A Reimagined Victorian Home in Cheshire
A striking residence that marries period charm with a bold contemporary extension named by Crittall Windows as a House of the Year Finalist in 2024
In Chester, fine examples of British architectural history are always around the next corner. From the timbered black-and-white façades of the city centre to the elegant 19th century terraces that line its suburbs, every property tells a story. It is a place where character matters and careful design is rewarded.
And it’s in Chester that a Victorian home has been transformed into a striking residence that marries period charm with a bold contemporary extension, a project so innovative that it was named by the iconic steel-frame maker Crittall Windows as a House of the Year Finalist in 2024. The success lies in the considered use of Crittall Corporate W20 steel windows and doors, bringing light, proportion and coherence to every room.
The property, purchased in 2019, required a full renovation. Its owner, an interiors enthusiast, had long admired Crittall and insisted on the authentic product rather than a lookalike. That decision set the tone for a project that respects original character while introducing a fresh architectural language.
Reinstating character and introducing light
Early changes established the framework for the home. The original porch, blocked up by previous owners, was reinstated, and a side entrance replaced with a Corporate W20 picture window in signature black. The new window now floods the hallway with light, creating a detailed focal point.
The contemporary extension takes the renovation further. Inspired by Scandinavian design, its black larch-clad exterior contrasts with the Victorian house. A mix of pitched and flat green roofs and a stepped floor plan create unexpected angles and framed views. High ceilings and careful proportions keep the interior open yet balanced.
Crittall windows and doors are central to the extension’s success. Their slim profiles allow for a Georgian-style glazing pattern carried consistently through the property. Floor-to-ceiling picture windows bring daylight deep into the interior, while large French doors open onto the garden, strengthening the connection between inside and out.
Enduring performance and refined design
Internally, Corporate W20 screens provide continuity from the original hallway into the extension. The result is a fluid interior where traditional proportions and contemporary detailing complement one another. Carefully aligned glazing bars maintain a visual rhythm, guiding the eye and adding architectural interest.
A key part of this is the use of Crittall Innervision internal doors. With exceptionally slim frames and expansive glazing, they maximise light flow between spaces while maintaining definition. Made in Britain and tailored to exact specification, they offer flexibility in configuration, finish and hardware. Features such as soft-close operation, durable hot-dip galvanised steel and a wide choice of glazing options make them well suited to both heritage renovations and modern extensions.
Corporate W20 windows are manufactured from high-grade steel and hot-dip galvanised for durability. Again, slim frames maximise light while high-performance glazing and EPDM weather sealing improve thermal efficiency.
This home demonstrates the adaptability and lasting quality of Crittall products. It shows how steel windows and doors can bridge past and present, enhancing natural light and defining space, while celebrating the character of Cheshire architecture and the precision of a truly iconic design approach.
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