The Cotswold Casement Company, West Leigh, and Associated Steel Window Services are among the companies that have triumphed at this year’s SWA Awards.

Continuing the success of previous years, the Steel Window Association Awards returned in 2026 with another strong field of entries, showcasing the enduring appeal and versatility of steel windows and doors. From sensitive heritage restorations and complex refurbishments to ambitious contemporary interventions, the schemes submitted by SWA members demonstrated the growing confidence and technical expertise with which steel systems are being specified and installed.

Left to right: Andy Bawn, MD at West Leigh; Carl Fisher, General Manager at The Cotswold Casement Company; John Ramshaw, judge and Technical Editor at Architecture Today; Kris Bennell, Operations Director at ASWS; and James Barrett, MD at Steel Window Fittings.

Architecture Today Technical Editor John Ramshaw once again served as principal judge, assessing 13 entries against four key criteria: architectural response, technical excellence, attention to detail, and collaboration between project stakeholders. Reflecting on this year’s submissions, he commented, “It has once again been a privilege to judge the Steel Window Association Awards. The overall quality of submissions continues to rise, with this year’s entries demonstrating not only a high level of technical capability, but also a growing confidence in tackling complex heritage, refurbishment and contemporary design challenges.”

Domestic Project of the Year went to The Cotswold Casement Company for Westcote Hall in Northamptonshire (photo: Pete Helme).

Domestic Project of the Year
The Cotswold Casement Company won Domestic Project of the Year with Westcote Hall in Northamptonshire. A former Jacobean Hall later transformed into an Edwardian hunting lodge, Westcote Hall is recognised for its architectural significance and centuries of craftsmanship. Aside from overall scale, the main challenge for The Cotswold Casement Company was to sympathetically introduce more light to the interior spaces while respecting the many historical features. Most notable amongst these was the façade’s intricate stone detailing, including a series of arched window heads requiring individually-shaped fabrications to match the contours.

Additionally, because the renovation was targeting contemporary standards of energy performance, The Cotswold Casement Company was required to employ a careful selection of W20 and W30 profiles, housing high-performance double-glazing to reduce heat loss without compromising the Hall’s unique aesthetics.

Photo: Pete Helme

SWA member Steel Window Fittings supplied hardware for Westcote Hall. The B205 key-locking window handles were installed as part of a duplex system, chosen for their close resemblance to traditional heritage designs. Concealed multipoint locking was added to the doors to improve security and weather sealing, while maintaining clean lines. B300 hinges, designed for steel, ensured precise fitting and smooth operation, with all ironmongery finished in antique black for a coordinated aesthetic.

“Overall, the new work sits comfortably within the façade and complements the building’s historic composition,” commented Ramshaw. “The Cotswold Casement Company has delivered a scheme of exceptional quality, defined by high levels of craftsmanship and precision. Particular attention has been given to the bespoke-shaped heads, which integrate seamlessly with the existing structure and reinforce the architectural language of the historic building. Close collaboration with the wider project team is evident throughout, resulting in a refined and cohesive outcome – a sophisticated and deserving winner.”

West Leigh won Commercial Project of the Year with The Chancery Rosewood Hotel in London.

Commercial Project of the Year
West Leigh won Commercial Project of the Year with The Chancery Rosewood Hotel in London. It is eight years since the US quit its Embassy in Grosvenor Square for a larger complex in Wandsworth, with Eero Saarinen’s 1960 modernist masterpiece now comprehensively redeveloped as the Chancery Rosewood Hotel. With preserving the integrity of the Grade II-listed property’s Portland stone façade and fenestration a priority, Architect David Chipperfield was ably assisted by West Leigh in replicating the original steel windows by combining thermally-broken frames with restored decorative elements, such as finials and mullions. The 50TB and 75TB sections required to accommodate varying structural conditions, were finished in Antu Gold to recreate the 1960’s aesthetic.

The original brass handles were recovered, restored and adapted by West Leigh to work with contemporary multi-point locking by Steel Window Fittings. This ensured modern performance while remaining true to the project’s replication and reuse goals. B310 Hinges were fitted to give the large windows adjustability and maintain the original appearance.

“Consistency of detailing across a large and complex façade has been achieved through a disciplined approach to replication and material reuse,” said Ramshaw. “Integration of salvaged components alongside modern performance requirements has been handled with clarity and precision. The result is a scheme that preserves the building’s defining characteristics while preparing it for continued use.”

Refurbishment Project of the Year went to Associated Steel Window Services for 214 Oxford Street in London.

Refurbishment Project of the Year
Associated Steel Window Services won Refurbishment Project of the Year with 214 Oxford Street in London. The work carried out by ASWS for McLaren Construction on one of the Quadrant buildings at Oxford Circus represents a truly remarkable rehabilitation of badly deteriorated and
very different door and window types.

After initially being tasked with producing a detailed condition survey for Avison Young, ASWS removed some 90 per cent of the 342 steel windows to its workshops under the scrutiny of The Crown Estate. The two-year contract also saw ornate bronze shopfronts dismantled, repaired, re-patinated and reglazed. In addition, three domed steel rooflights above a fourth-floor mezzanine level were painstakingly repaired and reglazed with individually templated safety glass.

Summing up, Ramshaw said, “The scope and complexity of the project is reflected in the variety of elements addressed, from façade windows to intricate rooflight structures. Restoration of the domes in particular required a high degree of precision and coordination. A clear understanding of both heritage requirements and site constraints underpins the delivery of this scheme. A thoroughly deserving winner.”

Supplier of the Year
Voted for by SWA members, the Supplier of the Year was Steel Window Fittings for its work on two of the winning projects: The Chancery Rosewood Hotel by West Leigh and Westcote Hall by The Cotswold Casement Company.

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.