Fountain Drive, London

This project saw NMJ deliver a series of bespoke timber windows and doors for a new-build residential development of six luxury apartments with the same architect and developer team as the Sydenham Hill project. Sharing similar design values and commitment to craftsmanship, we partnered with the architect and developer to extend the focus on natural materials, well-being, and design-led detail.

A design-led approach

Our first contact with the architects at Craftworks for this project came in March 2024, with a design-led brief centred on well-being, natural warmth, and the tactile qualities of hardwood timber. With kiln-dried Iroko confirmed as the preferred material, this choice was a natural fit for us to manufacture and supply 28 high-performance fixed windows in varying sizes, along with 8 doors.

Much like the Sydenham Hill project, the 6 master bedroom windows also incorporated oversized frame sections of up to 500mm deep. The specification was deliberately designed to give additional depth, allowing them to be used as shelving, seating, or as a desk with a view out to the outside space.

With rich colour tones, textures, and a grain that complemented the modern architecture, the timber brought new design elements specific to the site. Alongside Iroko’s durability, strength, and stability, the timber added to the sense of style and continuity throughout the apartments. 

While identical across all properties, the frames and doors were each custom-made to meet the architectural design and vision and technical demands of the build, all while going beyond performance to help create stylish spaces to live in.

Working closely with the architects and the developer, this collaboration meant any potential challenges – from structural tolerances to ironmongery selection – could be discussed and resolved early on. That meant our in-house manufacturing team could hit the ground running and take the finalised and approved designs through to detailed, practical joinery.

Built for strength and performance

With a flexible, expert approach, our team handcrafted each Iroko window frame and door to precise measurements, resulting in a collection of high-performance, fixed timber windows and glazed doors, all built for long-term performance, longevity, and stability.

Each door and window was finished with high-quality ironmongery, including concealed and butt hinges, weather seals, and multi-point locking systems. While these added to the clean, modern finish, they also delivered the strength and security expected on a high-end residential project.

For a seamless fit with the contractor’s works, we also provided precise detailing for each unit, including grooves in the window frame heads to accommodate recessed curtain tracks installed by the contractor during fit-out at a later stage.

To protect the build of each frame while in transit, all windows were delivered to the site unglazed but fitted with temporary timber spacers to prevent bending or distortion, again before installation by the main contractor, who also handled glazing and on-site interior finishing.

Precision craftsmanship for architectural living

The Fountain Drive project underlines NMJ’s capability to deliver diverse, bespoke timber windows and doors for fast-paced, time-critical developments. The project was another positive example of NMJ’s collaborative process, working together with the architect and the developer to guarantee every detail was right from the start. 

The trust and communication between all parties involved meant the project progressed as planned, from design through to final delivery. All products were supplied by NMJ on time – well ahead of the specified eight-week delivery schedule – and to exact specifications, so installation and glazing could move forward without difficulties or delays. 

Maintaining this level of precision and reliability across a project is crucial to supporting contractors and developers on a range of design-led, heritage, and contemporary projects, while delivering products that perform beautifully and enhance the spaces they’re built for.