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CEMBRIT PROJECT WINS BEST BUILDING AWARD |
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An extension project at St Lawrence School, Alton, supplied with natural roof slates by Cembrit, has received a best building award from a civic society in recognition of its high standard of design, construction and building materials. The school, located within a popular conservation area in the market town of Alton in Hampshire, was supplied Duquesa natural roof slates by Cembrit in order to fit with its historical surroundings.
The award-winning, £600,000 extension project was designed in conjunction with Hampshire County Council where the architects Format Milton were asked to provide a new school hall, kitchen, toilets and resource area. However, since the school is located next to the historical St Lawrence Church, dating back to 1070, the challenge for Format Milton was to design the 250m² new build area to fit sympathetically with its surroundings.
To meet the school’s conservation demands Format Milton specified Cembrit’s high quality Duquesa natural Spanish Slate. “We chose the blue/black Duquesa slates as we wanted a natural slate which had texture but also uniformity to provide a consistent roof finish over quite a large area. The colour was also an important factor in the choice of slates as we didn’t want a very dark slate. Since the project was completed we have had extremely positive feedback about the slate’s quality,” explains Matt Swanton, an architect at Format Milton.
In fact, in recognition of the project’s high building standards and assimilation into its historic surroundings the Alton Society awarded the St Lawrence School extension the John Ambrose Award for Best Building 2006. Reg Aldhous chair of the Alton Society explains: “St Lawrence School was chosen as the winner of the John Ambrose Award because of its good quality design and build. This annual award is given to the best new building in Alton that excels in architectural design, is well constructed, uses pleasing materials and is fit for the purpose it was built.”
St Lawrence School is similarly pleased with both the aesthetics and functionality of the extension project. “Before the extension the school did not have a designated kitchen or hall so all lunches had to be trollyed to the classrooms. The extension has made a big difference to the every day running of the school by providing a very attractive, functional environment for the children and teachers.” explains Nigel Utton, head teacher at St Lawrence School.
Duquesa is a natural slate, selected from the highest quality deposits and produced by some of the finest quarries in Spain. It is available in two colours: blue/black and grey, in a variety of sizes, and with its smooth, even texture can be relied on to create an attractive and long lasting roof. Imported by Cembrit Ltd for over 15 years, Duquesa has become one of the UK’s leading specified Spanish slates.
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Public Building - Refurbishment
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