Sydenham Hill, London

With a focus on quality of living, wellbeing, warmth, and the visual and tactile character of natural timber, we worked closely with the architects and developer over nearly three years to deliver the double-glazed timber doors and windows required across three phases.

Early involvement for a precision spec

The project started in July 2022, over 12 months before a single order was placed. During this time, we provided detailed technical input, cost planning, advice on PAS 24 security compliance, glass specs (to ensure low u-values and high g-values for energy efficiency), and how to avoid potential water ingress – all key considerations in a multi-phase residential property.

We were also able to confirm that Douglas Fir was the preferred timber for the project, with the client choosing it for its high-resin content, strength, and durability, ticking all the boxes for performance and finish.

Unlike standard windows that generally have a 100mm frame depth, these casements featured oversized frame sections, some of which ran to around 500mm deep. But this requirement wasn’t just a design feature – these windows were purposely built into the room as furniture. The additional depth meant they could be used as shelving and seating, and even incorporate a desk with views out, giving every space a connection to the outside.

NMJ and our in-house team handmade each window and door with precision at every stage. And considering the scale of the units, it meant we had to be versatile, not just in design, but in production too, having enough space and machinery capacity to handle large and varied frames.

Trade windows and doors built on trust

Up to this point, all the work was completed remotely, with no site surveys or face-to-face meetings. Everything was coordinated from our workshop, based on our in-house designs in collaboration with Craftworks, and a trusted relationship with the client. Every drawing was reviewed and approved before manufacturing began, so no surprises or delays when we got to delivery.

Throughout the project, we managed cost expectations and informed the client on material pricing, even passing on supplier savings wherever possible. That transparency helped increase the trust we’d built over the previous years and proved the value of a supplier who’s as focused on the relationship as the product.

Delivery without compromise

The project wasn’t without its share of complications, however, and we suffered some timber supply issues, including shipments being rejected due to thickness and the quality not matching our specs. But having exceptional relationships with our suppliers meant the turnaround on the timber replacements was fast, and our project management experience allowed us to keep the schedule on track so the client received their products on time.

At the start of the process, the client requested a time penalty clause on the whole project, something we don’t usually agree to. But with confidence in our abilities across the board, we negotiated this to apply only to phase one of three to prove our work ethic and demonstrate that we can deliver. And we did. All three delivery phases landed on or before schedule, with final items hitting the site by week six or seven against an eight-week target.

This trade project is an excellent example of what NMJ can deliver when brought in early and trusted to do what we do best: making bespoke timber windows and doors with the dedication, craftsmanship, know-how, and flexibility that modern, design-led projects demand.