Window Replacements at North Staffs Hospital
Overview
As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability and patient wellbeing, North Staffs Hospital commissioned the replacement of ageing and damaged windows across key areas of the site.
Working in partnership with Kawneer UK, Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions delivered a bespoke glazing solution designed to improve energy performance, enhance patient comfort, and support the hospital’s long-term environmental goals — all within a live, fully operational healthcare environment.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Partners: Kawneer UK | Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions
Product: Kawneer aa720 windows, Kawneer 451pt framing, Kawneer 190tb doors
Completion: The project has been ongoing since 2020
The Challenge
The existing windows at North Staffs Hospital had become inefficient and deteriorated over time, leading to excessive heat loss, and increased energy consumption.
A critical aspect of the project was the need to carry out installation work while wards remained in use, requiring exceptional planning, coordination, and sensitivity to the needs of patients and medical staff.
Operating in a live hospital environment meant that safety, hygiene, and noise control were top priorities. Every phase had to be meticulously managed to avoid disruption to ongoing healthcare services and maintain full compliance with hospital infection prevention standards.
Due to the time that the project was taking place it meant that covid was still a big factor in the work conditions meaning that wards could be shut down at any point due to an outbreak, this meant that we had to manage and reorganise the sequence of install at a moment’s notice.
Inside of the hospital there were many internal courtyards meaning that all materials had to be moved at weekends due to this being the calmest time around the hospital as the courtyards only had one door in and out, so we had to carry out work using tower scaffolds.
Our Solution
Bennett Architectural collaborated closely with Kawneer to specify and install Kawneer aa720 windows, Kawneer 451pt framing, Kawneer 190tb doors chosen for its outstanding thermal performance, longevity, and sustainability credentials.
The new system offers significantly improved insulation and weather resistance, supporting the hospital’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and operational energy costs.
Installation was carried out in carefully sequenced phases, allowing medical facilities to continue operating seamlessly. The Bennett Architectural team implemented strict site safety measures, maintained clear communication with hospital management, and coordinated access to always ensure the wellbeing of patients and staff.
This collaborative, precision-led approach demonstrated our capability to deliver high-performance façade solutions within the most challenging, sensitive environments.
Outcome
The completed works have revitalised the hospital façade, providing both aesthetic and operational improvements. Patients and staff benefit from enhanced comfort, reduced draughts, and improved thermal stability — contributing to a more sustainable and pleasant care setting.
By combining Kawneer’s market-leading glazing systems with Bennett Architectural’s specialist installation expertise, the project stands as a model for excellence in healthcare refurbishment and environmental responsibility.
The hospital has stated that they are satisfied with the installs and that’s why they’ve been coming back for the last 5 years and plan to work with us in the future. They are impressed with how we work well together and accommodate their needs as they understand working in a occupied medical environment has its own unique challenges. For the last two years we have been using in house employed fitters rather than subcontractors and we have had very good feedback on the quality of work and how helpful the fitters have been re organising installations when the wards have been closed due to factors outside of their control.