A Window Into SWA Commercial Project Winner 2025, West Leigh

At the 2025 Steel Window Association awards, the Commercial Project winner was West Leigh’s Len House project. Andy Bawn, MD of West Leigh, tells us all about the company today.

Len House, Maidstone – West Leigh’s meticulous restoration of this Grade II listed Art Deco landmark, featuring like-for-like W20 steel windows and doors, curved frames, and bespoke detailing to preserve its historic character

What is your core business?

Andy Bawn, Managing Director for West Leigh

West Leigh has been a steel window and door manufacturer for over 75 years and, today, the team provides highly specialist bespoke steel window services; from curtain walling to heritage and refurbishment projects. The advanced approach and specialism in the thermally broken product range makes West Leigh the perfect partner for architects and contractors across the UK.

What are the target markets for West Leigh?

Architects, main contractors and property owners.

Why is West Leigh a member of the Steel Window Association?

The benefits of being a member of the Steel Window Association is the sharing of pooled resources, while the years of experience and expertise throughout the association allows the development of new products for the ever-evolving requirements of the building regulations. The marketing reach of the association is a great benefit to all.

What sets West Leigh apart? What do you see as a competitive advantage you offer that other companies do not, for London-based projects?

As the company is based in London, we are able to offer a totally local service encompassing the design, manufacture, and project management our clients need. At West Leigh, everything is bespoke and handmade to the clientele’s specifications. We, therefore, pride ourselves on quality which led us to be certified with ISO 9001.

Are there any key projects you would like to mention?

We recently completed the installation of 464 new windows and doors at the New Chancery Rosewood Hotel in Mayfair. The building was the old American Embassy, so we had to take a careful approach for the replacement windows to align with the requirements of Listed Building status as well as providing enhanced thermal and acoustic performances. Similarly, West Leigh is currently engaged with Sir Robert McAlpine on the site of the old Smithfield’s meat market; another listed building to be suitably refurbished for new occupants, The Museum of London.

Both projects incorporated Ottostumm’s W50TB thermally broken steel window system. Designed to match the sightline profiles of the old W20 and Universal sections, W50TB is a great system for both heritage and new build projects alike. The Chancery Rosewood also had Shueco’s thermally broken Janisol HI steel doors to all the balconies.

Pictured above is Voysey House, Chiswick, West Leigh’s award-winning restoration of a former Victorian wallpaper factory, featuring bespoke steel windows and doors using rare Series 200 profiles and Fineo vacuum glazing for exceptional thermal performance and heritage detailing.

What do you see as the biggest challenges to the steel window industry in the UK today?

The biggest challenge to the steel window industry is the lowering of u-values and the far higher performances required. Fortunately, we have the benefit of system specific applied glazing bars replicating the welded glazing bars of the old steel window profiles. That, along with the vastly improved glazing options available to us, allows for the steel window industry to keep moving with the times, whilst still offering the traditional slimline and robust aesthetic steel windows are renowned for.

What are the company's top priorities over the next few years?

Over the next few years, the company's top priorities are centred around strategic product innovation and portfolio expansion. A major focus will be the development of our thermally broken windows. These are designed to significantly improve energy efficiency and thermal performance, aligning with growing demand for sustainable building solutions. We're investing in advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure these windows meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

In parallel, we're committed to broadening our product offering. This means identifying complementary products that enhance our existing lineup and meet evolving customer needs. Whether it's through in-house development or strategic partnerships, adding new products will allow us to serve a wider market and strengthen our position as a comprehensive solutions provider in the fenestration industry.

Together, these initiatives reflect our long-term vision: to lead with innovation, respond to market trends, and deliver exceptional value to our customers.

How long has your oldest member of staff been working at West Leigh? What makes an employee want to stay with the company? Any other key members?

We have a great history of long-serving staff in both the factory and office, so we are obviously doing the right thing by our employees. Our longest serving members have been at the company for 49 and 51 years. For the last few years, we have had yearly get-togethers with the current workforce and those now retired (many of those retired were with the company for over 40 years). We all have a good work ethic, and we know how to work together and build trusting, long term relationships.

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk

Haddonstone At 55: Building The Future Of Architectural Stonework

“We’re not just making stone - we’re building trust, quality, and heritage that lasts for generations.” Nick Lantsbery, Managing Director, Haddonstone

Managing Director Nick Lantsbery

As Haddonstone approaches its 55th anniversary in 2026, Managing Director Nick Lantsbery reflects on the company’s performance, its people, and its plans for the future. Despite a challenging construction landscape, Haddonstone has not only maintained its position as a market leader but also strengthened its team, enhanced its systems, and prepared for sustained growth at home and abroad.

How has 2025 unfolded for Haddonstone in terms of performance?

The past few years have presented challenges across the construction industry, but Haddonstone has continued to deliver strong results, which is a testament to our loyal client base and the quality of our products. After a quieter winter in 2024, we experienced a very busy summer in 2025, which helped us regain momentum. Since then, whilst the garden and landscape markets remain seasonal, with the lion's share of orders being placed in spring and summer, our architectural business has remained consistently busy.

Where are new contracts coming from?

We’ve recently secured work with several new, large developers, which is very encouraging. The structure of the developer market is constantly evolving, so our priority is to build long-term partnerships based on trust, consistency, and quality. Haddonstone’s reputation opens doors, but it’s our reliability - delivering premium cast stonework on time, every time, that keeps those doors open.

What new markets will you focus on in 2026 and beyond?

Our priority is to maintain and strengthen relationships with our existing customers, many of which have remained loyal to us for many years. It's these relationships that are the foundation of our success. Beyond that, we’re focusing on expanding relationships with garden designers, landscape architects, and specifiers in the hospitality and retail sectors.

A recent example was a garden designer who needed our stonework at very short notice to elevate the exterior of a new Ivy restaurant. It’s a reminder of how important design and presentation are, and how Haddonstone can transform a façade with timeless quality and elegance.

We’re also growing our bespoke architectural and landscape cast stonework design services for homeowners and private clients who value quality, craftsmanship and heritage. These projects tend to remain steady even during economic downturns.

Have there been new appointments within the team?

Yes, we’ve welcomed three new recruits to strengthen the project management function in our Building & Construction team. We also continue to invest in our manufactory apprenticeship programme, which is vital for developing the next generation of craftspeople. 

At the same time, many of our colleagues have been with Haddonstone for decades, and their experience is invaluable to our customers.

We are always looking to upskill our team members, and as part of this commitment our current Health and Safety Manage, who previously managed our TecStone unit, has taken on the additional role of leading our quality control. He now checks all stonework before dispatch to ensure everything reaches our customers right the first time and in first-class condition. Balancing the rising costs of employment with our commitment to career development is something we take very seriously - it’s about investing in our people as much as our product.

How important is international business to Haddonstone?

Our overseas work is a key part of our strategy. We have well-established markets in the Middle East, the USA, Ireland, and the Channel Islands, each with its own architectural preferences and cultural influences.

In the Middle East, for instance, we supply ornate architectural features for high-end hotels and country clubs, while in the US, the demand for traditional British craftsmanship continues to grow in many states.

We’ve recently completed a major ERP system integration, connecting every area of our business to improve efficiency and customer experience. That’s already helping us deliver more effectively to our international clients and distributors.

Sustainability and innovation are increasingly important in construction. How is Haddonstone responding?

Sustainability is central to our approach, and we take every effort to embed sustainability practices across our business. Our materials are designed to last for generations, which in itself is one of the most sustainable qualities a product can have! 

We source all our UK limestone aggregates from a local, environmentally responsible supplier, and we are also investing in energy-efficient processes, waste reduction, and digital design tools that minimise material use without compromising strength or beauty.

Innovation doesn’t just mean new technology - it’s about rethinking how we deliver excellence. We’re combining our heritage craftsmanship with modern production methods to achieve the best of both worlds.

How would you describe your leadership vision for Haddonstone?

For me, it’s about clarity, consistency, and culture. We have a simple mantra: First-class product; right first time, on time. That’s not just a slogan - it’s a promise. We’re a premium brand, and with that comes a responsibility to lead by example. My role is to ensure we keep things simple for our clients, stay responsive to their needs, and never lose sight of what has made Haddonstone the trusted name it is today.

What can we expect from Haddonstone’s 55th anniversary year?

2026 will be a year of celebration and reflection. We’ll be marking 55 years of craftsmanship, innovation, and partnership with our clients. But more importantly, it’s a year to look forward - to invest in new ideas, new talent, and new collaborations. Our goal is to continue evolving without ever losing the essence of what makes Haddonstone truly unique: quality, service, and trust.

Any final thoughts?

I’m incredibly proud to be leading Haddonstone into our 55th year. It’s a privilege to guide such a talented team, uphold our heritage of quality craftsmanship, and continue building on the trust we’ve earned with our clients over more than five decades. I'm excited to see how we can continue to build and evolve our business in the years to come. For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.haddonstone.com

SterlingOSB Zero Is A Picnic For Architects

As the annual SterlingOSB Zero/RIBAJ competition celebrated its 10th anniversary, the 2025 competition entitled Powers of Ten, challenged architects to explore the principles of scale. Entrants were unrestricted by building standards and were free to play with the concept of scale and design a structure from competition sponsor West Fraser's SterlingOSB Zero.

  Pictured is West Fraser's marketing manager, David Connacher, and Steve McCloy

This year's commended winners, Steve McCloy and C J Lim of McCloy + Muchemwa Architects, created a giant picnic table complete with deckchairs, cakes, and teapots as a memorial for the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The architects imagined the children's play structure as a permanent fixture in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Here Steve McCloy talks about the commended winning entry and what SterlingOSB Zero provides architects.

Q. What inspired your design for the competition?

Our design was inspired by children's books and literature. We looked at the way that, in stories such as Alice in Wonderland, the change of scale is the moment where the child enters a new world of imagination. We find, as architects, that shift of perception or that imaginative leap is most inspiring for our work. So, whether we're designing a house or a public building or an installation, imagination is the most important point.

Q. What do you like about SterlingOSB Zero?

Something that we've noticed that is really important compared to other materials like plywood, is that OSB is extremely durable and resilient for outdoor installations, public artworks, and temporary purposes, so it's been really useful for us, doing budget projects.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com