Steel reborn: blending period charm with 21st-century performance

• 1 May 2025
• News

Across the UK, period properties remain some of the most treasured elements of the architectural landscape. From Victorian terraces and Edwardian villas to Art Deco apartments and post-war landmarks, these homes and buildings share one common requirement: the need to retain historic charm while embracing modern standards of comfort and efficiency. Windows play a critical role in achieving this balance, and Crittall Windows’s W20 TE system offers an ideal solution.

Preserving character while improving performance

Traditional steel windows were a defining feature of many architectural styles, prized for their slim sightlines, strength and ability to maximise natural light. Yet while they contributed to the aesthetic appeal of period homes, they often struggled with poor energy efficiency, leading to draughts, condensation and rising heating costs. Homeowners and conservation specialists working on restoration projects today need a solution that respects the integrity of original designs without compromising performance.

Crittall’s W20 TE steel windows meet this demand with distinction. Designed specifically to blend period charm with the needs of the 21st century, W20 TE offers an outstanding combination of thermal efficiency, durability and aesthetic fidelity. Fully compliant with Approved Document L, the system achieves an impressive UW value of 1.4 W/m²K, helping to improve the efficiency of your home while preserving key period features.

Authentic design with 21st-century durability

Thanks to the exceptional strength of steel frames, W20 TE windows maintain the slender, elegant sightlines that are so important to period aesthetics. Unlike slimline aluminium windows, which can sometimes fall short of replicating the true visual impact of traditional steel, Crittall’s expertise ensures that new steel windows look and feel entirely authentic. The system’s ability to support large expanses of glass without added bulk enhances natural light within interiors, an important element of many historic designs.

Preserving a home’s character extends beyond appearance. W20 TE provides excellent protection against draughts and poor weather, with dual weather seals and precision-engineered fittings delivering a robust, long-lasting solution. Manufactured from 100% recycled steel and finished with hot dip galvanising and powder coating, these heritage windows are built to last, offering a lifespan of more than 60 years with minimal maintenance.

The ideal solution for heritage and modern projects

In conservation areas, or where planning conditions require sensitivity to original detailing, W20 TE offers a valuable route to improving performance without altering a building’s appearance. Available in a wide range of colours, including bespoke options, the system can be tailored to suit any project, whether the brief is a faithful restoration or a sensitive adaptation.

Beyond energy efficiency and visual appeal, Crittall’s commitment to sustainability further enhances the value of W20 TE. By using recycled materials and investing in low-impact manufacturing processes, Crittall ensures that every window supports a more responsible approach to building conservation and modernisation.

Whether upgrading a family home in Surrey, restoring a listed civic building or designing a bold architectural statement for a modern property, Crittall’s W20 TE steel windows deliver the perfect combination of heritage, performance and style.

To learn more about how W20 TE can improve your project, speak to a member of our team or visit crittall-windows.co.uk.