Project Details:

• Project Name: Swiss Cottage, North Yorkshire

• Client: Castle Howard Estate

• Roofer: Dodds Roofing Services Ltd

• Clay roof tile used: Humber Clay Plain Tile in natural red and antique slate, handmade arrowhead feature tiles in antique slate, handmade 90° slotted ridge tiles with Fleur-De-Lys and ball inserts in antique slate.

The History Behind

Located in a conservation area, “Swiss Cottage” is one of over 200 properties on the Estate, which is situated within the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), just 15 miles north east of York.

The historic roof of the landmarked British country house “Swiss Cottage” posed special artistic and technical challenges. The strongly weathered roof with its distinctive geometric pattern had to be completely restored. Through a perfect synergy of technical know-how and craftsmanship the challenge was more than met.

Architectural Significance

The historic roof of the landmarked British country house “Swiss Cottage” posed special artistic and technical challenges. The strongly weathered roof with its distinctive geometric pattern had to be completely restored. Through a perfect synergy of technical know-how and craftsmanship the challenge was more than met.

Sandtoft’s Humber clay plain tiles in Natural Red and Antique Slate have been used on the main roof, plus an extensive number of arrow head feature tiles, also in Antique Slate. To meet the requirements of the local planning authority, the pattern had to be replicated using handmade tiles and 90° Slotted ridge tiles with Fleur-De-Lys and Ball inserts.

Graham Dodds from Dodds Roofing Services, who was responsible for the re-roofing, said: “We partnered with Sandtoft as it has extensive experience of working in conservation and restoration projects. The team advised us on the most appropriate products as well as the fixing specification.” The decorative ridges and diamond shaped tiles were all handmade by Sandtoft skilled craftsmen.

Nigel Dyer, Sandtoft’s heritage service manager, added: “The roofers had to carefully draw the pattern onto a grid to enable our craftsmen to match the original tiles and fittings. Using our technical knowledge and specialist methods, we have produced authentic finished products which meet both the requirements of the local planners and the Castle Howard Estate.”

Present Structural Scenario

Over the last five decades Castle Howard has committed millions of pounds to conservation and essential repairs, in addition to regular spending on maintenance and management, as part of the estates ongoing restoration and conservation programme.

In December 2007, Castle Howard partnered with English Heritage and Ryedale District Council to draw up a management plan to ensure a sustainable future for the Castle Howard Estate. This plan won the Heritage category at the national planning awards hosted by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) in February 2010.

Originally Published On Architectum

Curated by Wienerberger India 

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