RMW glazes exterior of Art Deco cafe

The Stanley Park Cafe, Blackpool, Art Deco building's Grade II listing required the replacement of its exterior glazing to be sympathetically executed.

The 'replica refurbishment' work was carried out by Steel Window Association member company, Rea Metal Windows (RMW), on behalf of Chester Masonry Limited, the main contractor involved with the wider restoration work on the fabric of the 1930s emporium.

The design consultancy leading the architecturally sensitive project was Purcell Miller Tritton LLP.

A spokesperson for Rea Metal Windows explains: "We were issued with a series of glazing specifications by the architect, presenting us with the challenge to carry out a survey of the existing openings, recording the perimeter details and to prepare a set of drawings for approval; which were subsequently approved and put into production.

"The offset horizontal pivot we produced for the ice cream servery replaced a rather unattractive timber sliding shutter; and featured a couple of eye-bolts that allowed it to pivot through 90 degrees and lock into position as a sort of canopy".

The 11 sets of W20 steel frames were all hot-dip galvanized to give them excellent corrosion resistance, then finished in a RAL 1013, cream-coloured polyester powder paint.

The various windows feature both side hung and horizontal pivoting opening lights, while all of the 4-6-4 mm glazing units contain toughened glass at lower levels to protect the staff and public from injury in the event of breakage.

A guide to steel windows is available from the Steel Window Association.

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