Tooting Library Resplendent in Glazing

Crittall steel windows have been instrumental in the restoration of the iconic and landmark Tooting Library in London. A two year programme to restore the building was completed at the beginning of this year, at a cost of over £3 million. 

The Edwardian structure was originally built in 1902, funded by the generous outgoing mayor of Wandsworth, and today, it attracts over half a million visitors a year. Both the interior and the exterior of the library were in need of an upgrade, and designs were submitted by architects, NPS London Ltd. to bring the facility up to date and in keeping with contemporary, modern energy requirements. 

Externally W20 profiles from the Crittall range were specified to replace the existing steel windows. Slimline and unobtrusive, the profiles provide strength and security, without detracting from the visual appearance of the building.  Crittall was also tasked with replicating certain familiar features. According to project architect, John Miller, the aim was to retain as much of the original architectural style as possible. “Not only were the profiles replicated by Crittall to match, but the company also became heavily involved in the replicated design of the art nouveau-style, floral-patterned leaded lights to a number of the windows on the ground floor,” he explained. This unusual design feature was retained as it was seen as key in retaining the charm and character of the building. 

Similarly, the full height bay window which is a major eye-catching element of the design, involved Crittall’s expertise, with glazing supplied in a wide plate of colours  to create a visually striking effect both inside and out. 

Crittall  also were responsible for the manufacture of exact copies of the original window fittings which were required to add further to the aesthetic goal of the project.   

“The result is exactly as we, and the client, wanted,” concluded Mr Miller. “The windows have been replaced – and some new ones added to the new extension that we have built onto the existing structure – all in keeping with the architectural style of the original.“ 

Crispin & Borst, (now part of Vinci Construction) acted as main contractor on the project. 

Crittall Steel windows - right formula for Science Museum

The Science Museum in London is a much loved and familiar landmark, but over the years, the exterior has fallen prey to the wear and tear. A replacement window programme was recently undertaken, and appointed by architects, Kirsop and Co, Crittall had to draw on its extensive experience and expertise to replace the windows to the Exhibition Road entrance.

Having provided initial elevation and detailed drawings for planning purposes, Crittall helped to obtain permission to the satisfaction of all parties, including main contractor, DBR (London) Ltd, and supplying its Corporate 2000 profiles, began the meticulous and exact replacement programme.



One of the features of the glazing was the inclusion of Enduroshield transparent coating to the surface of the glass for the very large top hung fixed light Corporate 2000 profiles. The openings at the top are supplied with electronic chain actuators, supplied by long term Crittall partner, SE Controls. Double glazed, the centre pane of the glazing achieves the required U value of 1.2w/m2K for compliance with Part L of the Building


Regulations, with Low E glass on the inside to control heat gain. The windows were finished in black matt polyester powder coating.

Logistically, Crittall faced numerous challenges on the project, with a limited time period each day to strip out, glaze and install the profiles. With no deliveries allowed before 6pm, the timing and meticulous attention to detail had to be exact in order for the smooth progression of the instalment. However, with intense planning and thorough application, the windows were installed to schedule and within the time limits.

“We are delighted with the finished result,” comments Mr Andrew Haycock of the Estates Department at the Science Museum. “In addition to brand new windows that meet all the requirements in terms of aesthetic and thermal value, the replaced windows were all recycled, which reduced wastage and disposal costs and which is a major environmental bonus.”