Steel windows debut at Adele’s studio

Occupying a Victorian warehouse building in Ladbroke Grove, West London, Walters Workshops is a creative oasis for artisan workshops and music recording and is where Adele’s smash hit ‘Rolling in the Deep’ was first demo recorded. As part of the initial phase of a refurbishment programme, original cast iron windows were overhauled and 38 new bespoke steel windows were manufactured and installed by Steel Window Association member, West Leigh.

The project was managed by Rachael Harvey of Harvey Design. Her brief was to work sympathetically with the old building so, where possible, the original cast iron windows were retained to provide a historical reference point. In areas where the originals were damaged or had been replaced with timber casements or sashes, new steel windows were installed.

For the building’s front façade, West Leigh used W20 sections to manufacture 15 windows which were installed on the ground, first and second floors. Each includes a central nine pane horizontal pivot vent and all were hot-dip galvanised and polyester powder-coated in RAL 7010 tarpaulin grey.

Behind the gates of the old warehouse is an unexpected courtyard area with its own special atmosphere. Here, West Leigh overhauled eight of the original cast iron windows at ground floor level, freeing the vents and ensuring they would open and close satisfactorily. The frames were then prepared and painted by 4Front Interiors, the project’s main contractor.

A total of 23 new steel windows in varying sizes and configurations, again manufactured using W20 sections, were installed on the upper levels within the courtyard area. These were finished in RAL 6027 light green, a colour that became affectionately known as ‘Walters Blue’. Internally the windows were fitted with white beads making it easier for 4Front Interiors to overpaint the powder-coated finish in white to meet the needs of the interior design.

Throughout the project, West Leigh worked to ensure minimum disruption to the tenants of the 30+ units who occupy Walters Workshops, sequencing the work so each window was taken out and replaced within the same day and minimising noise that might impact the recording studios.

Rachael comments: “I love steel windows when dealing with historic buildings because they help keep the building’s integrity in a contemporary way. West Leigh has an excellent portfolio and ticked all the boxes. The project went very smoothly and the team provided excellent service from the first phone call right through to the completion of the project; the owners are absolutely thrilled.”

Andrew Furlow, owner of 4Front Interiors, adds: “The project was complicated logistically and it was crucial that West Leigh worked to programme. They did this well and were really very good. The finished product was excellent.”