for the value we provided despite not being the cheapest option available. “Pay the extra money, they’re worth it!” he had asserted, emphasising that the investment in higher quality paid off in the long term. “Anyone who asks me, I do rave about you and say these guys, they really know what they’re doing,” he had continued, affirming his satisfaction with the comprehensive service and expert craftsmanship provided by our team.

Through meticulous planning, expert craftsmanship, and responsive customer service, Gowercroft Joinery had not only restored a historical property but also enhanced its functionality and comfort, setting a new standard for heritage property renovations in South Derbyshire and beyond. This made Gowercroft Joinery a recommended partner for those looking to undertake similar challenging projects with confidence.

Featured Windows and Doors

The renovation of the Grade II listed property featured a combination of high-quality windows and doors from Gowercroft Joinery. Specifically, the project included a total of 20 windows, comprising of both Richmond Heritage Casement Windows and Winston Heritage Sliding Sash Windows. Additionally, three Churchill Heritage Doors were installed, seamlessly integrating the heritage aesthetic with modern performance.