Installing fire rated doors in your heritage property

Under the current Fire Safety Order, renovations of period properties must abide by building regulations by using approved fireproof products and materials. However, according to the Listed Building Act, replacement doors must retain their original style and period features. So how do we do it? Last month we wrote about our renovation of the University of Bristol’s teaching rooms and offices. As part of the project at 30-34 Tyndall’s Park Road, Wessex Restoration was contracted to install timber wall panelling and wood-panelled doors. According to modern-day building regulations this means that, among other considerations, all replacement internal doors have to be fire rated. Fire doors are especially important to stop … Continue reading →

Bringing period charm back to Clifton’s university buildings

30-34 Tyndalls Park Road, University of Bristol One of our projects during 2013 was the refurbishment of three University of Bristol properties. Built in the Classical style, these Grade II buildings were thought to have been built around 1860 by the Bristolian architect George Gay. The University owns 30-32 Tyndalls Park Road and has a long lease on number 34, and they form part of the Clifton Precinct at the heart of the university’s site. Project Details Project: 30-34 Tyndalls Park Road, University of Bristol Products installed: Sliding sash windows, casement windows, timber wall panelling and replica panelled FD30 fire rated internal doors Contractors: Beard Construction Ltd, alongside Bath-based architects … Continue reading →

Broken sash windows – repair or replace?

Restored sash windows in a period property

Sash windows are one of the most beautiful features of period properties. When they are properly manufactured and maintained, they can last for over a hundred years; however, timber requires a lot of maintenance. Wooden windows need sanding, painting and varnishing around every 3-5 years, which is why it’s easy for them to fall into disrepair. If your wooden windows look like they have seen better days, read on to see if they can be repaired or whether you will need to consider a replacement window. Damaged timber frames Timber frames exposed to the elements can become tired and worn down over the years, leading to rotting or warped frames. … Continue reading →

Specialist sash window restoration at Southmead Hospital

New sash windows at Beaufort House, Southmead Hospital, Bristol

Beaufort House, Southmead Hospital One of the original buildings on the Southmead site, Beaufort House is being painstakingly renovated to retain its original period features, as part of a hospital-wide redevelopment due to be completed by 2015. We helped restore its authentic period timber windows to their Edwardian originals. Project Details Project: Southmead Hospital, Bristol Products installed: Specialist installation of sash windows Contractors: Rydon Construction, commissioned by the North Bristol NHS Trust Completed: April 2015 Beaufort House was built in 1902 as part of a workhouse with a capacity for 68 poor or ill men and women. Over the years, Beaufort House has been used as a domestic store and … Continue reading →

134 beautiful timber sash windows for Bath Spa University

Main House Building, Bath Spa University We’ve completed a lot of projects over the years, from small single window replacements to large scale restorations. One project we’re currently involved in is the Main House Building at Bath Spa University. Project Details Project: Main House, Bath Spa University Products installed: 90 sash and pivot windows, 44 casement windows Completed: This is an ongoing project that’s due to be completed in Summer 2014 Founded in 1852, Bath Spa University began life as the Bath School of Art, later becoming the Bath School of Art and Design. The Main House, at Newton Park, was originally built for Joseph Langton and is currently owned … Continue reading →