IMPROVE Magazine

TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS · 4 March 2026

Best Heritage Installation

Shortlisted for Best Heritage Installation Bereco Windows installed in an Edwardian property in a conservation area When our clients moved into their

Best Heritage Installation

Shortlisted for Best Heritage Installation

Bereco Windows installed in an Edwardian property in a conservation area

When our clients moved into their Edwardian home, built around 1900 and the first property on its street, they inherited a building of genuine architectural significance. Located within a tightly controlled conservation area, the house was subject to strict heritage guidelines intended to protect its original detailing.

As the earliest home on the road, its window design originally set the architectural tone for the street. However, neighbouring properties were later completed with far simpler sash windows, leaving this house with intricate joinery details found nowhere else locally.

The project involved replacing 15 windows and two entrance doors. The objective was to enhance thermal performance, security and day-to-day comfort while fully complying with conservation requirements.

Achieving this balance quickly became the heart of the project. Every detail of the original windows, from glazing bar patterns to moulding profiles, needed to be carefully studied and sympathetically recreated within our profiles. Close collaboration with the conservation officer ensured the final specification respected the home’s history while offering the practical benefits of modern performance.

During early discussions, the clients explored options from our Traditional Range, including the Flush Casement Window and Spiral Balance Sliding Sash Window, both featuring classic Ovolo internal beading and authentic putty-line external detailing. As the design evolved, the final specification became a thoughtful blend: traditional Sliding Sash Windows with Spiral Balances for true Edwardian proportions, paired with a mix Tilt-and-Turn and Flush Casement Windows in the basement, chosen to suit the functional needs of the space while maintaining a sense of cohesion across the property.

The Kitchen and Lounge Bay windows were of particular importance from a conservation perspective due to their ornate detailing and distinctive arrangement of portrait and landscape panes, rather than being divided into uniform sections. This unique architectural style was not replicated in the other properties constructed along the street, rendering these windows of specific historic significance.

All windows were colour matched to Farrow & Ball No. 273 Wevet, a soft neutral tone well suited to the conservation setting. The clients selected Polished Brass hardware, including angel locks, fitch fasteners, and hook lifts, to bring a touch
of period authenticity. In selected areas, frosted glazing, a subtle sandblasted finish, was added to ensure practicality without compromising the overall style.

Maintaining historic proportions was essential. We carefully replicated original transom drops and glazing bar configurations. Every decision was made in close consultation with the conservation officer, resulting in full heritage compliance.

Sustainability was also a key factor for the project. All window and door were manufactured from FSC® 100% certified timber, sourced from responsibly managed forests. High-performance double glazing significantly reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency compared to the original single-glazed units.

From initial surveys through to obtaining conservation approvals, the project spanned around ten months, reflecting the care, technical precision and collaboration required. The finished installation is a seamless blend of heritage and modern comfort; windows and doors that honour the home’s roots, while delivering contemporary performance, warmth, security and long- lasting durability.

PROJECT ATA GLANCE
No. of Windows:
15
No. of Doors: 2
Beading Style: Traditional Internal Ovolo Mouldings and External Putty Style Design
Window Styles: Sliding Sash, Flush Casements & Tilt & Turn
Door Styles: Stanton (CL3) & Beaumont (CL8) Classic Entrance Doors
Window & Door Finish: Farrow & Ball No. 273 Wevet Colour Match

Shortlisted for Best Feature Door Installation:
Bespoke timber entrance with decorative triple glazing

Jonathan and Claire first moved into their property in October 2010 and had lived with the original wooden front door and sidelights for over 15 years. While the door had character, it was draughty and lacked the level of security they desired.

When their initial supplier unfortunately closed down mid-project, they recommended Bereco to their clients for our reputation for quality and high standards. Keen to keep their project on track, they approached us to deliver a secure, stylish, and energy- efficient entrance solution. Security was the top priority, but Jonathan and Claire also wanted a door that complemented their home’s aesthetic while improving thermal efficiency.

Working closely with Beverley from our estimating team and Jarek, their Project Manager, Jonathan and Claire explored the limitless bespoke possibilities with timber doors.

Guided by our experts, they were able to design their own lead and glass pattern. Multiple CAD drawings, coloured glass samples, and images in different lighting helped refine every detail until the perfect design was achieved.

The chosen entrance door came from our Traditional Range, featuring classic Ovolo internal beading and a putty-line external profile – perfect for properties where appearance plays an important role in the overall aesthetic. The door leaf was based on our Beaumont design, incorporating two lower panels and a panel to each sidelight, creating a balanced arrangement beneath a decorative fanlight.

Every Bereco entrance doors is built for strength and performance, with a 68mm-thick engineered timber leaf and insulated panels, set within a 92mm-deep frame. Multipoint locking ensures compliance with PAS24:2022 enhanced security standards, and all doors can be supplied Secured by Design accredited, combining traditional style with tested modern performance.

Jonathan and Claire opted for RAL 9010 Pure White inside and out for a bright, welcoming look. Satin Chrome ironmongery added a fresh, clean feel, perfectly complementing the design. The hardware included a Barrington handle and ring knocker.

For glazing, they selected Stippolyte obscure glazing for privacy, enhanced with decorative leaded lights and blue- coloured glass inserts. To achieve this, the specification was upgraded to triple glazing, ensuring both beauty and performance. We created something completely unique for this project; a triple-layer lead arrangement, with Antique Black lead externally to suit the exterior aesthetic and Platinum Silver internally to complement the interior décor. Further collaboration refined the coloured glass elements, with swatches in soft blues and greens supplied so Jonathan and Claire could choose their favourite shade and decide exactly where the colour should appear within the decorative design.

During the survey, our installation team identified an issue with the proposed factory coupling due to the recessed entrance and a curved brick arch. Thanks to our team’s extensive product knowledge, we adapted the plan so the door leaf, sidelights and fanlight would be site-coupled, ensuring each component could be positioned perfectly within the limited space.

Fast forward to installation day; the work was completed almost entirely within one working day, meaning our security-conscious client’s home remained secure throughout. Jonathan and Claire now enjoy a secure, thermally efficient, and beautifully designed entrance that reflects their vision perfectly while remaining sympathetic to their property’s character. The combination of bespoke detailing, high-performance timber engineering, and meticulous planning delivered a door that truly stands out.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“We are delighted with our new front door from Bereco. The team were extremely thorough, professional and flexible throughout the planning, design, installation and post installation phases. We elected to opt for a solid wooden door and surrounding frame after a consultation with a Bereco team member to understand what we wanted from the door. This allowed near total freedom to design a bespoke door and frame, including the lock, glass and leadwork. We felt that the Bereco team really did everything possible to support our decisions (including sending multiple samples and photos of coloured glass) which made the process very straightforward. The threshold area where the door was to be replaced was not easy due to uneven surfaces, but the measuring and planning visit was extremely diligent and asked questions that we had not even considered to ensure the door functioned how we planned to use it. The installation team were efficient and did a great job and completed it on time. We could not be more pleased with the finished product which has really enhanced our home in terms of aesthetics, security and insulation. We have already had many friends and family comment on how much they like it!”

PROJECT ATA GLANCE

Products: Feature Entrance door with Sidelights and Fanlight
Beading Style: Traditional Internal Ovolo Mouldings and External Putty Style Design
Door Style: Beaumont CL8 door leaf
Door Finish: RAL 9010 Pure White
Glass Finish: Leaded Stippolyte Obscured Glazing with SF73 Coloured Film

Bereco achieves a 99.5% customer recommendation rate in 2025

We’re proud to share that in 2025, 99.5% of customers registering a Bereco warranty told us they would recommend us. This marks a significant increase on our already high recommendation rates of 97–98% in previous years, and reflects the work we’ve been doing to continuously improve the experience we deliver to every customer, from homeowners and trade professionals, to architects and specifiers.

A CLEAR SIGN OF PROGRESS

At Bereco, quality craftsmanship has always Whether a customer needs technical guidance, follow-up been at the heart of what support, or reassurance long after installation, we believe we do. But we also know they should feel confident that Bereco will be there to that a great product is only part of the story. The overall experience matters just as much, from initial enquiry and quoting, through to delivery, installation support and long-term peace of mind.

That’s why, over recent years, we’ve invested heavily across every stage of our customer journey, ensuring the service we provide matches the standard of the windows and doors we manufacture.

STRENGTHENING OUR AFTERCARE SUPPORT

One of our biggest areas of focus has been aftercare. At Bereco, quality craftsmanship has always Whether a customer needs technical guidance, follow-up been at the heart of what support, or reassurance long after installation, we believe we do. But we also know they should feel confident that Bereco will be there to that a great product is
help. This has meant strengthening our internal processes, only part of the story. The improving communication, and ensuring we can respond overall experience matters quickly and effectively when support is needed.

For our trade partners and installers, this long term support is also vital, helping protect reputations and ensuring the end customer experience remains positive well beyond project completion.

LOOKING AHEAD

A 99.5% recommendation rate is something we’re extremely proud of, but it’s not something we take for granted.

We remain committed to continuous improvement, investing in
our team, our processes, and our support systems

to ensure every customer receives the same high level of service that Bereco is known for.

Because great products should always be backed by great service.

Visit: bereco.co.uk/budget-pricing-portal

Bereco

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