When architect Richard Scott embarked on his own residential renovation project, he left nothing to chance. His bid to create a ‘sculpture in the round’ of the surrounding woodland, required some lateral thinking, which eventually led him to Skyline Architectural Aluminium from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS).
Having successfully brought many commercial and residential building designs to life through his practice, Surface Architects, Richard faced the challenge of a lifetime with his own property. Highwood Lodge is a beautiful red-brick cottage dating from the 1860’s, but when the architect discovered it in 2013, it had been ravaged by time.
The property was lovingly restored and extended over five years, and it was the modern pavilion-style extension that really allowed Richard’s imagination to fly. His main contractor, Sprinks, recommended the involvement of Phil Lapping from Gutterworks, one of Alumasc’s approved installers. Phil was pivotal in the specification of the Skyline Architectural Aluminium system and worked closely with Richard and AWMS on the intricate design and its resulting challenges.
Skyline fascias, soffits and vertical cladding panels were used to create the minimalist modern-build attached to the charming Victorian cottage. Crucially, the materials enabled Richard to realise his artistic vision, and Skyline provided the flexibility required. Another significant consideration was that the design left no place to hide in terms of quality and finish.
Richard explains, “Traditional architecture can be quite forgiving, in that certain elements can be used to cover or disguise other areas which may not appear perfect. But the abstract nature I wanted to achieve with the new extension left every finish, every seam, completely exposed. Different elements needed to meet and align within tolerances of ± 1mm, which presented quite a challenge for all concerned.”
The objective of Skyline Architectural Aluminium, is to give designers the ultimate freedom to push their creativity and realise solutions of aesthetic merit. The product range is often referred to as ‘a collection of ideas’, based on unsurpassed technical design expertise. All elements are manufactured from superior polyester powder-coated aluminium which is 100 per cent recyclable and available in a selection of standard bold generic shapes with bespoke designs available to order when unusual design elements are at play, such as those at Highwood Lodge.
The Skyline fascias, soffits and panels were supplied in black and white, creating ‘zones’ which contribute to different ambiances throughout the construction. The final result is a visually stunning pavilion comprising floor-to-ceiling glazing, with an open-plan main space incorporating living, kitchen, and bedroom areas.
Richard concludes, “There is a real feeling here of the inside being a continuation of the outside environment. I make no distinction between interior and exterior in that the internal objects and the building fabric are all part of the same whole. The striking appearance that we achieved with Skyline has helped capture this concept perfectly.”
For more information, please call 01536 383810 or visit www.alumascwms.co.uk
Source: Architecture Today