A Legacy Revived
Grove House, an architectural masterpiece by Alfred Waterhouse, is a centrepiece of Leighton Park School in Reading, Berkshire. Designed in the Victorian Gothic Revival style, this historic building reflects Waterhouse’s genius in blending aesthetic elegance with functional design. Over time, the original windows faced wear and tear, prompting the need for a sensitive renovation to restore their charm and functionality.
Project Scope
Ventrolla undertook the ambitious task of renovating the original sash windows at Grove House, Leighton Park School balancing the historical integrity of the structure with modern efficiency and safety standards. This meticulous project aimed to preserve the windows’ heritage while introducing enhancements to meet contemporary requirements, such as energy efficiency and durability.
Craftsmanship and Innovation
The Ventrolla team approached the restoration with a blend of traditional techniques and cutting-edge methods to ensure the windows remained true to Alfred Waterhouse’s vision.
- Woodwork Restoration: The team carefully repaired or replaced damaged timber with matching materials, using traditional joinery techniques to maintain authenticity.
- Glass Replacement: The team upgraded single-glazed panes to slim-profile double glazing, significantly improving thermal efficiency while preserving the original aesthetic.
- Hardware Refurbishment: The team cleaned, repaired, or replaced original fittings with replicas to retain historical accuracy.
- Final Touches: The team repainted frames in historically accurate colours and finishes, ensuring the windows harmonized with the building’s architectural style.
Challenges and Solutions: Grove House, Leighton Park School
Preserving the character of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture required innovative solutions:
- Balancing Modern Standards with Historical Accuracy: Slim-profile double glazing and concealed draught-proofing improved functionality without altering the original appearance.
- Sourcing Authentic Materials: Collaboration with specialist suppliers ensured the use of period-appropriate timber and hardware.
- Structural Preservation: Traditional joinery techniques safeguarded the structural integrity of the windows during restoration.
The Importance of Heritage Preservation
Windows in historic buildings are more than functional elements; they are integral to a building’s character. At Grove House, each window embodies Alfred Waterhouse’s meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Ventrolla commits to preserving heritage by restoring rather than replacing, retaining original materials and design elements whenever possible. By blending traditional practices with modern advancements, we enhanced Grove House’s windows without compromising their historical essence.
