When leading architect and retrofit designer Natalie Black of Enbee architecture set out to reimagine a traditional home in Central London, the brief was clear: form a 2-storey extension and retrofit the original house while dramatically improving comfort and light, all with sustainability in mind.
“I felt super excited with this project from the moment I read the initial brief asking for extraordinary design.” said lead architect and founder Natalie Black.
To achieve this, we partnered on the project to deliver high-performance timber windows that would respect the heritage context while elevating the architectural design.
Find out how triple glazed timber windows can transform period properties into energy-efficient, light-filled contemporary spaces – and why architects are increasingly specifying Eterno Windows for their most design-led projects.
Sustainable Retrofit in a Traditional London Building
The property, a traditional London house, required a sensitive yet forward-thinking retrofit. The core objectives were:
- Use sustainable materials throughout
- Eliminate drafts, cold spots and condensation
- Maximise natural light
- Introduce a refined, minimalist architectural language
The clients sought harmony: bringing contemporary design inside a traditional envelope.
For architects working on similar heritage retrofits, the challenge is familiar – how to introduce architectural windows that meet 21st-century standards without losing the building’s soul.
The Glazing Solution: Bespoke Triple Glazed Timber Windows
Eterno supplied and installed bespoke triple glazed timber windows, designed to meet the aesthetic and performance requirements of the project.
Sustainability was fundamental, so our glazing solutions crafted from responsibly sourced timber aligned perfectly with the project’s commitment to environmentally conscious materials.
Timber offers:
- Lower embodied carbon compared to aluminium or PVC
- Homely aesthetic and warmth
- Natural insulation properties
If you are looking for contemporary glazing solutions that support sustainability targets, our bespoke timber glazing solutions are the perfect fit.
A major transformation
The previous glazing contributed to cold, discomfort and inefficiency.
“I selected Eterno as I was looking for contemporary windows that were timber, slender and to passive house standards. I liked that Eterno was a young company trying to make it in this market and found the owner, Hristos, responsive, respectful and collaborative.” explains Natalie Black, founder of Enbee architecture.
After installing bespoke triple glazed timber windows, the home achieved a consistently warm and comfortable environment – crucial for retrofitted period properties.
High-performance seals, precision manufacturing and triple glazing combined to create an airtight envelope – without sacrificing ventilation options across multiple opening types.
The design concept aimed to bring clean lines and a previously lacking connection between interior and exterior. Eterno’s ultra slim-profile timber frames allowed for increased glass area – drawing more natural light into the home. Our bespoke approach to glazing ensured consistency in performance and appearance across different configurations, allowing the design language to remain cohesive throughout the property.
The Outcome: A Sustainable, Light-Filled Contemporary Home
The completed project demonstrates how a traditional London building can be sensitively upgraded to meet modern standards of comfort, efficiency and design. Whether working on heritage retrofits or contemporary new builds, Eterno provides architectural windows that enhance both performance and design intent.
For architects looking to elevate design quality while meeting sustainability targets our bespoke windows offer a refined, durable and sophisticated solution.
All photographs by ©FrancescoMontaguti
Design by Natalie Black @enbeearchitecture
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