Maybe we are just heritage hardware geeks here at Em-B, but we think there’s something deeply satisfying about a lever handle that feels solid in the hand, a hinge that moves smoothly but silently, a finish that seems to belong to the building. And in heritage projects, those details surely matter more than anywhere. The challenge for architectural ironmongers is to preserve the craftsmanship of the past while delivering the strength, safety and reliability demanded by modern use.
At Em-B, we believe that the best results come when design heritage and technical innovation meet in the middle. From Grantley Hall to Gleneagles Townhouse and Overdale House, our work has shown that traditional craft and modern performance don’t have to clash.
Craftsmanship You Can Feel
Hardware is one of the few elements of a building that people physically touch, which makes its quality immediately apparent – sometimes before you have even got into the building. In heritage interiors, that tactile feedback is part of the experience: the weight of a lever, the cool feel of a bronze finish, the precision of a latch closing cleanly into place.
At Overdale House, we worked really closely with the interior designer to design and manufacture a bespoke suite of Imperial Bronze hardware. Each component was designed to complement the property’s stone and timber palette while giving the durability expected of a modern family home. The result is a finish that feels hand-made but performs to 21st-century standards.
The Engineering Behind the Aesthetic
Of course, true craftsmanship relies on engineering and precision as much as artistry. Modern techniques like laser cutting and CNC machining complement traditional methods and precision finishing to produce hardware that looks traditionally made but meets rigorous modern testing standards.
At Gleneagles Townhouse, fire-rated hinges and concealed closers were specified alongside hand-finished handles. The combination delivered both the integrity required by the building regulations and the elegant feel demanded by a luxury hotel.
Material Matters
The materials we choose for heritage projects matter to both appearance and longevity. Brass, bronze and stainless steel age beautifully, developing patina while resisting corrosion. Finishes such as antique brass or aged nickel can be tailored to match existing ironmongery, to ensure continuity from old to new.
At Grantley Hall, bronze hardware was selected not just for its colour but for its ability to wear beautifully over time. The finish evolves subtly, echoing the building’s history while maintaining structural performance.
Modern Demands, Traditional Values
Today’s heritage buildings must perform like modern ones. For example, residents, guests, visitors and staff expect silent doors, compliant fire safety, and accessible operation, all while the architecture retains its original polish.
At Channel 4 Leeds, for example, Em-B supplied certified hardware that met fire, acoustic and accessibility standards, but in finishes sympathetic to the original design.
Heritage Hardware Made to Last
The real beauty of craftsmanship is its longevity. Hardware for heritage buildings should be maintainable, not disposable. That’s why we work with manufacturers who produce components that can be refurbished or refinished decades after installation to give long-term value and continuity. We keep meticulous records so that when replacements are needed for heritage projects, exact finish codes and technical records allow us to match every detail and keep the building’s story intact.
Heritage Hardware Made to Perform
Craftsmanship and performance aren’t opposing forces; they are two sides of the same coin. Every hinge, lock and handle can honour traditional design while meeting the demands of modern use.
If you’re specifying for a heritage project, talk to the Em-B team about how we can help you balance craftsmanship, compliance and contemporary performance in every detail.
Yes. Many products now combine traditional aesthetics with CE marking and fire testing to achieve full compliance.
Brass and bronze offer authenticity and longevity, while stainless steel provides strength and corrosion resistance where needed.
Through bespoke patination or hand-finishing. Em-B works with specialist manufacturers to replicate historic tones and textures.
In most cases, yes, with careful measurement and custom fixings to protect the door fabric and maintain its appearance.
Specify hardware ranges with replaceable components, durable materials and recorded finish codes so that future refurbishments can match exactly.
