Marley Eternit has played its part in revitalising the health service offering in Peterborough by supplying products and industry knowledge for a complex roof construction at a new mental health unit called The Cavell Centre, located on the existing Edith Cavell Hospital site.
Marley Eternit provided 130,000 of its Thrutone fibre cement slates to cover the 9000m² diameter of the unit to satisfy strict selection criteria of quality, and an aesthetic finish which would blend in seamlessly with the surrounding area. The Thrutone is a fibre cement slate with a smooth surface and square cut edges in blue/black colour.
The challenging circular roof design also saw Marley Eternit’s technical experts work with on-site roofing contractor, Hereward Roofing, to help overcome any difficulties during construction.
Bill Rogers, Director at Hereward Roofing, said: “The new hospital wing had a complex design and included several circular roofed areas. When it comes to slating a circular roof, it isn’t as straightforward as a standard pitched roof. The shape means that each individual tile needs to be cut to the correct size and shape which can be problematic. Having worked with Marley Eternit in the past, I knew that the company’s technical advisors would have the knowledge to help us with any difficulties the circular roof design might present.”
The Thrutone slate gives a low profile feature which is particularly suited to innovative roof designs, such as in place at The Cavell Centre.
The fibre cement slate offers the twin benefits of matching the aesthetic appeal of natural slate with the performance and cost attributes of modern manufacturing capabilities. Marley Eternit’s fibre cement slates are the only slate product of its kind, which can achieve an A+ rating in the Building Research Establishments (BRE) Green Guide to Specification.
The Cavell Centre is part of the £335 million Greater Peterborough Health Investment Plan. The 100-bed unit will offer patients purpose-built accommodation with single en-suite bedrooms. The accommodation includes restaurant-style dining facilities for patients, staff and visitors, an information centre, a fitness and recreational centre and landscaped gardens.
“The technical support team were first approached by the architect when the project was in the early stages and guidance was needed about the suitability of roofing products,” says Phil Wallis, technical advisor, Marley Eternit.
“When the project began, we continued to offer advice on the roof construction and were on hand to lend support when any problems arose. We had a team of Marley Eternit technical advisors who all knew about the job and so there was always someone available to help.”