A team from the metal window specialist Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) has delivered an integrated repair contract to help redevelop a landmark London office property: 1 Knightsbridge. The project was completed at the end of last year (2022), for one of ASWS’ regular clients.
One Knightsbridge overlooks Hyde Park and the building’s occupants enjoy some of the best views in the capital. The building itself offers sustainability credentials in excess of those benchmarked by the GLA for new-build commercial properties.
The reconfiguration of the five-storey building was led by ISG and has created 24,000ft² floorplates totalling 122,000ft² of Grade A space. With 99% of all the strip out material having been diverted from landfill, and the project having included low embodied carbon as well as heat pumps within the all-electric services package, the scheme has earned a BREEAM Excellent rating.
As a trusted specialist subcontractor to ISG that had worked on projects such as the former BBC building, Bush House, the ASWS team was invited to carry out a full survey on the existing fenestration, which included outmoded 1980s aluminium windows and curtain walling as well as late 19th century steel frames. When the company was awarded the full overhaul contract, the building’s complex geometry required high levels of expertise and flexible working. The team’s efforts resulted in ASWS being named ‘ISG Contractor of the Month’.
“As on previous contracts with ISG, we were not only asked to conduct a full survey but also contracted to carry out enablement works, which included the removal of an upper-floor window for the installation of a hoist for the duration,” explained Kris Bennell, ASWS’ operations director. “During the main works, we serviced, replaced gaskets and installed new glazing as well as sourcing new Schuco ironmongery for the window – a task which had to respect the age of the windows and the outdated nature of the sections. All of the atrium and floor doors were suited to use the same key.
“Window repairs included the replacement of damaged sections as well as filling and respraying frames across all floors, both internally and externally. In respect of enabling the installation of the large garden feature light in the atrium, we had to demount large areas of cladding so that it could be taken back to our Croydon workshops for amendment, in order for it to be refitted around and conceal new bracketry. This involved a lot of evening and weekend work to help meet a deadline for striking the scaffolding. We were very pleased to be named Contractor of the Month as a result of our hard work.”
Chris Cooke, ISG’s project manager, added: “ASWS is one of our approved contractors who we would always look to on projects of this nature. They did a very good job at 1 Knightsbridge in terms of quality and flexibility. The contract was completed on time in December, and everyone is very pleased with the results.”
ASWS is a member of the Steel Window Association and is experienced in working with both planning authorities and heritage bodies to ensure that conservation requirements can be met on contracts. The ASWS team can also carry out the forensic dismantling, cataloguing and secure storage of metal, timber and aluminium windows while major alterations are in progress, prior to restoration and reinstatement. As well as full replacement projects, ASWS also specialises in full window and façade surveys.
