Enhancing a Historic Members’ Club with Sympathetic Window and Door Improvements

Project Overview

Droylsden Glass was delighted to partner with The Albert Bowling & Tennis Club in Didsbury on a carefully considered window and door replacement project designed to improve energy efficiency, security and comfort while respecting the character of this long-established members’ club.

As one of South Manchester’s most established sporting and social venues, The Albert Club provides a vibrant hub for members, visitors and the wider community. With a busy programme of tennis, bowling and social events throughout the year, it was essential that any improvement works were carefully planned and delivered with minimal disruption.

The project involved the installation of 16 heritage-inspired flush casement windows alongside a new aluminium fire exit door, creating a balance between modern performance and traditional aesthetics.

The Client Brief

The Albert Club wanted to improve the performance of its existing windows while maintaining the character of the building. Key priorities included improving energy efficiency, enhancing security, creating a more comfortable environment for members and visitors and reducing ongoing maintenance requirements. Equally important was ensuring the replacement windows respected the traditional appearance of the property and could be installed with minimal disruption to the club’s busy programme of sporting and social activities.

Due to the age and character of the property, particular care was required when selecting replacement products to ensure they complemented the building and its setting.

 

The Solution

Following consultation with the club, we specified a combination of high-performance uPVC windows and aluminium entrance doors.

The chosen products provided modern standards of efficiency, security and durability while retaining the traditional appearance expected from a building of this character.

Sympathetic Flush Sash Window Design

The project included the installation of 16 Deceuninck Flush Casement Windows in a striking Black on White finish.

The Infinity Seamless Weld technology creates exceptionally clean sightlines, while dummy sash detailing and traditional pear drop handles help replicate the appearance of traditional timber joinery. Modern A-rated glazing, integrated trickle ventilation and Kubu Superior multipoint locking systems ensure the windows perform as well as they look.

The flush sash design was particularly well suited to the property, helping to preserve a traditional appearance while delivering all the advantages of modern uPVC technology.

Security Built Into Every Window

Security was an important consideration throughout the project.

Each window was fitted with the Kubu Superior multipoint locking system, incorporating advanced locking technology designed to provide enhanced protection and peace of mind.

The locking mechanism secures the sash firmly into the frame, helping create a stronger and more secure window system while also contributing to improved weather sealing and overall performance.

Restrictor hinges provide an additional level of safety and controlled operation, making them particularly suitable for busy community and hospitality environments.

 

Improving Comfort Through Efficient Ventilation

Alongside energy efficiency improvements, the installation incorporated integrated trickle ventilation throughout the new windows.

Background ventilation plays an important role within club and hospitality settings where occupancy levels can vary significantly throughout the day. The integrated trickle vents provide a controlled flow of fresh air, helping improve indoor air quality, reduce condensation and maintain comfort for members and visitors without compromising security.

Combined with modern A-rated glazing, the result is a more comfortable environment for members, visitors and staff throughout the year.

Modern Aluminium Fire Exit Door

To complement the replacement windows, a new Senior Architectural Systems SPW500/501 aluminium fire exit door was installed in a durable RAL 9005 black powder-coated finish. Designed specifically for high-use commercial environments, the door incorporates anti-finger trap protection, a concealed transom closer and an Axim 7085 panic bar, helping improve both accessibility and emergency egress while maintaining the club’s smart appearance.

The low-threshold design helps improve accessibility and reduce trip hazards, while the panic bar system supports safe and efficient emergency egress.

Working Around a Busy Members’ Club

As a thriving venue with a busy programme of sporting and social activities, careful planning was essential throughout the project.

Our team worked closely with the club to coordinate installation works around member activities and events, ensuring disruption was kept to an absolute minimum.

Experience delivering projects within occupied commercial and community environments allowed us to plan the works effectively while maintaining clear communication throughout.

Supporting a Valued Community Facility

The Albert Club has been a valued part of the local community for many years, providing facilities that support sport, recreation and social interaction.

Investment in buildings such as these helps ensure they remain welcoming, comfortable and fit for purpose for both current and future members.

As a local business, Droylsden Glass is proud to support organisations that contribute positively to the communities they serve, helping preserve and improve important local facilities through carefully considered investment.

Delivering Long-Term Value

The completed project provides benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics alone.

The new windows and fire exit door have improved thermal efficiency, enhanced building security and created a more comfortable environment for members and visitors. Improved ventilation helps support indoor air quality, while the modern materials significantly reduce ongoing maintenance requirements compared to older building components.

Combined with improved accessibility and long-term durability, the investment helps ensure the club remains a welcoming and functional facility for many years to come.

Why The Albert Club Chose Droylsden Glass

The Albert Club selected Droylsden Glass based on our experience delivering projects within commercial and community settings, our reputation for quality workmanship and our ability to work around occupied buildings with minimal disruption. Competitive pricing, clear communication and strong customer reviews also gave the committee confidence that the project would be delivered smoothly from start to finish.

The Result

The completed installation has transformed the building’s performance while preserving its established character.

Benefits Delivered

✅ 16 heritage-style flush casement windows installed

✅ New commercial aluminium fire exit door

✅ Improved energy efficiency and thermal comfort

✅ Enhanced security through advanced locking systems

✅ Improved background ventilation and indoor air quality

✅ Reduced maintenance requirements

✅ Improved accessibility and safety

✅ Sympathetic design appropriate for a traditional club building

✅ Minimal disruption to club activities and events

✅ Long-term value for members and visitors

Through careful planning, sympathetic product selection and quality installation, Droylsden Glass has helped futureproof an important local facility while maintaining the charm and character that make The Albert Club such a valued part of the Didsbury community.

Products Installed

• 16 × Deceuninck Flush Casement Windows
• Infinity Seamless Weld Technology
• Black on White uPVC Finish
• A-Rated Energy Efficient Glazing
• Kubu Superior Multipoint Locking Systems
• Restrictor Hinges
• Pear Drop Handles
• Dummy Sash Detailing
• Integrated Trickle Ventilation
• Senior Architectural Systems SPW500/501 Entrance Door
• RAL 9005 Black PPC Finish
• Axim 7085 Panic Bar
• Concealed Hold-Open Transom Closer
• Low Aluminium Threshold

Have a similar project in mind? Our expert team can help. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how our window and door solutions can enhance the comfort, performance, and value of your next installation.