Case Studies
SAINT-GOBAIN SYSTEMS MAKE THE GRADE ON LISTED BUILDINGS
Projects involving listed buildings or being carried out in conservation areas invariably dictate the use of cast-iron rainwater systems to maintain architectural integrity and building aesthetics.
The Classical range from Saint-Gobain Pipelines encompasses eight gutter profiles which makes it suitable for a wide range of architectural periods and styles whilst combining significant benefits to the installer in terms of speed and ease of installation.
A factor frequently encountered in conversion or restoration projects is the need to cope with increased flow rates from steep pitched roofs. Saint-Gobain’s Classical Express range features a true half-round gutter profile which can deal with significantly higher flow rates than traditional half-round gutters.
The following is a summary of some recent projects where Saint-Gobain Classical rainwater systems have been specified in restoration and conversion projects.
[b]The Gunnerys, Tarporley, Cheshire[/b]
The Gunnerys is a mixed use project involving restoration, refurbishment and one new-build element taking place in a conservation area. It involves an old bakery being converted into office units, a delicatessen dating back to 1820, cottages, a mill house and granary in a mix of sandstone and reclaimed brick. With the conservation area location dictating the use of cast-iron systems, Cheshire-based developer Matrec Ltd selected the Classical range from Saint-Gobain as offering the most cost-effective solution. The specification called for a mix or 4in and 6in gutters and downpipes.
[b]Springfield Mill, Sandiacre, Derbyshire[/b]
A Grade II listed building, Springfield Mill is being converted into apartments by contractor Jessops. Guttering specialists Roweaver selected Saint-Gobain’s Classical Plus range for its advantages of speed on site: Classical Plus has a factory-applied finished coating and features the Classical system’s unique jointing clip for fast installation. To ensure a good fit of guttering to the building’s turrets, Roweaver produced accurate templates to enable Saint-Gobain to produce special tailor-made radius gutters.
[b]Spelbrook Barn, Bishops Stortford, Cambridgeshire[/b]
Carried out by CDW construction, this project involves the conversion of an ancient barn and stable blocks into a private dwelling. Because of the historic significance of the buildings, all work on the project has to be carried out under the supervision of a local conservation officer, who specified the use of cast-iron rainwater systems.
With large areas of steep pitched roofing, volume of drainage was a factor that also needed to be taken into account on this project. The Classical Express Plus 125mm gutter with 75mm downpipe specified is capable of dealing with flow rates of 1.5L per minute and the factory-applied paint finish reduced the total installation time.
[b]Old Woodlands House, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire[/b]
Although not a listed building, Old Woodlands House is a traditionally-built property in an Oxfordshire village setting which required replacement of the original cast-iron gutters and down pipes. The specific requirement was for a deep ogee which was met by the Classical Type 46 profile. In this instance, the customer also wanted the advantages of the Classical Plus pre-painted option which was produced by Saint-Gobain as a special order.
[b]Pulford Barns, Chester[/b]
This 16-barn conversion project was carried out by specialist developer Delamore Developments of Chester, a company that routinely specifies cast-iron rainwater systems on projects of this type. Classical Express was specified for its 125mm true half-round gutter with increased flow rates to cope with rainwater discharge from the barns’ extensive pitched roofs.