Balancing classic aesthetics with contemporary performance standards, products from Alutec’s Traditional range of aluminium rainwater systems have been specified for a four star hotel in Suffolk.
Having undergone an extensive refurbishment programme, the Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket retains the charm and character of a country house, yet offers the very best in modern comfort and luxury.
So when it came to specifying replacement rainwater systems as part of the renovation, choosing a product that would blend sympathetically with the building’s traditional exterior was key.
Manufactured to BS 8530:2010, which replicates precisely original British Standard cast iron dimensions and offers a classic profile, Alutec’s Traditional range of gutters and downpipes was the obvious solution. Gareth Godfrey, Director at main contractor Godfrey and Hicks, along with Bedford Lodge Hotel’s owners and management, specified the Traditional Moulded Ogee gutter and downpipes in Heritage Black – a unique textured finish designed to emulate cast, iron but without the associated cost and maintenance requirements.
“We needed a rainwater system that would match the hotel’s classic style so the Traditional range from Alutec was ideal. The finish and quality of the products is excellent and has enabled us to achieve the period aesthetic but with none of the expense and hassle that comes with a cast iron system. The completed installation looks fantastic and it certainly helps set the tone of quality and refinement customers expect at such a prestigious establishment,” commented Gareth.
The Traditional system also ticked the boxes in terms of durability and long-term performance. All products in the Traditional range have an extremely long life expectancy of 50 years or more. The polyester powder coating ensures a hardwearing, fade resistant finish, which reduces maintenance – perfect for a project such as the Bedford Lodge Hotel, where the external finishes must remain looking their best.
As well as benefiting from this extended life span, the responsible manufacturing processes and infinitely recyclable aluminium used in the Traditional range make it a highly sustainable choice. Aluminium is one of the only materials that can be recycled again and again without loss of quality; in fact 75 per cent of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today.
Anthony Dobson, Director at Dobson and Smith Carpentry, installed the products. He commented: “There were quite a few odd shapes and bends on the building so we had to take a bit of time to plan out the system design, however Alutec’s Technical Services team were a big help with this and even came out to the site a few times when we needed some advice. The finished installation looks really good and the products are perfectly suited to the building.”
Alutec’s Technical Services team is on hand to help specifiers and installers with a wide variety of queries, including correct system choice, roof drainage design, flow rate calculations and installation advice – perfect for large projects such as the Bedford Lodge Hotel, where a bit of extra support is often needed.
Noel Byrne, Chief Executive of Bedford Lodge Hotel commented: “We’re really happy with the refurbishment as a whole and the new rainwater system has certainly contributed to the hotel’s smart new look. It’s also reassuring to know that the aluminium system has such a long lifespan and that it will need very little maintenance during that time.”
