Heritage and style with Black Millwork

A stunning refurbishment and extension project incorporating Andersen windows and doors from Black Millwork has given new life to a substantial family home in Cambridge.

The five-bedroom arts and crafts style property used to belong to Emmanuel College – a constituent college of the University of Cambridge – but is now owned by Tom Weaver and his family.

The property was previously used as student accommodation and was in need of some repair to make it suitable for family living. Tom undertook a significant refurbishment and extension project replacing all the fenestration, floors, roof and heating system, as well as increasing the property’s size by 25 per cent.

Using 60 Andersen windows and doors supplied by Black Millwork, Tom was keen to achieve a traditional arts and crafts style with an American timber influence. Tom commented: “Growing up in the United States, I wanted to recreate the style and feel of the houses I used to see – Andersen products were the perfect fit as they provided both the heritage and aesthetic I was after. It was also important that the fenestration performed well in terms of thermal efficiency and I’m please to say that the windows and doors delivered on that front as well.”

Installed at the property were 45 Andersen 400 Series casement windows. With marginal glazing bars, the windows flood the property with natural light whilst also providing excellent thermal efficiency – achieving a U-value of 1.4 W/m2K.

Also installed at the property were a number of Black Millwork French doors, bi-fold doors and oak exterior doors, including the custom designed front entrance door. Benefitting from extensive 10-year warranties, the doors also achieve a U-value of 1.58 W/m2K.

Tom continued: “From the start of planning to works completed it took just under 2 years and I couldn’t be happier with the end result. Changing the fenestration has had such a huge impact on the overall aesthetic and given me an authentic flavour of life back in America.

“It’s difficult to pick my favourite features as I like the whole house but I am particularly pleased with the oak entrance door and the internal atrium, complete with stain glass window. Black Millwork have been really helpful all the way through the project and have helped me create a home that I know my family will enjoy for many years to come.”