Private Residential Heritage Building Owner

The restoration of this historic stone property required far more than the replacement of doors and glazing. Every opening within the building was unique, with original masonry, brick arches and centuries-old construction presenting dimensional variations that made standard glazing systems unsuitable. The challenge was to introduce contemporary steel glazing that would enhance the architecture while preserving the authenticity and character of the existing structure.

IDS was appointed to design, manufacture and install a series of bespoke RP Technik Hermetic 70 steel glazed arched doors and fixed screens throughout the development. The project demanded exceptional precision, as each opening had to be individually surveyed and engineered to accommodate the irregular geometry of the historic building while maintaining consistent sightlines and architectural proportions.

From the earliest design stages, the IDS technical and R&D teams worked closely with the project stakeholders to develop solutions that respected the original fabric of the building without compromising on modern performance. Every steel frame was individually modelled, manufactured and finished in-house, allowing complete quality control throughout the production process and ensuring millimetre-perfect accuracy before installation.

One of the defining challenges was producing elegant steel glazing that followed the existing brick arches seamlessly. The slim steel profiles had to align perfectly with uneven stonework while incorporating modern insulated glazing, thermal performance and weather sealing. Achieving this balance between heritage aesthetics and contemporary engineering required extensive technical expertise and precision manufacturing.

The RP Technik Hermetic 70 system provided excellent thermal performance while maintaining the exceptionally slim steel sections essential to the architectural vision. Each glazed element was carefully fabricated, finished and inspected before installation, ensuring every door operated smoothly while integrating discreetly into the restored building.

Installation required equal precision. Historic structures rarely provide perfectly square or level openings, meaning every frame had to be positioned and adjusted with exceptional care. The IDS installation team worked methodically to preserve the surrounding stonework while achieving flawless alignment across every opening. The result is glazing that appears entirely at home within the building, enhancing rather than competing with its historic character.

What distinguishes this project is the seamless combination of traditional craftsmanship and advanced engineering. Behind the understated appearance lies extensive research, technical development and manufacturing expertise that enabled modern steel glazing to be successfully integrated into a protected heritage setting.

Today, the completed project demonstrates how contemporary steel glazing can respectfully transform historic architecture. The bespoke arched doors flood the interior with natural light while retaining the strength, elegance and authenticity of the original buildings. The precision-engineered steel frames create a refined architectural statement that will serve the property for decades to come, proving that innovation and heritage conservation can work together in perfect harmony.

The project reflects IDS's commitment to delivering bespoke engineering solutions where no standard product could achieve the required outcome. Through design expertise, in-house manufacturing capability and meticulous installation, the team transformed a complex restoration challenge into a timeless architectural feature that complements one of the building's defining characteristics—its historic stone and brick craftsmanship.