Ryburne Windows proves the authenticity of Autentica

Ryburne Windows, trade and consumer fabricator in Halifax, has just completed a prestigious project on a fascinating tourist attraction near Leeds: Thwaite Mills Watermill Museum. Ryburne’s suggestion of using an innovative Deceuninck product has helped to give the watermill a new lease of life as part of a major refurbishment project.

Thwaite Mills has one of the last remaining examples of a water-powered mill in Britain. The mill, which is a listed building, is being refurbished by Leeds City Council. Ryburne was originally approached by the project’s main contractor to supply a 2.7 x 2.00 metre pane of glass with an arched top that would maximise the light and viewing potential in the mill’s main hall. While Ryburne was more than capable of supplying this glass, its Managing Director, Peter Willemse, thought the company could supply a better solution: one using Autentica Romantic decorative mouldings. Autentica is the latest innovation from leading systems supplier, Deceuninck. Based on the 3000 Series system and manufactured with state-of-the-art production techniques, the hand-finished decorative mouldings build a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and maintenance-free durability.

Peter says, “Autentica is a unique and very impressive product and the Romantic style’s cruciform decorative detailing is completely in keeping with the building’s heritage. We knew it would pass the stringent planning requirements on listed building work and add value to the Thwaite Mills project.” Peter’s confidence was well-founded: the project’s contractor agreed with Peter’s suggestion, Leeds City Council approved the choice and Ryburne was commissioned to manufacture and install the window.

Manufacture and installation of the window took place smoothly, thanks to meticulous project management on Ryburne’s part. Peter says, “We pay great attention to detail on every project we undertake, but it was especially true on this project due to the historical significance of the site”.

Ryburne certainly did get it right: not only does the finished window look stunning, the company has already received another Autentica commission as a result. In late July Ryburne will be starting restoration work on a local pub using Autentica Baroc design with Renaissance mouldings.

PVC products are regarded with suspicion by many in the heritage and listed building sector. However, pioneering products such as Autentica have the potential to prove the doubters wrong, as Ryburne Windows and Thwaite Mill can testify.