Marley Alutec’s Evoke roofline solution has been selected for a custom new-build property within a conservation area in Ipswich. The composite aluminium system was chosen to provide a durable, low maintenance, modern look that would complement the surrounding area.
The property is located on Constitution Hill, a residential street within the Park Conservation area of Ipswich. The land also previously formed part of the Woodside estate, which includes the nearby Grade II listed building. As such the design of the house and the materials used needed to be considered carefully.
Ben Moore, Architectural Technologist at KLH Architects explained: “We were tasked with producing a design that would take advantage of the unique features of the site. We also needed to consider the shape and materials of neighbouring properties and the wider local context while creating a house with subtle modern influences.”
The southern side of the house, visible from Constitution Hill, makes extensive use of materials such as red Suffolk bricks and the shape of the roof features multiple gables with a central spine to reflect the surrounding properties. The northern section features standing seam zinc cladding alongside large expanses of glazing and open plan spaces to make the most of the landscape that falls away behind the house.
Marley Alutec’s Evoke system has been used in a number of innovative ways in the construction of the property, which was carried out by local custom-build specialists Birch Construction. The design features three-step bargeboards on the gable edges, created using two pieces of Evoke and a separate dry verge system with each set back approximately 50mm from the previous layer.
The roofline also includes a distinctive hidden gutter design. This was achieved by installing a box gutter on the front of the roof that was then hidden by the Evoke soffits and fascia to make it invisible from ground level. For this Marley Alutec produced a number of bespoke elements including box section ends and custom soffit pieces. All the Evoke fascia and soffits were supplied in RAL 7036 (Platinum Grey) to match other elements such as the windows, dry verge roofing and chimney edge pieces.
Ongoing maintenance and longevity were key factors in the selection of the roofline solutions. Ben Moore explained: “In addition to the design requirements, we needed a long lasting, low maintenance product because in some areas the roofline is 11m high. This would make accessing the fascia frequently to clean and maintain it impractical – Evoke ticked all the boxes.”
Marley Alutec’s Evoke systems, which have a functional 50-year life expectancy, are finished in a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) architectural grade paint – keeping maintenance requirements to a minimum. The aluminium also naturally generates an oxide coating if damaged to prevent corrosion developing.
Gary Sadler, Buyer at Birch Construction said: “Marley Alutec helped us overcome a number of small challenges with this element of the project and the ability to produce the bespoke parts helped us achieve details of the design that would otherwise not be possible.
“Where practical, our team carried out all the work to ensure the best quality and control on the build. The installation of the Marley Alutec products was simple as the custom sections just fitted into place and adjustments to the standard sections could be made easily on site by our carpenters using standard tools.”
Kevin Wallis, Category Manager at Marley Alutec concluded: “For Marley Alutec, this scheme pushed the boundaries of design and application to a new level. While bespoke production was an essential ingredient for this project, Birch Homes deserve the utmost credit for their continually flexible approach and attention to detail. It just shows what can be achieved when designers, contractors and suppliers come together early and work in the spirit of collaboration. It has been a pleasure to be involved in such a distinctive and ambitious project.”
To find out more about Marley Alutec’s range of aluminium solutions visit www.marleyalutec.co.uk.