Our partnership with SPAB began when we were commissioned to install bespoke secondary glazing at the organisation’s head office at the iconic 37 Spital Square. Built in the 1740s by Peter Ogier, a wealthy Huguenot silk merchant, it is the last surviving Georgian mansion on the square. The building retained its original windows which although in good repair made the building cold and draughty.

The building has a fascinating history, both as a Georgian building and for its Huguenot links, and one that we’re proud to be a part of. The Huguenots were French Protestants who fled to England and the Netherlands in large numbers to escape religious persecution. Many English families have Huguenot ancestors, perhaps without even realising it!

The Grade II listed silk 18th-century silk merchant’s house stands on the site of a Mediaeval priory, and by the 1970s was run down and in need of rescue. Many of the nearby Georgian houses had already been demolished when No 37 was purchased by the Spitalfields Trust.

SPAB chose Storm to carry out the work due to our reputation as a bespoke provider of high-quality secondary glazing for Grade II listed buildings. Having already formed successful partnerships with the National Trust, CADW, Crown Estates, and the Landmark Trust, Storm was the obvious choice. Over the years we’ve honed the design of our system to work perfectly with listed buildings that need a sympathetic approach to secondary glazing.

The Storm Windows system is virtually invisible, meaning that building occupants can enjoy greater comfort and improved energy efficiency, without compromising the appearance of the original windows. 

Our continued work at Spital Yard

Having previously fitted secondary glazing to the SPAB headquarters at 37 Spital Square, we were delighted to be asked back to carry out some more renovations, this time on an adjacent building at 3 Spital Yard.

This is an 18th-century rear wing to 37 Spital Square, that was originally used for commercial and service purposes. Spital Yard was once the name applied to a wider area within Spitalfields, but it now only refers to a small alley to the east of Bishopsgate Street. SPAB currently lets 3 Spital Yard to the Architectural Heritage Fund.

SPAB asked us to fit secondary glazing to the courtyard office, helping to turn them from cold, draughty, and often uncomfortable places to work, into something much cosier. Our installation has not only improved comfort for the team who work in the office but has also dramatically enhanced its energy efficiency.

We look forward to continuing our practical partnership with the team at SPAB for many years to come.

To find out more about the benefits of our secondary glazing units, please click here.