Marley Alutec’s rainwater and eaves systems have been used in a stunning restoration and extension project that has brought a fire-damaged listed school building in Scotland into the 21st Century.
St Mary’s Primary is located in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and is classified as a category C listed building by Historic Scotland. Unfortunately the building suffered fire damage and while no one was hurt during the incident, the building was in need of significant repair. Proposals were put forward that saw the partial demolition, rebuild, refurbishment and extension of the school.
Jim McCracken, Architect at South Lanarkshire Council, commented: “Crucial to the planning process was the use of building materials that would satisfy the listing requirements. Originally built in 1872 it was important that materials contributed to maintaining the traditional external façade whilst also complementing the new build extension. Marley Alutec’s aluminium products provided a perfect bridge between new and old, tying the two parts of the building together really well.”
Planning and Building Standards, Community and Enterprise Resources, South Lanarkshire Council gave planning approval and Historic Scotland granted Listed Building Consent for the project, finding both the profile and material of Marley Alutec’s products suitable for the application. Installed at the school was the company’s Traditional Moulded Ogee guttering and Traditional downpipes. Made from marine grade aluminium, the guttering has superb performance and sustainability credentials with a life expectancy of 50 years. What’s more, this impressive life span is virtually maintenance free and the whole system can be fully recycled at the end of its service life.
Marley Alutec’s Traditional downpipe system offers the look and feel of cast iron rainwater systems, but with the modern performance characteristics expected from 21st century buildings. Delivering performance benefits that could never be achieved using cast iron, the Traditional downpipe system offers easy installation (being 65 per cent lighter than cast iron) and minimum maintenance, as well as excellent longevity, durability and sustainability.
Jim continued: “Just as important as the aesthetics was the performance of the materials used. The 50 year plus lifespan of Marley Alutec’s products was particularly impressive and meant that we could invest in the future of the school knowing that we wouldn’t have to revisit the rainwater and eaves systems for many years to come. It’s sustainability credentials were also very important as we strived to build as responsibly as possible.”
Also installed at the school was Marley Alutec’s Evoke fascia and soffit system. Manufactured from highly durable composite aluminium, Evoke is a low maintenance and long lasting alternative to timber, sheet aluminium or plastic eaves systems. Featuring a unique nano self-cleaning coat, it requires minimal maintenance and it also has a life expectancy of 50 years or more.
What’s more, aluminium can be recycled again and again without losing its quality – in fact it is estimated that 75 per cent of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today, making all of Marley Alutec’s products some of the most sustainable building materials available.
Jim concluded: “The installation of Marley Alutec’s products was quick and straight forward and the finished result provides real continuity between the two parts of the school.”
