Iconic choice

When Whipps Cross Hospital in East London required replacement windows that offered the benefits of new PVCU windows, but wouldn’t look out of place in the Grade II listed building, contractor SEH Commercial recommended Rehau’s Heritage range, a PVCU window with traditional sash window designs.

Built just before the turn of the twentieth century as an infirmary, Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone is one of the most iconic hospitals in the UK with its Renaissance-inspired main entrance, majestic towers and tiered covered walkways.

Managed by Barts Health NHS Trust, Whipps Cross Hospital undertook a major project to refurbish its Bracken, Birch and Conifer wards, as well as the Ultrasound and Breast Screening Unit. As part of the project, the windows needed replacing in each ward.

Rehau’s Heritage window system was developed in consultation with conservation bodies and housing associations, while offering energy efficiency, security, and reduced maintenance costs.

The Heritage sash windows have all the sight-lines of a traditional timber box sash window – in 42mm, 52mm and 62mm sashes – with a deep heritage bottom rail. The exteriors of the windows have putty-line aesthetics, and the windows are available in a range of finishes, including classic white, and woodgrain finishes like rosewood, golden oak, clotted cream and simply white grain to replicate a traditional timber look if required.

A major challenge of the refurbishment project at Whipps Cross Hospital was that it was taking place in a 24/7 environment, where work needed to be carefully scheduled to minimise the impact on patients and their care. As such, SEH Commercial was often required to work at night and at weekends to reduce disruption. The Heritage window allows for easy installation, ensuring the contractors could fit the new windows quickly and efficiently within the limited access times available.