An impressive self build extension and renovation project incorporating Black Millwork’s own range of windows and doors, has breathed fresh life into a stunning family home in Berkshire.
The substantial detached property underwent a radical transformation inside and out, including a complete fenestration upgrade using over 30 Black Millwork windows and doors. The new fenestration was a major contributor to the finished traditional aesthetics and its performance ensured impressive energy efficiency for a house of this size.
Started in March 2013, the project to increase the size of the property from 4,500 to 8,500 square feet and from two to three floors of living accommodation was overseen by owner Nick Dowthwaite. Deciding to extend and renovate, as opposed to moving on, Nick re-imagined his home using premium quality materials and furnishings, completing the work in Autumn 2014. Nick commented: “My family have enjoyed living in this house and it seemed a shame to move when it had so much potential.
“After deciding how far we were going to extend and getting the basic proportions agreed, it was important to us that the entire building had a coherent style. The fenestration was of the upmost importance to achieve this goal as it had the ability to bring the whole house together. It was also important that the design of the windows and doors fitted in with the natural and traditional finish of the house, tying in with the brick, render and tile. I had seen Black Millwork’s products being used locally and knew that the classic timber frames really complimented this style.”
Nick continued: “Having made the decision to invest in our current property instead of moving, we didn’t want to compromise on the quality of materials – after all, we would be living with the results day in, day out. Also, as we were extending our home on such a large scale, energy efficiency was high on our agenda. The quality and performance of Black Millwork’s products were then, a perfect fit and helped to ensure the comfort and affordability levels of our new home were just right.”
Installed at the property were 32 of Black Millwork’s flush casement windows, offering a simple and traditional design. Manufactured from quality knot-free engineered Baltic Pine and finished in RAL white 9010, the windows provide excellent thermal efficiency, achieving a U-value of just 1.4 W/m2K.
In addition, four of Black Millwork’s French doors and three of its Bi-fold doors were also fitted at the property. With all the doors achieving a minimum U-value of 1.5 W/m2K, the super efficiency performance is continued. What’s more, with extensive material, hardware and finish warranties the doors are guaranteed to keep on delivering this high quality for many years to come.
Nick concluded: “I am more than happy with the end result of the project and am particularly impressed with the finished look of the fenestration. Black Millwork was great to work with and delivered all the materials on time – a crucial consideration in any self build project.
“I am under no illusion that this was a challenging project but with that comes the unique satisfaction that only a self build project can bring; of knowing you’ve got exactly what you wanted.”