With an unusual curved roof design, creating a bespoke soffit and fascia system for the Oaks and Acorns social housing development in Luton was a welcome challenge for Alutec’s technical design team.
Working closely alongside subcontractors Specialised Fixings of Ipswich, the manufacturer has supplied a complete solution, including products from its range of aluminium rainwater systems.
Commissioned by North Hertfordshire Homes, the affordable housing was built on behalf of Luton Borough Council as part of its programme to ease local housing pressures. The development consists of 12 one-bedroom flats, several three-bedroom terraced houses and 10 four-bedroom semi-detached properties. The majority of properties on the site will be rented as social housing, while the remaining homes will be sold under a shared ownership scheme.
A key condition of the planning consent was that the properties conform to Level Three of the Code for Sustainable Homes, therefore all building products specified within the project needed to meet high levels of sustainability. In addition, the client required a durable and low-maintenance solution that would minimise future repairs and upkeep. For these reasons, Alutec’s aluminium rainwater products and composite soffit and fascia system were the ideal choice.
Already familiar with the environmental pedigree and long term performance of Alutec’s products, main contractor Hill Partnerships specified the Alutec soffit, fascia and coping system for the arched roofline, which was installed by specialist subcontractors Specialised Fixings.
Robert McTiernan, General Manager at Specialised Fixings, commented: “This project was more challenging than a standard housing association build, as the design featured large curved areas. We spent a lot of time working with Alutec on the up front design to make it absolutely perfect and to avoid any problems during the installation process.”
“Alutec helped us in working through the design process and were always available to assist at any point. This is one of the main reasons why we enjoy working with Alutec so much, as their technical expertise is excellent, as is the quality of their products and customer service.”
Manufactured to meet the highest standards of durability and reliability, Alutec’s soffit and fascia systems offer a lightweight alternative to PVC or sheet aluminium solutions. Comprising a 100% recycled polyethylene core, with a composite aluminium outer layer and high performance PVDF paint, the system is extremely durable, with a life expectancy of 50 years or more.
Hill Partnerships also specified the Evolve Deepflow gutter system along with Flush-fit 76mm Ø downpipes, in a slate grey shade. Evolve Deepflow is a semi-elliptical profile with an exceptional hydraulic performance of 4.9 litres per second, enabling it to efficiently drain larger roof areas or those with long, steep pitches – as is the case at Oaks and Acorns.
Manufactured from marine grade aluminium, the Evolve Deepflow system is 100% recyclable at the end of its exceptionally long lifespan – lasting 50 years or more. In addition, the system is highly resistant to corrosion, meaning this period is virtually maintenance free.
Finley Wood, Development Project Manager from North Hertfordshire Homes commented: “We are really pleased with the development.
"The properties have been designed to be aesthetically pleasing, with the striking roof shape and a strong focus on environmentally friendly materials such as aluminium and timber, and the products from Alutec have certainly helped us to achieve this overall look.”
