Marley's market-leading, corrosion-resistant profiled sheeting has been specified as a roofing solution on the stunning development of a new build eco-home on the banks of the River Rother near Rye.
Its journey from concept to completion has also been featured on Channel 4’s influential property programme, Grand Designs.
The ambitious residential property built to replace a 1920s bungalow on a flood plain within a farmer’s field, was designed by Ben Hebblethwaite from GODSMARK Architecture.
His inspiration was informed by the work of Australian architect, Glen Murcutt who specialises in the creation of rural-based ‘bush houses’ that use shiny metal profiled sheets for the roof. The new build - essentially a boat house by the river - includes open plan living areas, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a boathouse and terraces extending the living spaces outdoors.
In addition, the house is raised up above the ground on a floating concrete platform by a series of concrete piers which allows the flood plain below to function, whilst ensuring the outlook from the building can provide expansive views across the surrounding marsh. The overall design has a ‘ship-like’ quality inspired by the property’s boat loving owner. The nautical theme is also seen in many aspects of the structural concept, including the non-traditional inverted butterfly roof.
Architect Ben Hebblethwaite explains the role Marley’s profiled sheeting has played on the project: “I was commissioned to design the new build by my uncle who is the property owner. As the site is on a farm we wanted to use a roof cladding solution to replicate and relate to the existing farm buildings populating the area.
“After considering a stainless steel or aluminium product and rejecting them based upon cost and availability issues, we turned to Marley’s profiled sheeting as a competitive and design-led solution. We also rethought our original design concept. We moved away from delivering a ‘shiny’ roof finish, and opted instead for a radically different answer by selecting the double painted black colour option for the sheeting from the Marley range. The site is located within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the careful attention to detail such as the chestnut timber cladding also allows the building to sensitively relate to its natural surroundings.”
The aesthetic qualities of the chosen profiled sheeting such as its resonant colour, as well as its reliable and proven performance over the long-term, made it a highly appropriate product to select for the project within its location.
Ben continues: “With the underside of the roof sheets exposed, and as the profile is its key quality, I wanted the edge to be black also. The product gave us that option, adding greatly to the impressive overall finished look for both the inverted roof and the building. We are very happy with how the profiled sheeting works on the project, as it provides both the precise kind of visual appeal for the building’s setting we were seeking, as well as the guarantee of strong performance and low ongoing maintenance benefits.”
The development used approximately 80m2 of profiled sheeting. Jonathan Shum, Business Development Manager for Marley, comments: “The specification of profiled sheeting as a versatile roofing solution for the project highlights its performance and aesthetic appeal to architects. Its use has enabled both the client and the architect’s vision to be realised and helped to visually place the new building appropriately within its rural location.
“With proven performance characteristics, as well as a sustainable manufacturing process that means it can achieve A+ or A ratings in the BRE Green Guide, profiled sheeting provides a perfect answer for ambitious, eco-based projects by underpinning architectural aspiration, maximising cost benefits and delivering long-lasting and sustainable functionality.”
‘Nirvana’ was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme in September 2015.
