Building makeover

An iconic building in the centre of Sheffield has undergone a makeover thanks to Bowen Joinery and The Glazerite UK Group.

Exchange Place Studios, in the city’s conservation area, is an Art Deco building and 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 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 which supplied the profile system used in the build.

Mark Bowen said: “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.

“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,” Mark said. “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, said: “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.”