Black aluminum windows in a historic townhouse in Manhattan – case study
Preservation commissioner requirements often limit the range of types, designs, or materials for windows and doors. This issue is well known in Manhattan’s townhouses, where many historic buildings are located.
However, the story of my client Jack from Black Square Builders shows that the restoration process doesn’t need to be a nightmare if you have access to a wide variety of custom windows at affordable prices.
About the client
debesto’s client: Jack Szewczyk, Project Manager at Black Square Builders
Project: historic townhouse
Location: New York, United States of America
The challenge: Combining historic design with cost-efficiency
Jack has extensive experience in installing European windows in the U.S. With over 20 years of expertise, he has successfully managed a wide range of residential projects.
We’ve been collaborating for several years now, and this time, Jack’s company is working on the reconstruction of a beautiful renaissance revival townhouse in Manhattan, not far from Central Park.
The project requires meeting strict technical specifications, particularly in designing windows that fit within the historic character of the building, while still delivering strong thermal performance and cost-efficiency.
Project requirements
- Meet preservation commissioner requirements for historic buildings
- Meet the investor’s usability, design, and budget requirements
- Ensure cost-effectiveness to achieve higher project margins
- Use high-performance products
The solution: black aluminum windows at the back wall
To bring everything together—cost-efficiency, high performance, a modern-historic design, and compliance with all formal requirements—the building will have several types of windows installed: aluminum windows on the rear façade and wood windows on the front.
In this case study, we’re focusing on the rear. We’ve chosen to use Aluprof frames there, which provide excellent value for the money, along with grilles to mimic the building’s historic design.
Products chosen for the project:
- Aluprof MB-79N – tilt and turn windows, fixed windows, glass doors
Custom options:
- black matt frame color
- hidden hinges
- glued grilles (muntin bars)
- tempered glass
- opening limiters
The results: a modern historic design that meets formal requirements
Every architect, contractor, or design-build professional who works with heritage buildings knows how challenging it can be to bring everything together without excessive costs or poor design results.
During my time at debesto, I’ve gained experience with similar projects and always strive to find cost-effective optimizations for our customers. Additionally, through consultations with our technologists, we ensure that the selected windows meet all essential requirements.
Project gallery of black aluminum windows and doors:
What did Jack and his company gain?
Meeting the requirements of the preservation commissioner
A wide variety of custom products in one place
Cost-efficiency without losing design quality
How does Jack feel about working with debesto?
I decided to work with debesto thanks to Patryk, who quickly earned my trust. He was very responsible and responded to my questions promptly.
In this industry, this is important because time is money. Any delay in responding to our clients can result in them going to another contractor.
As for the European windows themselves, their quality is higher, and the prices are lower. The difficulty level of installing European windows is different; they are heavier than American ones and require more precision. However, in the end, if I can pay less and get better quality, I choose windows from Poland over American ones.
Interested in achieving similar results?
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