Another recent post on this site highlights that 'old is the new new' and in some regards, this article follows a similar theme. While a lot of Brits are head over heels in love with the whole contemporary theme, many also appreciate completely upgrading a building that is on the verge of extinction.

The idea of combining a rustic exterior with completely stylish and futuristic internal features is an approach that a lot of people are starting to follow. Unfortunately, along with that old outer shell arrive a whole host of legal issues. Heritage and conservation are two of the primary concerns and for anyone who decides to get their hands dirty in one of these projects, they'll most probably have to satisfy English Heritage as well as all of the other standard statutory requirements.

One of the most frustrating areas of such a project is the glazing. One might assume that the simple nature of windows means that they surely can't be at the centre of too many problems. However, this is seldom the case with listed properties and the general requirement is to leave the existing glazing and frames in place.

Naturally, this causes a whole host of problems. Firstly, the old style single glazing is extremely inefficient, prompting umpteen thermal difficulties that will drive your heating bills up considerably. This also relates to all of the condensation problems that can occur and due to the cold surface, it's not uncommon for the glazing to be lined with that unflattering moisture while the frames have to be regularly treated with chemicals to rid them of all of the black mould. Then, there are the other aesthetic issues and while some property owners might want to retain some 'original' features - windows rarely fall into this category.

Therefore, staying ‘original’ is certainly very difficult in relation to the windows. Fortunately, like pretty much everything in the construction industry, technology has come to the rescue. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the ways in which it’s possible to negotiate the heritage problems that surround original glazing.

Secondary Glazing

Over the years this is a solution that has become more and more popular, even if some would argue that it detracts from the quality of the interior.

The main problem that the authorities have when it comes to historic windows is their appearance from the outside. The last thing they want is for historic buildings to be donning brand new white PVC windows - it just doesn't look right, and this is something that even the most stringent building owner would struggle to disagree with.

Therefore, secondary glazing is an immediate solution. As the name indicates, this revolves another pane of glass being installed, but with the original staying in exactly the same place. This means that there is usually a significant gap between the two panes and there's no doubt that in some cases, it can look somewhat bizarre. Still, it generally satisfies English Heritage and from a thermal perspective, the extra pane of glass will work wonders. We may as well add that those dreaded condensation stains around the windows will be a thing of the past as well, as this new pane will not be coming into contact with any cold air.

Slimlite

An even more recent method has been derived from a company called Slimlite. The fact that Grand Designs have endorsed this glazing in some of their featured projects speaks volumes about its success.

In this case, the original glazing is actually removed - although the frames stay in place. Then, exceptionally thin glass, which performs as well as your standard double-glazing, is inserted into the empty frames. The end result is that the windows have the original frames, with glass that looks identical to the material that was there previously.

It's an ingenious method and can again solve all of the problems that were discussed in the early portions of this article.

Eco Ease

The final option we'll look at falls right in between the above two. In some regards, the Eco Ease concept can be described as secondary glazing as it technically results in another pane of 'glass' being installed. However, there's no significant cavity, with this 'glass' actually arriving in sticker form.

That's right, the material isn't like the standard glass that forms our windows. Instead, this is a product which can be installed via a DIY approach, or in some cases for a team of specialists to measure up and fit the glazing for you.

The fact that it is detachable will be useful for some households, while it retains impressive thermal and noise properties as well. Unsurprisingly, it arrives at a fraction of the cost - yet still manages to keep the exterior of the windows looking the same.

A Closing Thought

It’s clear to see that the problem of balancing glazing with heritage isn’t as severe as it was several years ago. At one point, the cost of fine-tuning original windows made some projects completely unviable from a financial standpoint – especially as this still prompted condensation and poor thermal performance. Therefore, the industry has progressed substantially and if you are contemplating the purchase of a historic building, one of the above solutions should at least ensure that you don’t have any troublesome heritage headaches to experience with the windows.

VIA «The Glazing Conundrum for Conversion Enthusiasts»

Emerald Interior and Exterior

The world's largest paint retailer, Sherwin-Williams, is the only paint company with a VOC-free, environmentally responsible colorant that can tint all 1,500 of its colors. The washability of Emerald Interior and Exterior doesn't make its colors any less vibrant. Print ads for Emerald showcase the rich, sumptuous palettes of Sherwin-Williams through the imagery of London-based artist Mark Mawson. Those who wish to pamper their walls paint with Emerald.

Agency: McKinney;
Country: United States of America;
Chief Creative Officer: Jonathan Cude;
Group Creative Director: Ellen Steinberg;
Art Director: Jordan Eakin;
Copywriter: Ian Fairbrother;
Retoucher: Stacy Evans;
Photographer: Mark Mawson;
Print Producer: Lauren March;
Print Producer: Kellie Bingman.

Sherwin-Williams: TV Commercial

VIA «New Emerald Paint»

The Faena District in Argentina is now home to Foster + Partners’ first completed project in Latin America. Owned by Faena Group, the district totes architectural designs by some of the industry’s most expressive figures including Philippe Starck whose Faena Hotel incorporates a number of recycled silos and the Faena Arts Center by Mike McCormack and Faena Group Architects which evolved from an old mill.

“Faena District was inspired by a desire for redefining the concept of ‘dwelling’ and ‘habitat’, and was conceived as a constantly evolving work of art, a unique piece that offers an alternative lifestyle - different, rich, engaging. We are seeking to redefine how we live in cities, by combining culture, green spaces and architecture: we want to generate more general awareness.”

“The Aleph is a building that is very much borne of its place. From the traditional Buenos Aires house, which takes advantage of the climate to combine outdoor with indoor living, to the industrial architecture legacy of the Puerto Madero District, the Aleph creates a wonderful new living environment that is unique to the Faena Arts District.” says Brandon Haw, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners.

VIA «Faena Aleph Residences [Argentina, Buenos Aires]»

Time is now growing worldwide popularity of so-called a rain chains, which are much more beautiful option for accumulation rainwater than conventional gutters. Among the many original ideas for the house, they are quite ancient, their motherland is Japan.

Usual Chain, but Unusual Look

The rain chains are spread all over the world, presenting an opportunity for all people to use the unusual design of the usual things. Such chains rain — offer many opportunities for developing imagination and realization of creative ideas. It can be like a normal chain of traditional weaving, mounted directly below a roof of house.

Also, the accumulated rainwater can be used for watering house plants. Functional and beautiful rain chains will be real gem of country house and garden plot. They will help make the exterior of house as something incredible.

Simple mounting makes easy fixing to any system for effective rainwater accumulation. And sending the water directly into beautiful bowls, vessels, bright colorful barrels for water will be directly to the target.

The rain chain may consist of a variety elements in the form of funnels, bells, fish, tea cups and saucers, teapots, umbrellas, flowers, flowery different weaves, etc. Just look what a beauty!

VIA Simple Chains Magic

The bulletin boards have started to use from time immemorial. But if during age-old times the bulletin board were as an usual wooden, now a modern enclosed bulletin boards equipped by shock-resistant glass with lock fixation, plus formatted list for convenient placing of announcements.

If you own a fitness club or a training center — you just need to have the enclosed bulletin board, because very much of an advertising activity will need to be placed, it's fabula of this business. In addition, an information booth must fit into the interior, but must be visible from a distance.

Among other things, the bulletin boards must be durable and reliable. Such bulletin boards are made of a plastic glass and an alloy metal, but if you owner of a golf-club, to you certainly need to made ​​of oak or ash, because an outdoor enclosed bulletin boards is a factually the face of company.

VIA A Bulletin Boards For the Serious Business