Antiques Roadshow’s Bunny Campione

BBC 1 Antiques Roadshow star Bunny Campione calls in Ventrolla to renovate the sash windows in her London home

Regular viewers of BBC 1’s The Antiques Roadshow will be familiar with Bunny Campione, a fine art agent. Bunny recently worked with Ventrolla to restore the casement and sash windows in her London home.

“I bought this flat 18 years ago and over time it became more and more draughty. I got to the point where I couldn’t shut one of my bedroom windows because the wood was warped and one of the people I know in this block had had his windows stored by Ventrolla.”

Case Study: Transforming City Living – Window Renovation in a London Flat

Background

Located in the heart of London, this urban flat presented a unique opportunity and challenge for a comprehensive window renovation project. The owners, passionate about preserving the historic character of their flat while improving energy efficiency, sought the expertise of a restoration team to breathe new life into their ageing windows.

The Challenges of City Living

Working in a bustling city like London comes with its set of challenges for renovation projects:

• Limited Access: The flat posed challenges regarding access. The limited space around the building made it essential to carefully plan logistics for transporting materials and equipment.
• Noise and Disturbance: Renovation in a densely populated urban setting requires careful consideration of noise levels and potential disturbance to neighbours. This necessitated strategic scheduling of work to minimize inconvenience.

Restoration Process

Initial Assessment and Planning

The project began with a detailed assessment of the existing windows. The restoration team collaborated with the flat owners to understand their goals and expectations. A comprehensive plan was crafted to address both the restoration of historic features and the integration of modern energy-efficient solutions.

Window Frame Repairs

The wooden window frames, showing signs of wear and decay, underwent targeted repairs. Skilled craftsmen excised damaged sections, replacing them with matching wood to preserve the flat’s original aesthetic.

Draughtproofing Integration

Given the city’s unpredictable weather and the need for energy efficiency, the restoration included discreet draughtproofing solutions. This involved sealing gaps and addressing any areas prone to air infiltration without compromising the visual appeal of the windows.

Upgraded Glazing

To enhance energy efficiency, the windows were upgraded with double glazing. This not only improved insulation but also contributed to noise reduction, a valuable feature for city dwellers seeking tranquillity within their homes.

Challenges of Working in the City Addressed

Logistics Planning

Careful planning and coordination were crucial due to limited space and access. The restoration team worked closely with Bunny to schedule deliveries and manage the movement of materials efficiently.

Neighbour Communication

To minimize disruption, the restoration team maintained open communication with neighbours. Timely notifications were given about work schedules, and efforts were made to address concerns and queries promptly.

Results and Impact

The successful renovation of the windows in this London flat had several positive outcomes:

• Preservation of Historic Charm: The careful restoration of window frames ensured that the flat retained its historic charm, contributing to the character of the surrounding urban landscape.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: Draughtproofing and double glazing significantly enhanced the energy efficiency of the flat. This not only reduced energy consumption but also improved the overall comfort of the living space.
• Minimal Disruption: By addressing the challenges associated with city living, the renovation project was executed with minimal disruption to the flat’s occupants and neighbouring residents.

Following the work on Bunny’s period home, the antique specialist has been in touch to thank us personally. Describing the service from our installers as ‘extremely pleasing’ and the installation team as ‘good eggs’, it is a great start to the year and certainly an exciting endorsement to receive.

“I chose Ventrolla because they were recommended by a friend and I didn’t look back. Now I can sit in peace and quiet, no draughts and my heating bills gone down a bit. I would highly recommend Ventrolla and I already have.”

 

Conclusion

Renovating windows in a London flat, amidst the challenges of urban living, exemplifies the successful integration of preservation and modernization. This case study underscores the importance of thoughtful planning, open communication, and skilled craftsmanship in achieving a harmonious blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort in city dwellings. The renovated windows stand as a testament to the possibilities of enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of urban living spaces.

With over 40 years of experience, Ventrolla offers a tailored range of period window solutions. Their unique service includes draught-proofing with the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) and fitting replacement double-glazed sashes that incorporate the patented Sash Removal System (SRS) for easy painting and future maintenance. We also offer complete new windows, secondary glazing solutions and a wide range of window hardware.

For more information about our services, and advice on where to start, click here. 

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team please get in touch on 0800 0277 454.