Canted bay window
The canted Edwardian bay window was restored and the glazing upgraded to incorporate high energy glass to improve the thermal and sound properties. It is important to upgrade historic windows in a sensitive manner to ensure the historic appearance of the window is not undermined. In this case, the glass was inserted within the original frame so the window retained all the historic timber.

Replica window
In certain cases, it may be necessary to reproduce a historic window to match the original windows. This example at Arbutus Avenue has been made from sustainable timber sourced from an environmentally managed plantation. It is almost identical in appearance to the existing windows and in accordance with conservation principles, has been recorded in the building log book as a new building element.

Stairhall
The original Edwardian staircase and stairhall at Arbutus Avenue was also fully restored. These stairs with ribbed spindles and the bevel top newel posts are an architectural feature of the late Edwardian period. The stairhall is typical of the early 20th century with a dado rail and lincrusta wallpaper (textured and raised wallpaper) beneath it.

Fireplace
This Edwardian fireplace is a typical example of those commonly found in Dublin in the early 20th century. As part of its restoration, the heavy layers of paint were removed to reveal the intricate decoration and it was then treated and polished. When removed from the wall as part of the restoration, the original maker’s stamp with the place and date of manufacture was evident on the reverse side.

Door lock
Original door furniture is proportioned to compliment the historic character of the door. In this case, the original nickel, bronze, brass and cast-iron riveted Victorian rim lock was restored to full working order. Rim locks were found in almost all 19th century houses but very few survive today. The original door knobs and escutcheon (key hole surround), where surviving were also preserved on other doors in the house.

Bath
The roll-top enamelled cast-iron Victorian bath was resurfaced and restored. The condition of the floor joists were also visually assessed to ensure they could continue to support the heavy load of the bath as Victorian baths, when filled with water can weigh up to ¼ of a tonne.