Wednesday 13 August 2014

Recycling bits and bobs

As we change the footprint of our 1920s cottage, we are trying hard to ensure that the new blends in with the old. Much of the cottage is original - including the single glazed lead windows. We were hoping to use the original windows in the kitchen and just relocate them in the extension. Sadly, building regulations said no. So two solid, and original, Arts and Crafts windows have had to be removed (we have vague plans for them) and replaced with double glazed units. It made me a little cross. We could have opted for PVC, but the new extension would have stuck out like a sore thumb. So, Mr M has found a local carpenter to recreate the windows as close to the originals as he can. And we've decided to use the original wrought iron catches and bits and bobs on them, so that they blend in internally. Silly perhaps, but for us it just feels right as we slowly renovate.

4 comments:

  1. Building regulations... Ha!
    I'm glad you are trying your hardest to be sensitive. It's a shame you couldn't re-use the glass. How exciting to know you have 'plans'!!!

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    1. Thanks Angel Jem - we were gutted but hopefully we go something fab with it internally somewhere…at some point!!!

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  2. Curious if boring question: why did building regs say no? And good for you on using the original fixtures - not at all silly.

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    1. Hi Ana - so apparently all glazed units going into a new extension must be either double glazed or have secondary glazing which would have looked bonkers, and been impractical, in the kitchen. Oh and all windows must have the ugly plastic vent at the top. We've negotiated with the inspector to only have one and I'll hid its ugliness with a blind!

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