Bowen Joinery and Glazerite transform Sheffield building

Exchange Place Studios, in the city's conservation area, is a stunning Art Deco building and as such planners had to approve the installation before it could commence. Home to 60 studio spaces over six floors, the building is residence to over 80 artists and has been regenerated as part of plans to improve the Castlegate area of the city.

Local firm, Bowen Joinery Ltd, was appointed to take on the renovation, which took six months and was completed in late 2018. Run by founder, Mark Bowen, the company worked with VEKA fabricator Glazerite who supplied the profile system used in the build. 

Mark Bowen says: "We used the VEKA M70 profile system of Tilt and Turn windows in Flat Grey, with integrated MACO concealed gearing and Fab&Fix handles. In total, we installed 221 windows, some of which had specially shaped topped frames."

However, the installation wasn't without its challenges and was actually delayed for two years due to the discovery of asbestos during a routine survey. With no budget to remove it, the existing panels had to be carefully encapsulated by new panels during the transformation. 

Mark explains: "We had to carry out work to encapsulate the panels below which were asbestos board, then fit the windows ensuring we didn't go anywhere near the asbestos. This meant adapting the screen walling system from VEKA so we could still use the capping, but on a timber frame behind."

Pete Smith, Sales Manager for Glazerite, adds: "We worked with Mark and his team to provide the products in smooth grey Renolit foil to give an appearance that was in keeping with the original. This was of paramount importance for the installation.

The windows are now more thermally efficient and user-friendly, with the end result a stunning, well-lit and better environment for the artists to work in."