At CBP, we specialise in heritage glazing for homes across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset and beyond. This project of steel look windows and doors in Bath, Bradford on Avon is a prime example of how we help homeowners upgrade their properties with high-performance glazing while retaining the timeless character of period design.
The brief from the homeowners, a local builder and his wife was clear. That was, to preserve the Art Deco appearance but deliver meaningful improvements in thermal insulation, weather protection and security. While genuine steel windows were considered, the cost and long lead times made them impractical. The alternative was the Aluco Exterior Collection, a steel look aluminium system designed to replicate the classic proportions of steel windows and doors, but with all the benefits of advanced glazing technology.
Restoring an Art Deco Home in Wiltshire
This detached property in Bradford-on-Avon is a magnificent example of 1930s Art Deco architecture. Like many homes of its era, it was originally fitted with Crittall® steel windows and doors, which gave the house its distinctive style. However, the single-glazed units had become draughty, cold and insecure, leaving the owners searching for a solution that combined authenticity with modern comfort.
Why Aluminium Steel Look Windows Are Chosen Over Steel
Bath and Bradford-on-Avon are known for their period homes, from Georgian terraces to 1930s Art Deco houses. When restoring these properties, many in conservation areas, getting the original look of the windows fitted when the property was built is important.
The latest Aluco Elite collection of windows and doors is without question the most authentic steel look brand in aluminium in the UK today. This is not a rebranded system or like some big brands their regular windows with nothing but a transom added and marketed as steel look. Aluco Elite delivers everything you need to create the iconic look of period metal windows in latest generation premium aluminium. Only Aluco replicates to a near-perfect standard the slim sightlines and geometric styling of steel.
These steel look windows in Bath, deliver the steel look whilst also offering:
- Lower U-values and improved insulation
- Faster lead times and smoother installation
- More affordable than steel with near-identical styling
- Better compatibility with Building Regulations
For this project, aluminium was the clear choice – offering the same authentic design but at a fraction of the running cost, with no compromise in appearance.
A complete steel look installation in Brandford-on-Avon
This home required virtually every type of product from the Aluco Exterior Collection, making it a showcase for what the system can achieve. Every item was finished in Black RAL 9005 matt powder coating, chosen for its timeless steel appearance and durability.
Let us showcase the steel look windows and doors to this Bath house focusing first on the ground floor installation. This comprises both replacement windows to the original house and windows and doors to the new double-story extension.
At the front elevation of the house, we installed new replacement Aluco Elite steel look windows in the original 1930s layout, keeping the front of the home true to its heritage and Art-Deco styling.
On the right hand side elevation to the new extension was a single side door next to an period-designed bathroom window with horizontal glazing bars.
Leading to the side elevation of the original house on the ground floor which is the original sitting room and dining are a single door and window, which lead out to a very tastefully done porch area, complete with original period furniture.
The left hand side elevation shows the original house restored with new windows and doors and the rear extension
The original living room fully restored with Art-Deco Window which beautifully matches the interior decor chosen
The original room at the front of the house, now used as a study, with the original metal windows replaced with new Aluco Elite Windows
As we move around the house to the new ground floor extension, you can see the creation of a spacious new kitchen, dining and family sitting area, fitted with multiple steel look doors including one in a bay configuration. Here we’ve designed French doors and two further French door sets with side panels opening directly to the garden.
Throughout the project, period hardware was chosen to replicate the look of the original fittings, ensuring that the finished installation felt completely authentic.
Steel Look Windows and Doors in Bath – new and replacement black period glazing
The upstairs extension features a stylish new master bedroom suite with new doors behind a glass Juliet Balcony and single door leading out to the new terrace.
Replacement steel look doors and windows are fitted to the original upstairs rooms, in keeping with the original style.
Aluco Elite Windows and Doors. Period Styling and Advanced Glazing Technology
A key part of this project was ensuring the new windows and doors offered the warmth, security and efficiency the original steel windows lacked. Every unit was glazed with toughened safety glass featuring:
Soft-coat low-emissivity layer to reflect heat back into the home. The specification of the thermally insualted windows also includes high specifcation glass units with warm edge spacer bars to reduce condensation, Argon gas fill for improved thermal insulation and safety glass to all low level windows and in all doors.
This specification significantly improves energy performance, helping the homeowners keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Importantly, it also reduces energy bills, something more and more homeowners in Bath and Wiltshire are prioritising.
Trickle vents were added to the head of each window to ensure compliance with Building Regulations, while colour-matched cills provided a neat and consistent finish across the installation.
The new doors and windows incorporate multipoint locking systems, offering far greater protection against forced entry than the original steel frames ever could. In addition, the modern weather seals eliminate draughts, providing day-to-day comfort as well as peace of mind.
For the homeowners, the transformation was immediate – the house feels warmer, quieter and more secure, without losing any of its 1930s character.
Steel Look, Industrial and Art-Deco Glazing Experts – contact CBP today
For us at CBP, this project demonstrates our expertise in heritage aluminium glazing. Working with premium systems including Aluco Aluminium, Alitherm Heritage and RK Steel, we help homeowners across Bath and Wiltshire achieve the distinctive style of steel windows with the practical benefits of modern aluminium.
Whether you are restoring an Art Deco property, replacing single-glazed Crittall windows, or planning an extension to a Georgian or Victorian home, we can provide tailored steel look solutions that combine heritage design with 21st-century performance.
Project Details
Location: Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire (near Bath)
Products Used: Aluco Exterior Collection steel-look aluminium windows, single doors, French doors, bay windows, Juliet balcony doors and French Doors with side panels.
Colour: Black RAL 9005 matt
Glazing: Toughened safety glass with low-emissivity coating, warm edge spacers, argon gas fill
Features: Period hardware, multipoint locking, trickle vents, colour-matched cills