Steel windows for art deco Benenden Hospital

Replacement of the original worn metal windows demanded a complicated variety of styles, a challenge that Steel Window Association member Clement Steel Windows.

Benenden Hospital, an independent establishment with charitable status in Kent, is celebrating its centenary this year.

The Lister Wing is a modernist masterpiece designed by Burnet, Tait and Lorne in 1937.

The intricacies of this building concept meant that replacement of the original worn metal windows demanded a complicated variety of styles, a challenge that Steel Window Association member Clement Steel Windows rose to in close conjunction with the local Planning Conservation office.

The doors and sidelight screens which allow patients to access the grounds and balcony, along the length of the building were replaced with a combination of W20 and W40 steel suites glazed with both 14mm and 26mm units.

Faceted door screens were used for the glazing which wraps around the ends of the building.

Round "bull's-eye" pivots, and curved-on-plan units were installed on the staircases.

The curved on plan double glazing represented a particular challenge for the company.

Peter Clement, Chairman of Clement Steel Windows commented: "Approval of our designs took longer than usual but you would expect that on a building of such historical significance, it had to be absolutely right".

"Thankfully as a protected building the wonderful unique look of Benenden has been preserved".

"So often today cheaper alternative materials are used to replace steel fenestration and the building becomes another victim of dreadfully thought out restoration".

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