A technically challenging replacement window project on the Grade II listed buildings of Hearsall Community Primary School, Coventry. A compromise between the requirements of the local conservation officers, to maintain the period features of the building, and the wants of the teachers and pupils in terms of low maintenance, ease of use and thermal efficiency, had to be met. The solution - Sheerframe vertically sliding sash windows. Problem solving Teachers and pupils had been struggling for some time with the timber sashes, which had become rotten, draughty and difficult to operate. They were looking for a solution that would mean the buildings were well ventilated in the summer months and warm in the winter, as well as being easy to operate by staff and easy to keep clean and maintain. The obvious choice for them was plastic framed, double glazed, Sheerframe VSS. However, local conservation officers were keen to replace like with like in order to preserve the period features of the building. But having seen how closely the Sheerframe VS matched the existing timber windows, and taken into account the needs of the teachers and pupils, Sheerframe PVC sash windows were specified. Paying attention to detail Each Sheerframe sash was modelled exactly on the existing timber windows and featured Georgian glazing bars, astragals and decorative horns in order to maintain the traditional character of the building. The goal was not to create a new look for the building, but to simply enhance the existing features and make it look much fresher, cleaner and brighter. Strict guidelines set out by the council conservation officers were meticulously followed, and the look of the finished window was no different to that of a freshly painted timber sash, but without any of the associated problems. A technical challenge The high ceilings in the turn of the century buildings meant that some of the window openings were very large. This posed a technical problem to the window makers who needed to create a window which was strong, secure and safe, but that also satisfied the conservation officers in terms of aesthetics. The versatility of the Sheerframe system and the technical ability of the design team, allowed two large sliding sash windows to be joined together with two large fixed lights to produce a window up to 2.4 metres by 2.8 metres in size. As well as large single windows, there were also many different sizes of openings, including some large circular windows, throughout the school buildings. A careful and thorough audit needed to be done in order to ensure that the correct windows were manufactured and installed. As easy as A, B, C Due to the large size of some of the windows, operating the timber sashes had become difficult and sometimes even impossible for the teachers. Many of the existing timber windows had expanded in their frames and stuck, creating problems with ventilation. The smooth surface and qualities of PVC means that Sheerframe windows will not warp, twist, expand or contract with changes in moisture and will never become stuck. The design of the window opening mechanism means that even very large windows can be opened with ease. Cleaning the windows has also become child's play now as the Sheerframe sash can be tilted in using a custom made tool and safely cleaned from inside the building. Draughts from the old timber windows were a common complaint from staff and pupils alike, forcing the school to compensate by increasing the heating. Sheerframe sashes are thermally efficient and are fully compliant with Part L (England) and Part J (Scotland) of the Building Regulations. Heating costs are now set to fall with the additional benefits of improved comfort levels. Testimonial “After all the problems we have had with our old windows I was very reluctant to replace them with timber. Although I did appreciate that the character of the building should be retained, I also wanted to ensure that the windows were easy to maintain, secure and most importantly worked! I was very impressed with the way the Sheerframe sashes looked, and now they are installed, the only difference I can see is that they look much better.” Ruth Winters, Head teacher, Hearsall Community Primary School. Project details Project: Grade II listed buildings, Hearsall Community Primary School, Coventry. Fabricator: Radway Door & Windows Window System: Sheerframe VSS with Georgian glazing bars, astragals and decorative horns. Sheerframe system 7000 round casement windows. Contract Value: £90,000 Specification: Low maintenance, thermally efficient windows in the style of the original.