77 CATHEDRAL COMMUNICATIONS THE BUILDING CONSERVATION DIRECTORY 2025 ROOFING 3.1 CLAY TILES & ROOF FEATURES ◼ WEST MEON POTTERY Church Lane, West Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1JW Tel 01730 829434 www.westmeonpottery.co.uk ARCHITECTURAL CERAMICS: See also: profile entry in Terracotta, page 86. SLATE & ROOFING SLATE ◼ THE DELABOLE SLATE COMPANY LTD Delabole Slate Quarry, Pengelly, Delabole, Cornwall PL33 9AZ Tel 01840 212242 Email sales@delaboleslate.co.uk www.delaboleslate.co.uk SLATE: Delabole Slate is the trade name for products of the Delabole Slate Quarry, the oldest working slate quarry in England. Producing for eight centuries and more, the quarry offers traditional and hand-made products direct to builders and private clients. Products include: bespoke items, building stone, flagstones and floor slabs, floor and wall tiles, house signs and signage, kitchen, scullery and bathroom worktops, shelves, steps, treads and risers, window sills and wall capping. All standard sizes of roofing slate are available, from Duchesses 24"x 12" to Small Doubles 12"x 6", plus traditional randoms 30" down to 12", and scantle/peggies 12" down to 6". assess the daylight illuminance required for both plant growth and human comfort. Glass with a light transmittance value of 73–75% was recommended for the vertical glazing to ensure adequate illumination for plant life. For the roof glazing glare reduction films were recommended to improve occupant comfort. Blinds and shading systems will also be required to balance solar gain and prevent overheating during summer months. Different glazing systems were explored with the aim of balancing heritage conservation requirements with these practical requirements and the need for improved durability while meeting 21st-century sustainability goals. Pilkington Mirai glass has been selected for several reasons. Firstly, it provides essential levels of solar control and light transmittance to balance daylight requirements for planting and occupant comfort. In addition, it has 55% lower embodied carbon compared to standard alternatives, and being manufactured in the UK, using the material reduces transport emissions while supporting local supply chains. It is also relatively light, minimising additional load on the fragile cast-iron framework, but strong enough to withstand wind and snow loads. Given the fragility of the structure, glazing weight has been limited to 25kg/m² to avoid overloading the restored framework, and different specifications are being used for various parts of the building. For the roof, a 9.5mm laminated, heat-strengthened glass is to be used, featuring a SentryGlas interlayer and coating for solar control. For vertical glazing, an 8.8mm laminated low-E glass is to be used to enhance thermal insulation and light transmission. Before the new glass can be installed, the cast/wrought iron framework requires careful repair. Damaged sections will be either repaired in situ or replaced with compatible new cast-iron elements, to maintain historical authenticity. A multi-layer protective coating will be applied to prevent future corrosion and enhance the longevity of the repairs. One of the critical interventions involves addressing water ingress issues through refurbishment of rainwater goods, and enhancing guttering systems with improved flow capacity to prevent water accumulation. To reduce condensation and enhance natural ventilation, new top-hung, actuator-controlled rooflights are to be installed, linked to the building management system. The restoration of the Winter Gardens’ glazing system represents a crucial step in securing the future of this historic structure while ensuring environmental resilience. By employing the latest glazing technologies, reinforcing the structural framework, reinstating original timber screens, and enhancing drainage and ventilation, the project successfully balances heritage conservation with modern engineering solutions. On completion, the Winter Gardens will once again stand as a landmark of Great Yarmouth’s seafront, reclaiming its status as a vibrant “People’s Palace” while integrating contemporary sustainability principles. The careful selection of materials and restoration techniques ensures that this iconic structure remains both functionally robust and historically authentic, preserving its legacy for generations to come. THE AUTHORS: This article was prepared by the editor, JONATHAN TAYLOR, incorporating a case study on the Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens by conservation architect FAYE DAVIES, Managing Director of Burrell Foley Fischer (bff-architects.com), architects for the restoration of the Winter Gardens. Detail showing the proposed new top-hung, actuator-controlled rooflights which will be linked to the building management system to reduce condensation with the new solar blinds immediately below (Drawing: Burrell Foley Fischer)
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