FROM A NATURAL POOL TO NATURAL SLATE: CUPA 12 SELECTED FOR BEAUTIFUL GRAND DESIGNS PROJECT

As showcased on a recent episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPA 12 natural slate has been specified for a spectacular new build project in Chichester. Selected to enhance the property’s modern aesthetic, the slate roof also complements the rural surroundings, which include a wildlife pond along with a variety of plant life. Property owners Daniel and Nina Rowland both work professionally within the construction sector; Daniel heads up architectural firm Studio Fuse, while Nina is an interior designer. Combining their skills, they decided the time was right to embark on a new adventure; leaving London to design and build their own home on the South Coast of England. They purchased a period property that happened to back onto a stagnant pond, which consisted of local drainage overflow.

Daniel and Nina put together a design that would see the old house demolished and a new building constructed. Likewise, the pond was to be transformed into a crystal-clear natural swimming pond – a highly ambitious undertaking. Ideally, this would attract local wildlife, such as frogs, newts and sparrows, resulting in a beautiful waterside home. In terms of the design of the new-build property, the couple wanted the house to be eco-friendly and have a contemporary, spacious and natural aesthetic. It was to be built from structural insulated panels (SIPs) clad in Siberian larch and flint, with large glass windows.

Timber decking would then connect the house to the natural swimming pond. When it came to the roofing, Daniel commented: “We considered using a standard seam metal roof but we went with slate to compliment the natural material palette we have used throughout the rest of the house.” Darren Stigant, Director at NJS Roofing, the roofing contractor on the project made the product recommendation: “Although this project looks quite simplistic, the different roof pitches added a certain amount of difficulty to aligning the mitred hips. Having sourced products from CUPA PIZARRAS many times in the past, I suggested the company’s CUPA 12 slate which was available in 400 x 250mm palettes. Utilising this smaller size, as opposed to the usual 500mm x 250mm, helped us to achieve the finish we required on the mitred hips."

CUPA 12 is a non-carbonated slate that is formed by tectonic compression, giving the product a smooth, matt surface. The dark grey colour provided an effective contrast with the timber and glass. The CUPA 12 natural slate is also high performing with outstanding weather resistance, as it has been tested to achieve a water absorption rate of 0.11% and a rating of T1 in thermal cycle tests.

Thus, making it a long-lasting product with a functional life expectancy of 100 years. What’s more, not only is CUPA PIZARRAS officially a carbon neutral company, but CUPA 12 has also been assessed and certified by BRE Global, solidifying itself as a sustainable choice and bolstering the environmental credentials of Daniel and Nina’s new home. Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs commented: “This design joins together nature and architecture –in every sense it’s beautiful.” www.cupapizarras.com/uk

Mapei Ultratop Loft Complements Victorian House In Balham

Warwick-based surface design specialist – BaSE (www. baselifestyle.co.uk) - has completed a stunning ‘trowel effect’ floor installation using Mapei’s Ultratop Loft. The installation forms part of a kitchen renovation project within the basement of a period property in Balham, South London. Home of interior designer Charlie Nunn and husband, Richard, the large Victorian property has an eclectic style owing to the owner’s creative nature, with colours and artwork adorning the walls. As well as providing a city base for Charlie and her family, the home is used as a location for TV shows and photoshoots and has recently featured in Amazon Prime adverts.

BaSE’s use of Ultratop Loft spans the 50m2 extended kitchen, providing a striking contrast to the red gloss kitchen cabinets and satin wall finish. Ultratop Loft was trowel applied under the existing units and around the cabinet legs; it was applied with a Nuvolato (cloudy) texture in a warm grey called Venezia. The micro-cement based finish replaced a seamless resin floor which had faded in sunlight. A rapid-drying, micro-cement based system, Mapei Ultratop Loft is built up in layers made up of special primers, cementitious layers and hard wearing sealers.

The two cementitious layers - coarse grained Loft F and finer grained Loft W – are mixed with water and colourings to create a trowelable cementitious paste which is then applied in layers up to 2mm thick. Ultratop Loft is part of Mapei’s fast-track range and, in the correct conditions, the surface sets to foot traffic within three hours. The installation was completed with Mapei’s Mapefloor finishing products. For more information please contact: info@mapei.co.uk

BRADITE FLOOR-IT ON THE MENU

Bradite’s versatile, high-performance floor coating, Floor-It, rose to a number of challenges encountered by Norwich-based JB Decorating Services on bars and restaurant projects across the country. FloorIt is a low odour acrylic paint suited to medium traffic areas. It provides an extremely durable surface which is mark, stain and petrol resistant. Its quick drying abilities – touch dry in just 30 minutes and re-coatable after an hour – mean it is highly recommended for business or commercial use, where speed of completion is a major consideration.

“We were after a floor paint that was quick-drying and hard wearing.” Said Jake Bygrave from JB Decorating Services. His regular supplier, Brewers’ South Norwich branch, recommended the Floor-It product. “I was very impressed with it. The application was fantastic.” says Jake, who decorated the floors of three bars in London, Plymouth and York, each with different substrates.

One floor was a non-porous concrete floor and another had been previously painted. As a versatile floor paint suitable for a range of internal or external surfaces, Floor-It was the ideal topcoat for a smooth, durable finish. The third premises had a floor newly fitted with plyboard, and here Bradite One Can was used as a strengthening primer. Making use of the range of products available from Bradite has ensured a first-rate finish for three demanding jobs. www.bradite.com