Located close to the River Ouse in Buckinghamshire, is Wolverton Park. Its history is a far cry from what it has been converted to. The building dates back to the 1830s; in use during 1838 – 40 as the original Wolverton Station. Then in the 1890s it became one of the most important integrated large-scale manufacturing sites in the world; used as a lifting shop, underframe shop and heavy machine shop. In 1963 there was a reorganisation, post Richard Beeching’s reports on the British Railways and increasing efficiency of them; so the building became a store house for the Royal Train which had been built in the adjoining works where it remained until 1991.
Richard Beeching Chairman of the British Railways and his reports which led to the reorganisation of assets across the UK
After some years of neglect, the Grade II Listed building, was developed into 300 houses and apartments by Places for People. Collaborating with English Heritage, architects RPS Planning & Development Ltd, oversaw the restoration of these historically important buildings, full of Victorian architectural details and charm. Many of the original features were retained including the three floor height cast iron windows, which provide an extremely light and airy environment, yet were also very draughty and allowed heat to escape.
The former Royal Train Shed at Wolverton Park, now energy efficient homes with secondary glazing
Modern living standards and sustainability were high on the agenda in this conversion project; which saw the inclusion of wind turbines, solar panels and secondary glazing to improve the primary window performance; ensuring the homes are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and comfortable dwellings for the residents.
Selectaglaze was contacted to produce sympathetic designs for the varying styles of windows across the two buildings. Due to the size and shape of many of the windows, they were treated with arched head Series 90 heavy duty vertical sliders to complement the elegance and style of the original window. This meant sightlines were followed and allowed full access to the outer window for cleaning and maintenance.
Selectaglaze arched head Series 90 vertical sliding secondary glazing
What was once fit for the Royal Train, has now been modernised and made more sustainable for future generations to live in, retaining a piece of important history and its architectural features for years to come.
Richard Beeching Chairman of the British Railways and his reports which led to the reorganisation of assets across the UK
After some years of neglect, the Grade II Listed building, was developed into 300 houses and apartments by Places for People. Collaborating with English Heritage, architects RPS Planning & Development Ltd, oversaw the restoration of these historically important buildings, full of Victorian architectural details and charm. Many of the original features were retained including the three floor height cast iron windows, which provide an extremely light and airy environment, yet were also very draughty and allowed heat to escape.
The former Royal Train Shed at Wolverton Park, now energy efficient homes with secondary glazing
Modern living standards and sustainability were high on the agenda in this conversion project; which saw the inclusion of wind turbines, solar panels and secondary glazing to improve the primary window performance; ensuring the homes are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and comfortable dwellings for the residents.
Selectaglaze was contacted to produce sympathetic designs for the varying styles of windows across the two buildings. Due to the size and shape of many of the windows, they were treated with arched head Series 90 heavy duty vertical sliders to complement the elegance and style of the original window. This meant sightlines were followed and allowed full access to the outer window for cleaning and maintenance.
Selectaglaze arched head Series 90 vertical sliding secondary glazing
What was once fit for the Royal Train, has now been modernised and made more sustainable for future generations to live in, retaining a piece of important history and its architectural features for years to come.- Date
- Category
- Project Profile