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Overview
Devonshire Square sits within the historic Cutlers Garden Estate in the City of London, an area known for its blend of traditional architecture and modern commercial spaces. The development combines heritage elements with contemporary office and retail environments, making it an important part of the city’s evolving built landscape.
As part of an ongoing effort to modernise the estate while preserving its architectural character, Devonshire Square underwent a targeted façade refurbishment focused on improving the performance and appearance of the building’s window systems.
Structura was appointed to deliver specialist glazing refurbishment works to enhance thermal efficiency, increase natural daylight, and extend the long-term durability of the building envelope. The project required careful planning to ensure that upgrades respected the architectural identity of the development while delivering measurable improvements in building performance.
This case study highlights how façade refurbishment can revitalise existing structures, allowing historic developments to meet modern performance expectations without compromising their architectural integrity.
Details
Client:
Blackstone
Location:
Devonshire Square, Cutlers Garden Estate, London
Architect:
John Robertson Architects
Main Contractor:
Bovis
Project Metrics
Key performance and project metrics include:
Project Type: Window refurbishment and glazing upgrade
Scope of Work:
- Refurbishment of existing windows
- Installation of new double-glazed units
- Installation of windows and sliding doors to a new ninth-floor extension
- Paint spraying and refinishing of existing window frames
Performance Improvements:
- Improved thermal performance of the building envelope
- Increased natural daylight within interior spaces
- Restored façade appearance
- Extended lifespan of existing window systems
The Challenge
Refurbishing window systems within established developments such as Devonshire Square presents a range of technical and architectural challenges. The objective is not simply to replace components but to upgrade the performance of the building envelope while preserving the character of the original structure. For Devonshire Square, the project needed to address several key issues.
Improving Thermal Performance
Many existing buildings constructed in previous decades were not designed to meet modern thermal efficiency standards. Older glazing systems can allow significant heat transfer, leading to reduced energy efficiency and inconsistent indoor comfort levels. At Devonshire Square, improving the thermal performance of the building envelope was a priority. The refurbishment needed to introduce modern glazing technology capable of improving insulation while maintaining compatibility with the existing window framework. Enhancing thermal performance would help reduce heat loss, improve internal comfort conditions, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the building.
Increasing Natural Daylight
Natural daylight plays a critical role in the comfort and productivity of occupants within commercial environments. Older glazing systems and window configurations can limit the amount of natural light entering a building. One of the objectives of the Devonshire Square refurbishment was to maximise the amount of daylight entering the interior spaces. Increasing daylight improves the quality of the working environment while also helping reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Achieving this required careful consideration of glazing systems and window refurbishment techniques that would allow greater light transmission without compromising thermal performance.
Preserving Architectural Character
Devonshire Square forms part of a historic development within the Cutlers Garden Estate. Any refurbishment work needed to respect the visual identity of the building while improving performance. This meant retaining and refurbishing existing window structures where possible rather than replacing them entirely. Maintaining the original appearance of the building was essential to preserve the architectural continuity of the estate.
Integrating New Elements with Existing Structures
The project also included the installation of windows and sliding doors for a new ninth-floor extension. Integrating new façade elements into an existing building requires careful coordination to ensure structural compatibility and visual consistency. The challenge was to ensure that the new elements aligned with the refurbished façade while delivering modern performance standards.
Structura’s Solution
Structura delivered a comprehensive window refurbishment programme designed to improve the building’s performance while preserving its architectural character. The approach combined refurbishment of existing window systems with the installation of modern glazing components for new building areas.
Refurbishment of Existing Window Systems
A major component of the project involved refurbishing the existing windows across the building. Rather than replacing the entire façade, the refurbishment strategy focused on upgrading the performance of existing window structures. This approach allowed the building to benefit from improved efficiency while maintaining its established architectural identity. The refurbishment works included:
- Installation of new double-glazed units
- Servicing of existing window systems
- Restoration of window frame components
- Repainting and refinishing of window frames
These improvements significantly enhanced the condition and performance of the window systems while extending their operational lifespan.
Installation of Double Glazed Units
The introduction of modern double-glazed units played a key role in improving the thermal performance of the building envelope. Double glazing provides improved insulation compared with older glazing systems, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heat transfer between interior and exterior environments. By upgrading the glazing units within the existing window frames, the project was able to deliver improved energy performance without altering the building’s appearance.
Window & Sliding Door Installation for the Ninth Floor Extension
In addition to refurbishing existing windows, Structura also delivered new window and sliding door systems for a newly constructed ninth-floor extension. These elements were designed to integrate seamlessly with the rest of the building while providing modern functionality and performance.
Sliding doors allow increased access to natural daylight and improved usability of the extension space, contributing to the overall functionality of the building. Careful coordination ensured that the new installations aligned with the visual language of the existing façade.
Frame Servicing & Refinishing
Over time, window frames can deteriorate due to weather exposure and general wear. Servicing and refinishing the existing frames was an important part of restoring the building façade. Structura carried out professional paint spraying, surface refinishing, and frame servicing and restoration. These processes refreshed the appearance of the building while protecting the window systems from long-term environmental exposure. Refinishing also ensures the continued durability of the façade components.
Project Results
The refurbishment works at Devonshire Square delivered measurable improvements in building performance while preserving the architectural identity of the development. Through a combination of window refurbishment, glazing upgrades, and façade refinishing, the project successfully modernised the building envelope.
Improved Thermal Performance
The introduction of double-glazed units significantly enhanced the thermal performance of the building’s window systems. Improved insulation helps reduce heat transfer, allowing interior spaces to maintain more consistent temperatures throughout the year. This contributes to improved comfort for occupants and supports more efficient building operation.
Increased Natural Daylight
By upgrading glazing components and integrating new windows within the extension, the project increased the amount of natural daylight entering interior spaces. Greater daylight access improves the overall quality of the working environment and enhances the visual openness of the building.
Refreshed Architectural Appearance
The refurbishment works restored the visual appearance of the building’s façade. Paint spraying and refinishing of existing window frames helped rejuvenate the exterior of the building while maintaining its architectural character. The result is a refreshed façade that blends seamlessly with the historic environment of Devonshire Square.
Long-Term Durability
Servicing and restoring the window systems also contributes to the long-term durability of the building envelope. Maintaining existing components where possible reduces the need for full replacement while ensuring the building continues to perform reliably for years to come.
Why Window Refurbishment Matters for Historic Developments
Refurbishing existing window systems can deliver significant benefits for historic or established developments. Rather than replacing entire façade systems, targeted refurbishment allows buildings to retain their architectural character while upgrading performance. For developments such as Devonshire Square, refurbishment represents a practical and sustainable approach to modernising existing buildings. Key advantages of window refurbishment include improved thermal efficiency, increased natural daylight, extended lifespan of existing façade components, and reduced material waste compared with full replacement.
Structura’s Experience in Façade Refurbishment Projects
Structura provides specialist glazing and façade engineering services for projects across the United Kingdom. The company works with developers, architects, and contractors to deliver solutions for window refurbishment projects, curtain wall systems, glazing installation, façade upgrades, and architectural glazing systems. By combining technical expertise with careful project planning, Structura helps ensure that building envelopes continue to perform effectively while preserving architectural integrity.