The winner of 2025’s Crittall House of the Year Awards has been announced – and it’s an impressive, modern, full-house renovation, inspired by a London hotel.
Set in an elevated position with expansive views, the homeowners of this Sheffield property were first introduced to Crittall Windows while staying at the iconic Soho Hotel – being instantly drawn to its distinctive feel. Hiring KJA Services to bring their vision to life, what started as a plan for a few key windows grew into a full-house scheme…
What stood out for me with this project is that not only does the Crittall create a visually impressive and beautiful feature, but the glazing perfectly complements and blends with the overall industrial-style aesthetic of the kitchen design – from the cabinetry, stainless-steel splashback and appliances, to the finishing touches.
So, intrigued by the project, I reached out to the homeowners to find out more about the renovation journey…
The renovation
The renovation of this new-build property in Sheffield has been a decade in the making. And it was certainly worth the 10-year process. Katie, her husband, daughter, and dog moved here from a large Victorian property, determined to put some of that period character into the ultra-contemporary space.
“It was all very modern and it had an incredibly minimal and masculine kitchen. So, one of the first things we did was open up the space between two rooms that were on different levels to create a kitchen-living-diner.”
The new industrial-style interiors with a twist
When it came to the new interiors, while Katie went for an all-singing, all-dancing, bespoke kitchen with a large social island and impressive appliances, something wasn’t quite right.
“It was beautiful, built to a very high quality, and we loved it. But it always felt a bit shiny and new. I wanted the space to feel cosy and lived-in. Thankfully, this organically evolved as time went on – with a little help from us essentially battering it up over the years to make it a bit more eclectic and industrial.”
The ‘battering’ included changing the work surfaces to be less ‘matchy’, and distressing the cabinetry. But the icing on the cake came a few years later when the couple stayed at the Soho Hotel in London. “It was actually staying there and looking at the Crittall windows that made us think, ‘this is what we’re missing – we want these windows’.”
Fast forward to last year when the bespoke glazing was incorporated throughout the house, including an 18ft tall, double-storey rear wall of windows, shower screens, and internal doors. “It was the final piece of the jigsaw putting the windows in; they look like they could have been there forever.”
The space now flows and feels just as Katie imagined all those years ago, when they first moved in. “I love it when all the windows and doors are open – it feels like one huge industrial area perfect for us and our lifestyle.”
Crittall House of the Year Awards
The Crittall House of the Year competition celebrates outstanding design, expert craftsmanship and the creative potential of steel glazing – which Russell Ager, managing director at Crittall Windows, says the winner represents an ‘outstanding example’ of.
“This exceptional project demonstrates the perfect blend of architectural vision and Crittall’s renowned craftsmanship, showcasing the versatility and timeless appeal that has defined our products for over 175 years,” says Russell.
“What makes this installation truly remarkable is how seamlessly our steel systems have been integrated throughout the home, creating a cohesive design narrative that maximises natural light while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic excellence our brand is known for. From external façades to internal screens, every Crittall element works harmoniously to enhance the property’s architectural character.
“The winning project perfectly illustrates how our steel windows and doors can elevate any residential project, whether it’s a heritage restoration, modern new-build, or contemporary renovation.”
Photography: Leighton James
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