Catnic product: Catnic® Urban Roofing
Project name: Manor Farm
Project type: Self Build House extension
Specifier: AV Architects
Location: Monmouthshire, Wales
Manor Farm House is situated within a modern estate and curtilage-listed site in Rogiet, Monmouthshire. The building formerly consisted of stable blocks and after discussions between AVArchitecture, Monmouthshire County Council and the building owners, the decision was made to convert the stables into two contemporary residential units, yet crucially - respecting the materials, colours and detailing of their rural setting.
As such, AVArchitecture required a roofing and cladding system that was versatile, easy to install, and one that could offer the appearance of lead to complement the agricultural style of the existing building and the modern lean-to structure. As such, Catnic’s pre-coated metal standing seam Catnic® Urban Roofing and Cladding system was specified. A cost-effective alternative to traditional copper and zinc systems, Catnic® Urban has a lifetime guarantee and is suitable for roofs with pitches as low as 5°.
In addition, the experienced team from Catnic visited the site, took measurements of the building and produced technical drawings of the roofing system to assist the project delivery team.
“It is our belief that with any restoration project you should specify a modern intervention – it should be ‘of a time’,” said Andrew Venables, Principal Architect at AVArchitecture. “However at Manor Farm House, due to the requirements from the council, it was critical for the roofing system used on the new lean-to structure to reflect the original heritage design of the existing building - so striking the right balance was very important.
With the Catnic® Urban roofing and cladding system from Catnic, the material quality and colour palette blends naturally with the surrounding environment and reflects the existing building well, yet also helps to achieve the contemporary aesthetics. The system also allowed us to pitch the roof very low, allowing us to create a bespoke lean-to structure and being lightweight and easier to install than copper or zinc – it met all performance and design requirements.”
However the project was not without its challenges. For example, the existing structure was collapsing and required urgent underpinning. Steve Burchill, Director at building and conservation specialist Thorteck Ltd explained:
“With the need to work quickly due to the problems with the foundations, it was crucial we had a roofing system that offered significant ease of installation. The system incorporates a simple locking design and is incredibly lightweight, which made it really straightforward to handle and install on site. Catnic’s technical team were also very helpful, providing technical and installation advice whenever we needed it.”
Gareth Holvey, Technical Manager at Catnic concluded: “For Manor Farm House the Catnic® Urban system was manufactured in the exact length, width and breadth needed and delivered to site. We were also pleased to provide the technical support necessary to help AVArchitecture and Thorteck Ltd transform the stables into two contemporary residential properties - all whilst preserving the site’s rich agricultural heritage.”