A Window Into SWA Commercial Project Winner 2025, West Leigh

At the 2025 Steel Window Association awards, the Commercial Project winner was West Leigh’s Len House project. Andy Bawn, MD of West Leigh, tells us all about the company today.

Len House, Maidstone – West Leigh’s meticulous restoration of this Grade II listed Art Deco landmark, featuring like-for-like W20 steel windows and doors, curved frames, and bespoke detailing to preserve its historic character

What is your core business?

Andy Bawn, Managing Director for West Leigh

West Leigh has been a steel window and door manufacturer for over 75 years and, today, the team provides highly specialist bespoke steel window services; from curtain walling to heritage and refurbishment projects. The advanced approach and specialism in the thermally broken product range makes West Leigh the perfect partner for architects and contractors across the UK.

What are the target markets for West Leigh?

Architects, main contractors and property owners.

Why is West Leigh a member of the Steel Window Association?

The benefits of being a member of the Steel Window Association is the sharing of pooled resources, while the years of experience and expertise throughout the association allows the development of new products for the ever-evolving requirements of the building regulations. The marketing reach of the association is a great benefit to all.

What sets West Leigh apart? What do you see as a competitive advantage you offer that other companies do not, for London-based projects?

As the company is based in London, we are able to offer a totally local service encompassing the design, manufacture, and project management our clients need. At West Leigh, everything is bespoke and handmade to the clientele’s specifications. We, therefore, pride ourselves on quality which led us to be certified with ISO 9001.

Are there any key projects you would like to mention?

We recently completed the installation of 464 new windows and doors at the New Chancery Rosewood Hotel in Mayfair. The building was the old American Embassy, so we had to take a careful approach for the replacement windows to align with the requirements of Listed Building status as well as providing enhanced thermal and acoustic performances. Similarly, West Leigh is currently engaged with Sir Robert McAlpine on the site of the old Smithfield’s meat market; another listed building to be suitably refurbished for new occupants, The Museum of London.

Both projects incorporated Ottostumm’s W50TB thermally broken steel window system. Designed to match the sightline profiles of the old W20 and Universal sections, W50TB is a great system for both heritage and new build projects alike. The Chancery Rosewood also had Shueco’s thermally broken Janisol HI steel doors to all the balconies.

Pictured above is Voysey House, Chiswick, West Leigh’s award-winning restoration of a former Victorian wallpaper factory, featuring bespoke steel windows and doors using rare Series 200 profiles and Fineo vacuum glazing for exceptional thermal performance and heritage detailing.

What do you see as the biggest challenges to the steel window industry in the UK today?

The biggest challenge to the steel window industry is the lowering of u-values and the far higher performances required. Fortunately, we have the benefit of system specific applied glazing bars replicating the welded glazing bars of the old steel window profiles. That, along with the vastly improved glazing options available to us, allows for the steel window industry to keep moving with the times, whilst still offering the traditional slimline and robust aesthetic steel windows are renowned for.

What are the company's top priorities over the next few years?

Over the next few years, the company's top priorities are centred around strategic product innovation and portfolio expansion. A major focus will be the development of our thermally broken windows. These are designed to significantly improve energy efficiency and thermal performance, aligning with growing demand for sustainable building solutions. We're investing in advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure these windows meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

In parallel, we're committed to broadening our product offering. This means identifying complementary products that enhance our existing lineup and meet evolving customer needs. Whether it's through in-house development or strategic partnerships, adding new products will allow us to serve a wider market and strengthen our position as a comprehensive solutions provider in the fenestration industry.

Together, these initiatives reflect our long-term vision: to lead with innovation, respond to market trends, and deliver exceptional value to our customers.

How long has your oldest member of staff been working at West Leigh? What makes an employee want to stay with the company? Any other key members?

We have a great history of long-serving staff in both the factory and office, so we are obviously doing the right thing by our employees. Our longest serving members have been at the company for 49 and 51 years. For the last few years, we have had yearly get-togethers with the current workforce and those now retired (many of those retired were with the company for over 40 years). We all have a good work ethic, and we know how to work together and build trusting, long term relationships.

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk