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8-10 weeks current supply and installation lead time
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Double glazed whole window U-values as low as 1.2W/m²K
Originally built in 1864 by Oxfordshire’s renowned architect William Wilkinson and situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Conservation Area within Chipping Norton, this property served as a purpose-built police station. The station closed in July 2019 and was purchased in November 2019 by Nimbus Property Development Ltd to be transformed into residential dwellings. Despite its conversion, the building retains fascinating historical features, including original cell bars and doors.
Although the plans were initially drawn up in early 2020, the project was delayed for 17 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the planning office resumed operations, the approval process was remarkably swift, taking just two months, an almost unheard-of timeline, and renovations began in September 2022.
Mark, the Managing Director at Nimbus, approached Bereco in June 2021 to source bespoke timber windows and doors. In search of weighted sashes that complied with Building Regulations, he found Bereco’s Sliding Sash Cords & Weights to be the perfect match for his project. All Bereco windows and doors are third-party tested and certified, meeting PAS24:2022 and Secured by Design accreditation standards.
Chipping Norton
63
Traditional Internal Ovolo Mouldings and External Putty Style Design
Tilt & Turn Fixed, Sliding Sash Cords & Weights, Flush Casements
Flush Entrance Doors
Internal RAL 9016 – Traffic White, External Farrow & Ball No. 88 Lamp Room Grey
Internal RAL 9016 – Traffic White, External Farrow & Ball No. 91 Blue Grey
Nimbus Property Developments Ltd
For the project, Mark selected Bereco’s engineered laminated hardwood timber, Dark Red Meranti. We only use FSC 100%® certified or 100% PEFC Origin timber, meaning every piece of timber is fully traceable to responsibly managed forests, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. The design challenge was to strike a balance between a traditional, sympathetic aesthetic for the historic Police Station and a modern, cohesive look for the newly constructed stables, all while meeting the practical demands of contemporary living without compromising on quality or character.
As with all Bereco orders, a dedicated Project Manager was assigned to oversee every detail of the order. Chris Keen, with over three years at Bereco and a strong technical background, was appointed to the role. Bringing extensive expertise in unique builds and compliance with Building Regulations.
Chris reflected on the project:
‘’From the outset, it was clear that this was going to be an interesting project. Its prominent location along the A44 road into Chipping Norton, coupled with its history as the town’s former police station, presented a unique development with a range of window and door configurations. Additionally, Mark’s vision to retain many original features while ensuring the new windows and doors seamlessly aligned with the overall design was both challenging and inspiring.’’
The site thoughtfully divided up into two homes and four apartments within the former station, finished externally in Farrow & Ball No. 88 Lamp Room Grey. In contrast, two original stables at the newly constructed standalone properties featured an external finish of Farrow & Ball No. 91 Blue Grey. To create bright and airy interiors across all properties, RAL 9016 Traffic White was chosen for the internal finish.
In October 2023, Chris visited site to finalise details and address unique design elements. With a variety of window types and doors, the design required meticulous attention to detail. One notable feature was the use of painted glass panels to conceal floor levels. Chris recommended painting the glass in RAL 7032 Pebble Grey, providing a subtle contrast with the Blue Grey frames and sashes, and adding a refined touch to the design.
A standout feature of the project is the striking ‘shopfronts’ in both standalone homes. Each showcases impressive triple Sliding Sash Cords & Weights, with symmetrical glazing panes divided by elegant 16mm Lambs Tongue glazing bars. Adding to their charm, boarded panels were seamlessly integrated above and below the sashes, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Mark and Chris collaborated closely to ensure the design elements aligned perfectly, addressing the challenge of differing depths between the sash frames, measuring 168mm and the slimmer panels at 68mm.
The windows and doors on the project exemplify a perfect harmony between preserving historic elements and embracing modern aesthetics. Thoughtfully executed, the redevelopment retails key features such as vaulted ceilings, brick arches, and exposed roof detailing, while incorporating high-specification finishes. The result is a seamless fusion of historic charm and modern comfort.
“I had used Bereco Windows before in a development in the setting of a Grade 2* Bath stone townhouse and church, and knew from that challenging engagement that Bereco would be an excellent partner for the police station. Throughout negotiations on changing the windows, some of which (including the iconic ones on the front façade) were original, Bereco’s case studies showing replacements in Heritage assets were enormously helpful in securing the Conservation Officer’s consent to change the windows. In normal circumstances changing the windows wouldn’t have been my first choice but most of the windows were beyond economic repair due to decades of disrepair. Through Bereco, for the original windows, we were able to build like for like replacements and know that they would benefit from the energy performance that modern windows give- it really is like owning a character property but with all the modern conveniences which is a great selling point for us!”
Whether you’re a homeowner working on a renovation project for your home, an architect looking for specific windows and doors, or a trade professional building new homes and properties, we offer a tailored service to help you budget, design, and order bespoke timber windows and doors.
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