Throughout London, there are areas of special historical and architectural interest, called conversation areas. These areas contain period houses with traditional designs and materials, special buildings which contain centuries worth of history and unique settings and objects such as parks, corners and telephone boxes. 

These areas can be popular places to live in due to the stunning period houses they hold. No two houses are the same due to each of them living different lives, and so there will have been both major and minor changes to the materials and layout of the house over time.

At Timbertherm, we’ve worked in many conservation areas across the UK. One such area is Eltham in South East London. 

One of Eltham’s most prominent conservation areas is Eltham Palace and Gardens. Rich in centuries of history, the palace used to be a royal residence and in 1995, became managed by English Heritage who spent the next few years restoring it and in 1999 it became open to the public.

In addition to Eltham Palace and Gardens, Eltham hosts many Victorian period homes whose property value rests on their historical architecture, including their material and designs. 

Due to the age of the house and how it was built, the windows and doors might need to be restored or replaced. Timber has been a common material for windows and doors across the UK and many Victorian houses contain them. When looking at working on these houses, it is important to ensure that the correct materials have been used. These materials are termed ‘conservation – approved’ which means they won’t damage your house’s property value.  

At Timbertherm, we’re members of the Forest Stewardship Council meaning that we promote the sustainable and sympathetic use of timber windows and doors when working with period homes. We only use timber that is conservation-approved in order to maintain period houses’ historical and architectural identity.  

Primarily, these period houses should be preserved – through restoration – and only enhanced if preservation is impossible. As our primary work is with bespoke requests, we’re very experienced in restoring a vast amount of houses which all vary from each other and so need unique approaches.  

Using modern techniques and specific materials, enhancements can be made to a period home yet still retaining its historical identity and property value. These enhancements won’t be seen but more felt such as improved thermal efficiency.