The Grade II* Listed Blue Mills in Witham, Essex dates back to the 18th century. Until the end of the 19th century it supplied flour for the community. The original 16th century cottage is attached to a Georgian house (at the front), an arrangement of early Victorian extensions, and a later Victorian house in 1872 (at the rear).

The January 2020 edition of Inex.

Futurebuild draws together over 25,000 visiting industry experts from all areas of the built environment supply chain. This event affords visitors the opportunity to learn about the latest products, discover cutting edge technology as well as connect and build relationships for the future.

A quaint family home in the South Downs Conservation Area has recently seen upgrades to its noise and thermal insulation with Selectaglaze secondary glazing, making it much more peaceful and cosy to live and relax in.

The property was built in 1650-1660 as two farm cottages. Then in 1907 the building was purchased by architect William Frederick Unsworth (1851-1912), who based his studio there as well as making it his home. Over the years the building was extended to the front and sides and given a new look and feel in line with the emerging Arts and Crafts movement. The building is quite striking with a large sweeping catslide roof to the rear, hanging pin tiles to the front and square leaded iron casements, set in dark oak frames.

A couple acquired the property at the beginning of the year; 3rd generation of the family to live there, and set about bringing it up to 21st century standards. The last seven months have seen a painstaking refurbishment to many areas of the house; the façade, upgrades to the windows and the addition of a rear extension – which uncovered a well.

The owners set about researching options for window improvements, as they wished to retain the characterful original primary glazing. Whilst looking around and discussing their plight of finding a solution for the windows, an acquaintance was quite bemused by the fact that the owners had been told that secondary glazing can only be supplied in white; he suggested that contact was made with Selectaglaze.

A total of 13 Series 10 – 2 and 3 pane horizontal sliders were specified and installed across the front elevation openings in 8014 matt sepia. Noise ingress was reduced due to installation with a 100mm cavity and 6.8 laminated glass. Draughts have been dramatically reduced with the high performance seals and close fitting of the secondary glazing.

One window in the master bedroom posed a challenge with regards to the best way of treating it; a multi pane angular projected bay window. Generally Selectaglaze would try and follow the original sightlines with the secondary glazing, however after much discussion, it was felt that adding bay posts to fit the secondary, would detract too much from the original window, so a large Series 10 horizontal slider was faceted across the front framing the unusual window.

“The process was faultless and the workmanship of the installers was incredible, given there are no flat surfaces and the window reveals were far from square. We can now enjoy the views out of the windows peacefully and without draughts. It will be interesting to see the difference secondary glazing makes to the heating bills in the winter”.

Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004. It boasts a wealth of knowledge and a range of products to discreetly treat projects from Listed properties to new builds.

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