Restoring the Original Windows at Filmhouse Edinburgh
We’re thrilled to have been chosen to refurbish 18 windows at Filmhouse Edinburgh, a landmark venue with an incredible legacy in Scotland’s cultural history.
The building itself dates back to 1831, originally constructed as a church on Lothian Road before transforming into a cinema in 1979. Filmhouse became known for its proudly independent spirit, ground-breaking programming, and home of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
In 2022, the cinema sadly closed, but thanks to a passionate grassroots campaign and support from funding partners and the council, Filmhouse has been fully restored and reopened in 2025 as a four-screen venue with a bold new future.
We are immensely proud to have played a small but vital role in this remarkable restoration of this historic building, through the careful refurbishment of its sash and case windows.
Our window refurbishment package allows us to retain as much original material as possible while dramatically improving performance and longevity. Here’s how we refurbished the windows at the Filmhouse.
Firstly, we removed the historic paint layers, allowing for a full inspection of the underlying timber, ensuring any concealed defects can be accurately identified and addressed. Glazing putty is then renewed, with existing sand mastic and foam cavity fill carefully removed. Finally, all surfaces are comprehensively sanded and prepared to create a flawless base for the application of new protective coatings.
To enhance thermal comfort and reduce air leakage, we also install high-performance draught-proofing systems. Brush seals are carefully integrated into baton rods, parting beads, and mid rails, maintaining the windows’ original appearance while significantly improving energy efficiency, acoustic performance, and ease of operation.
Once prepared, each window was painted internally and externally using our specialist Remmers paint system. Finally, a traditional sand mastic was applied around the perimeter, providing a breathable, conservation-appropriate seal that respects the character of the building.
Our refurbishment work does far more than improve aesthetics. It extends the life of the windows by decades, enhances comfort for visitors and staff, and contributes to the building’s sustainability objectives through conservation-first principles.
We’re immensely proud to play a role in Filmhouse Edinburgh’s next chapter, preserving its architectural legacy while supporting its evolution as one of Scotland’s most vital cultural spaces. Be sure to check it out, and take in the stunning windows while you’re there.
