Project Details

The Property

A bespoke new build property which was built to form a circle around a circular central courtyard.

The Location

Located close to the Spa Town of Harrogate, this property was ideally placed for access to the A1 motorway providing easy access North and South.

Specification of work

The original architects drawings suggested that the use of a man made slate roof covering.

However, this was not possible due to the fact that each slate had to be cut to run around the curve. Man made slates, as specified, could not be cut in this fashion.

As such, a new Welsh Slate roof covering was installed using Cwt-Y-Bugail 500 x 250 slates.

Further, there were several dormers and a large flat roof area on top of the building which also followed the curve.

The idea of a lead roof was considered on the flat section and the dormers but eventually it was decided that standing seam zinc would provide a more appropriate look.

The Materials

• New Welsh slates were used supplied by Yates from the Cwt-y-Bugail quarry. 
• VM zinc was used for the dormers and flat roof area along with all flashing and interface details.

As a matter of course, where reclaimed roofing materials are used our go to supplier is The Reclaimed Company. 

The Project

The project was undertaken using two distinct and specialist teams.

Our in house team of traditional slate roofers were tasked with cutting each slate to run around the circular roof. Prior to this the battens also needed to be formed around  the curve.

Secondary, our team of zinc specialists were engaged to clad the dormers and install the apron flashing at the interface with the flat roof.

Further, the flat roof was formed using standing seam zinc and interfaces with the chimneys created and fully soldered.

Challenges

Due to the nature of the roof, being a complete circle, the detailing and interface work in slate and zinc presented significant challenges.

Further, there was a lack of any clear guidance from the architect or client as to what was required.

Additionally, based upon the existing drawing, the roof areas grew considerably in proportion. What was drawn to be a 600mm wide ridge capping increased to a 2400mm wide low pitched roof area. 

Costs were managed as dimensional changes were uncovered. 

Skills Required

• Slate roofing on a curve.
• Zinc work, including standing seam and soldered detailing.

Materials Used

• New Welsh Slates.
• VM quartz plus zinc.