Crittall Windows feature in London’s iconic Adelaide House

One of London’s first steel-framed buildings has been restored with a full complement of new Crittall windows, exactly a century after the originals were installed. Adelaide House, a Grade II listed office block on the north bank of the Thames now combines its historic character with modern performance and durability.

Crittall’s Corporate® W20 EVO windows were chosen for their ability to replicate the slim sightlines, hardware and proportions of the original 1920s design while meeting contemporary standards for thermal efficiency and longevity. The project required careful attention to heritage and planning requirements, ensuring that every window preserved the aesthetic of the iconic façade.

Although a building has been on the site since the 1830s, Russell Ager, managing director of Crittall Windows, said: “Returning to Adelaide House a hundred years after we first manufactured its windows has been an extraordinary experience. The new installations honour the original design while providing the performance expected of a modern office building. It has been a privilege to contribute to the restoration of such a landmark property.”

Completed in 1924, Adelaide House was designed in the Art Deco style by Sir John Burnet and Thomas S. Tait, with some Egyptian influences. At the time of construction it was London’s tallest office block and a pioneer of steel-frame construction.

The recent refurbishment has refreshed the interior for modern City of London tenants, including upgraded accessibility and BREEAM Excellent standards. The building also features an original rooftop garden which once hosted a putting green, beehives and rose beds. Now it has been converted into a terrace with extensive views up and down the Thames.