Replacing the windows on 76 flats and bungalows without disturbing the elderly residents was the task facing the contractors working on Isleden House in Islington, London and with the help of Crittall Windows the challenging job was completed successfully, on time and to the required specification.

Isleden House comprises 76 units made up of 12 bungalows and 64 flats of varying sizes. The City of London is landlord to this sheltered housing & residential estate which is located in Prebend Street in Islington, set around a quiet private courtyard. Originally built in 1948, this was the first replacement programme undertaken at the site. The 26 week programme to replace the windows was done in conjunction with the refurbishment and rejuvenation of other elements of the properties, and was undertaken by Apollo Property Services, one of the City of Londons approved contractors. Mark Hughes was the site manager, and as he explained, overseeing the replacement of all of the existing windows afforded careful thought.

The local council planning department at Islington Council requested like for like replacement from the single glazed original Crittall steel profiles to contemporary double glazed equivalent that would meet all the requirements in terms of thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance, he comments. As a solution, the City of London specified the Homelight Crittall window profiles range. Logistically, we had to ensure that the replacement programme did not disrupt the residents and we were able to devise a programme with Crittall installers to ensure that none of them were decanted.

Working at a rate of two properties a day, the original windows were removed and the new ones installed bringing the entire development up to date with current Building Regulation and environmental criteria. The Homelight profiles provide light and airy windows with very slim sightlines that allow larger areas of glass to be installed, thus maximising the ingress of daylight. Being steel, strength and security is assured, bringing peace of mind to all the residents on the estate and providing a new lease of life for every bungalow and flat on the site