Historic British lido receives modern steel window upgrade

An open air swimming pool dating back to 1938 has been restored to its former glory and we played a significant role.

Located roughly five miles east of Brighton, Saltdean Lido is a Grade II listed Art Deco building and has been reimagined by R H Partnership Architects.

As a building which has been on the Historic England’s Heritage Risk register for many years, Saltdean Lido urgently needed attention to ensure it could be brought back into use. Following the success of a Community Interest Company campaign, which ran in 2017, and National Lottery Heritage funding this was finally possible.

Taking on the restoration project were Buxton Building Contractors of Surrey, which alongside RH Partnership Architects, had ambitious plans to turn this incredible building into a vibrant community space that could effortlessly accommodate local weddings, exercise classes and become home to a library, community hub, café, heritage learning zone and workspace.

Preserving the lido’s unique architectural heritage was a big priority for this restoration project so it made sense to involve our specialists at Crittall Windows. As a company which has been manufacturing steel windows and doors for almost 200 years, our experts understand the value in giving historical properties a new lease of life with modern products that also maintain traditional aesthetics.

For this particular renovation project, our Crittall Windows’ Homelight® Plus steel frames were installed. By offering the same elegant sightlines as the original 1930s, these modern replicas were the perfect fit for this historic building.

Each frame featured 16mm slimline double glazed units to not only dramatically improve the thermal performance of the property but to also guarantee that natural light could flood the dedicated event space.  

To accommodate the style of this art deco open air swimming pool, the new steel window frames and glazing were specially manufactured into a bespoke curved shape. 

What’s more, to ensure the finished products were properly protected from wind-borne sea salts that caused damage to the original builder, all windows were hot dipped galvanized and Duralife® coated with marine grade polyester powder coating. 

Reasons to specify Homelight® Plus windows 

• Homelight® Plus windows feature modular, multi-light construction and the slimmest profiles to maximise the benefit of natural daylight. 
• All Homelight® Plus windows include double weatherstripping and larger double glazing units, coupled with minimal profile sizes able to achieve excellent WER standards. 
• Hot dipped galvanised for increased durability means the Homelight® Plus windows are incredibly long lasting and low maintenance. 
• Featuring an optional multi-point locking system tested to Enhanced Security PAS 24 standard means properties will be well protected against unwanted intruders. 
• This system also works perfectly in conjunction with the durable and high performing Homelight® Plus Door which boasts impressive A+ Door Set Energy Rating and has passed the PAS24 security test.

The Homelight® Plus windows have been restyled and re-engineered to deliver advanced thermal performance and enhanced security. Available fixed, top or side hung and in a range of colours means these windows a perfect fit for a range of commercial projects. 

Speak to a member of our team today to find out more information.