Project Summary

Location: South Derbyshire
Objective: Replace deteriorated windows in a Grade II listed building with energy-efficient, conservation-approved solutions that retain historical character.
Products Used: LandVac Vacuum Glass paired with Gowercroft’s Heritage Range

Key Takeaways:

• Planning Permission Success: LandVac vacuum glazing helped meet strict planning requirements for listed buildings.
• Aesthetic and Efficiency: Vacuum glazing offers the look of single glazing with modern insulation, ideal for heritage properties.
• Precedent-Setting Approval: This was the first time vacuum glazing and Gowercroft’s Heritage range were approved for a Grade II listed property in South Derbyshire.

What Challenges Did the Owners Face Replacing Windows in Their Listed Building?

The owners of a Grade II listed farmhouse in South Derbyshire needed to upgrade their windows. The existing windows were inefficient, letting in cold air and increasing energy costs. However, due to the property’s listed status, most double glazing options weren’t suitable. Standard double glazing, for example, has a thicker profile that would disrupt the building’s historical look, making conservation approval difficult.

Why Was Vacuum Glazing the Best Solution for Listed Building Windows?

After exploring options, the homeowners chose a mixture of Gowercroft’s Winston Heritage Flush Casement Windows, Winston Heritage Sliding Sashes and Churchill Heritage Doors, all fitted with LandVac vacuum glass. This combination gave them both insulation and historical authenticity.

“We chose Gowercroft because other companies could only offer standard double glazing that wouldn’t have worked in our house or met the planning permission standards,” the owners explained.

With LandVac’s slim 8.3mm profile, they could achieve high insulation while preserving the building’s original look. The combination of the traditional style of Winston Heritage Windows and the high performance of vacuum glazing allowed them to meet the strict requirements of the conservation area.

How Did Vacuum Glazing Help Achieve Planning Permission?

For their Grade II listed property, the homeowners needed a solution that looked like single glazing. LandVac vacuum glass met this need with its thin profile, setting a new standard for similar properties in the area.

“This was the first time that vacuum glazing and our Heritage range were approved for Grade II listed in South Derbyshire—setting a precedent for the rest of the planning authority,” said the owners.

The owners were delighted with the outcome. “People loved the concept of that vacuum glass; you could have both—it looked single glazed and was efficient. So it ticked the box for us and the planner.”

What Are the Benefits of Vacuum Glazing for Listed Building Window Replacement?

Using LandVac vacuum glass alongside heritage-sensitive timber frames provided multiple benefits:

• Better Energy Efficiency: Vacuum glazing reduces heat loss, making the home warmer and more energy-efficient.
• Conservation-Approved Design: The combination of traditional frames and slim vacuum glass preserved the building’s look, meeting conservation standards.
• Improved Comfort: The homeowners now enjoy better insulation and comfort without sacrificing the historic charm of their property.

Why Is Vacuum Glazing Ideal for Listed Building Window Replacement?

For owners of listed buildings, vacuum glazing offers a unique solution, combining modern insulation with a traditional look. By using LandVac vacuum glass, as demonstrated in this South Derbyshire project, you can achieve energy efficiency without compromising historical charm. Vacuum glazing helps listed buildings meet modern comfort standards while preserving their original character, making it a perfect choice for conservation-sensitive upgrades.

If vacuum glazing sounds like the right solution for your listed building, get a quote now and take the first step toward a warmer, more efficient heritage home!