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Using smaller slates pays off on intricate roofing project

Natural slates of a compact size and consistent appearance achieve a pristine finish at an award-winning Chichester new-build

In association with
Cupa 12 natural slate roofing at The Elms, Bosham, Chichester.
Cupa 12 natural slate roofing at The Elms, Bosham, Chichester.

Daniel and Nina Rowland, architect and interior designer at Studio Fuse, are the couple behind The Elms, the award-winning waterside property in Bosham, Chichester that featured in Channel 4's Grand Designs.

The project began when the couple bought a period property that backed onto an unpromising swamp of local drainage overflow.

They had put together a design that would see the old house demolished and a new building constructed, with the stagnant pond transformed into a natural swimming pond to attract local wildlife.

Studio Fuse specialises in holistic, biophilic design and the Rowlands wanted the house to be eco-friendly with a contemporary, natural aesthetic.

Built from structural insulated panels and clad in Siberian larch and flint, their design features large windows and timber decking that connects house and pond.

The Elms: specifying Cupa 12 roofing slates

'We considered using a standard seam metal roof,' says Daniel Rowland, 'but in the end went with slate to complement the other natural materials we'd used.'

According to Darren Stigant, director at roofing contractor NJS, the number of different roof pitches meant the mitred hips were difficult to align.

'I suggested Cupa Pizzaras Cupa 12 slate because it's available in 400x250mm pallets,' he explains. 'Using this smaller size helped us achieve the finish we wanted.'

The dark grey of Cupa 12 also provides a pleasing contrast with the timber and glass.

  • Cupa 12 natural slate: a consistent grey matt finish ideal for new-builds.
    Cupa 12 natural slate: a consistent grey matt finish ideal for new-builds.
  • The number of roofs at different pitches was one of the challenges of the project.
    The number of roofs at different pitches was one of the challenges of the project.
  • The house was winner of a Sussex Heritage Award and appeared on Grand Designs in September 2021.
    The house was winner of a Sussex Heritage Award and appeared on Grand Designs in September 2021.
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Natural slate is a high performing, long-lasting product with outstanding weather resistance.

It has a water absorption rate of 0.11 per cent, a rating of T1 in thermal cycle tests, which eliminates the risk of any oxidisation, and a functional life expectancy of 100 years.

Cupa Pizarras is officially a carbon neutral company and Cupa 12 has been assessed and certified by BRE Global, making it an environmentally-sound, sustainable choice for projects such as The Elms. 

'Cupa 12 slate has a soft, natural aesthetic and is consistent in its appearance, which is ideal for a modern build,' says Daniel Rowlands. 'It's also great quality and our roofer loved working with it.'

For more information and technical support, visit cupapizarras.com/uk

 

Contact:

020 3318 4455

uk@cupapizarras.com


 

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