The Property

Journalist and newsreader Michael Buerk and his wife Christine bought their family home close to Guildford in 1981. Although the traditional farmhouse-style property, built in 1929, was in a poor condition, the couple could see its potential and were determined to restore it to its former glory.

An important part of the house’s original character was its steel windows. However, these had become draughty, no longer fitted correctly and were beginning to affect the warmth and energy efficiency of the home.

The Challenge

Michael and Christine initially considered restoring the original windows, but this would have left them with single glazing and offered little improvement in thermal performance. The cost of restoration was also considerable.

The couple therefore needed replacement windows that would improve comfort and energy efficiency without losing the slim sightlines and traditional appearance of the originals.

Finding The Right Solution

After visiting several window companies, Michael and Christine felt they would have to choose between good energy efficiency and appropriately slim frames. Their builder then recommended Met Therm Windows.

“Their unique selling point was replacing windows in period properties with an energy-efficient A+10-rated window which maintained the slim frames. By using the AG210 window, we didn’t have to compromise after all.”

The couple were impressed by both the AG210 system displayed in the showroom and the helpful, friendly and efficient service provided by the Met Therm team.

The work was completed in phases, beginning with the bedrooms and bathrooms before Met Therm returned to install windows as part of a later kitchen extension and replace the remaining original windows.

The Met Therm Installation

Met Therm installed AG210 windows into the existing timber surrounds throughout most of the house, with new surrounds used in the kitchen extension.

The new windows retained the slim proportions of the original steel frames while providing the thermal efficiency and security expected from a modern window system.

• Concealed friction hinges for a neat appearance and easy cleaning from inside.
• Multipoint locking and key-locking handles with a night-vent facility.
• Polyester powder-coated frames in RAL Signal White with a semi-gloss finish inside and out.
• Blackened and soldered simulated leads designed to match the original windows.

Preserving The Original Design

Met Therm recreated the property’s horizontal glazing bars and cottage-pane patterns using an applied glazing-bar system, producing sympathetic replacements for both the original windows and doors.

The simulated leads were applied to the inside and outside of the outer pane, preserving the traditional appearance while making the windows much easier to maintain and clean.

“We realised that we wouldn’t like the effect on the house if it didn’t have the same slim frames as the originals. You really do notice when it’s been done well, and that’s why we’re so pleased we chose Met Therm.”

Improved Warmth And Efficiency

The replacement windows have made a significant difference to the warmth and energy efficiency of the house while preserving the character that first attracted Michael and Christine to the property.

“Our new windows have made a huge difference to the warmth and energy efficiency of the house, and aesthetically it is exactly what we were looking for.”

The installation process was straightforward, and the Met Therm team kept the property clean and tidy throughout the work.

A Sympathetic Transformation

Michael and Christine were particularly pleased that the finished windows look so similar to the originals that some visitors have not realised they have been replaced.

Met Therm also replaced the handles installed during the first phase of the project with a newly available brushed-brass design at no additional charge, ensuring a consistent finish throughout the house.

“We wanted the windows to look like the originals, and they do. In fact, we’ve had visitors who haven’t even realised we have had them changed — a perfect validation that Met Therm Windows was the right choice.”