CUPA
R12 Excellence slate from CUPA PIZARRAS has been installed as part of a
spectacular redevelopment of Heworth House in York.
Matthew
Groom of Brierley Groom Architects specified the Spanish natural slate as it
was in keeping with the original character of the building and the surrounding
architecture.
Heworth
House, originally constructed in 1865 as the old Heworth Rectory, embodies the
essence of high Victorian Gothic architecture, expertly envisioned by the
York-based architect George Fowler Jones. Over the years, the property has had
several changes of use, including a day nursery, offices, and a health clinic.
The building
was recently sold to Flanstead Ltd (managed by Integra Property Management),
which is converting it back into a residence with six high-quality apartments
Although
Heworth House is not listed, it does lie within the Heworth conservation area,
which is designed to protect the special architectural or historic interest of
the buildings. This obligation to preserve the unique and distinctive
environment played an important part in the conversion.
Brierley
Groom Architects’ sympathetic design optimises the use of the existing building
without having a detrimental impact on the natural, built or historical
environment.
Since
visiting the CUPA PIZARRAS quarry in the North West of Spain to see the slate
being processed, CUPA PIZARRAS’ natural slate has been architect Matthew
Groom’s go-to choice for his projects. “We consulted with the team at CUPA
PIZARRAS who provided us with samples of a suitable slate. It was important to
respect the character of the building, and with CUPA R12 Excellence, we were
able to achieve this.”
CUPA
R12 Excellence is a high-quality dark grey slate with a smooth surface that
helps to maintain the building’s original architecture.
With a
guaranteed lifespan of more than one hundred years and minimal maintenance, the
slate provides a smooth, uniform and visually striking finish that will last.
CUPA R12 is has also been approved for use in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park -
tested and approved as an equal to local Welsh slate in terms of its
characteristics.
“This
was a large roofing project with a lot of details for us to work with. The
spire was particularly challenging, but CUPA 12 was easy to install,” explained
Michael Breen of MB Roofing. “We use CUPA PIAZARRAS Spanish slate all the time
and really like the finished look of the slates.”
In
addition to its durability, natural slate is the most sustainable product for
roofs as it goes through a simple production process that requires no chemicals
and less water and energy than alternative roofing products. This sustainable
approach has resulted in CUPA 12 gaining BRE Global Certification.
“Throughout
the planning process, we became more aware of sustainability and what was
practical for this development. As well as trying to maintain many of the
original features, we wanted to convert the property as sympathetically as
possible to the age of the building,” commented Debbie Terry, Integra Property
Management.
“CUPA
PIZARRAS natural slate roof has met our brief perfectly. We’re delighted with
the level of workmanship and the aesthetic appearance of the roof.”
