Govette Windows, West Leigh, and Steel Window Fittings have triumphed at the inaugural SWA Awards.

The winners of the inaugural Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards have been announced at a ceremony in County Hall, London. The awards have been created to highlight impressive residential and commercial projects which incorporate steel windows, doors and screens. SWA members comprise the very best companies in the industry, and they assembled to celebrate their achievements, both old and new.

Kris Bennell, President of the SWA, started proceedings with a short speech before handing over to John Ramshaw, Technical Editor of Architecture Today, the awards judge, who announced the winners of the Best Domestic and Best Commercial Projects, and an Associated Award.

Kris Bennell, President of the Steel Window Association, and Darren Lloyd, Vice President of the association and Managing Director of Govette Windows.

Best Domestic Project
Govette Windows won Best Domestic Project for a house extension in Weybridge, Surrey. “This project impressed in terms of its architectural response,” said Ramshaw. “The fenestration perfectly complements the building’s brick and metal skin, while also letting in daylight and prompting views out in all the right places. It also hints at a bygone industrial age that seems to suit the style of the existing house.”

The Best Domestic Project category was won by Govette Windows for a house extension in Weybridge, Surrey.

“Govette worked closely with Concept One Architects to develop generous windows and doors for this elegant brick-clad extension,” continued Ramshaw. “The double-rebated, dual weather-stripped and hot-dip galvanised W20 sections ensure narrow sightlines, good daylighting and excellent durability.

A powder-coated, light-grey, pearlescent matt finish complements the long-format buff-coloured bricks, which subtly changes tone under different lighting conditions, adding visual interest to the exterior. The windows and doors also visually tie into the metal eaves and extended cladding panels covering the lintels. Elsewhere, full-height corner windows visually break down the extension’s massing and provide framed views of the garden.”

John Ramshaw, Technical Editor of Architecture Today and Darren Lloyd, Managing Director of Govette Windows and winner of Best Domestic Project.

Best Commercial Project
West Leigh won Best Commercial Project with Voysey House in London. “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when a committed client and a highly knowledgeable and experienced window manufacturer work together,” commented Ramshaw. “The overall result is stunning, with West Leigh playing a crucial role in returning an architecturally significant building back to its original aesthetic, while also providing modern levels of performance.”

The Best Commercial Project category was won by West Leigh for Voysey House in London.

“Completed in 1902, Voysey House is the only commercial building designed by the celebrated modernist architect CFA Voysey,” continued Ramshaw. “A refurbishment scheme in the 1980s had replaced the existing windows with steel W20 units featuring larger panes and panelled curved heads. West Leigh was tasked with returning the windows to their original cast iron format and improving thermal performance – not an easy undertaking.

The company rejected small-pane W20 units in favour of rarely specified arrow-section Series 200 steel-rolled frames, which mimic cast iron. However, this posed another challenge when the window rebate proved too small for regular heritage double-glazed units. West Leigh’s solution was to bring a new product to the UK – Fineo double-glazed units – which provided a front-to-back size of 8mm, but more importantly a sightline of only 6mm, in keeping with the original fenestration.

John Ramshaw and Andy Bawn, Managing Director of West Leigh and winner of Best Commercial Project.

From onsite discussions and factory visits to the provision of product samples and comprehensive design information, this SWA member has clearly gone above and beyond to find the right solution for this demanding and important project.”

John Ramshaw and James Barrett, Managing Director of Steel Window Fittings and winner of the Associated Award.

Associated Award
Steel Window Fittings was presented with the Associated Award as the company’s ironmongery was used in both the winning Best Domestic Project and Best Commercial Project.

Kris Bennell, President of the SWA commented, “It has been great to highlight the winning projects and see the members being presented with a well-deserved award. This event has also provided us all with a fantastic opportunity to network with our industry peers and hear everyone’s thoughts on the industry – we are all predicting a booming year next year. We hope to have another successful awards event in 2025 where we expect even more entries from our members!”

“Overall, I feel that the SWA Awards has got off to a great start, reflecting the quality and commitment to architectural and manufacturing excellence of its members,” concluded Ramshaw. “Upon seeing the winning projects at the SWA AGM in June, I have no doubt that the awards will receive even more support from members eager to take part in next year’s iteration. With this in mind, the award categories could potentially be expanded to include refurbishment schemes and new-build residential developments.”

Contact Details
For further information on the Steel Window Association, or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk