Products from Alutec’s Aligator range of aluminium rainwater systems have been specified for the Ardgartan Hotel, located near Arrochar, Scotland, thanks to their high-quality design and excellent durability.
Set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland, once the grounds of a long demolished mansion, the Ardgartan Hotel occupies an elevated position with panoramic views down Loch Long, whose shore is just 30 yards away.
John White from John H White Architects said: “The hotel is positioned in a beautiful but quite exposed location and so specifying products that could withstand extreme weather conditions was one of the major requirements for this project. There was also an emphasis on durability and low maintenance for all external products.
“We use Alutec on all of our projects that are two storeys and over, as they are more durable than other options available on the market. Therefore, when we started working on this project we knew Alutec’s products would fit the brief perfectly because of their ability to withstand the affects of weathering, their durability and low-maintenance performance. The traditional designs available also enabled us to ensure the aesthetics complemented the style of the building.”
The architects specified the Aligator Ogee No. 46 gutter with Traditional 102mm x 76mm downpipes. Alutec’s Aligator Snapfit gutter jointing system features an internal ‘Snap-fit’ union and a concealed fascia bracket to provide a smooth, uninterrupted line at the eaves of a building – perfect for a project like Ardgartan Hotel where there is a classic design requirement.
The decorative ogee shape also has a large gutter capacity meaning it is able to cope with high levels of rainfall. This is essential for a project like Ardgartan Hotel, where there is a large roof space with a lot of water run off.
The Aligator system is manufactured from marine grade aluminium, which is 100 per cent recyclable at the end of its long life span, which is typically 50 years or more. What’s more, as aluminium is so impervious to corrosion, very little maintenance is required during this extended lifecycle.
“There were a lot of unusual corners and drops on the building,” commented Stuart MacKay, Construction Site Manager, from MacKay Construction. “However with the excellent help and support from Alutec’s Technical Services team, we were able to install the gutters and downpipes with ease – which enabled us to finish the project on time and on budget.”
Rainwater system designs can be a complicated process and to ensure maximum performance, Alutec’s Technical Services team can answer any queries specifiers may have, as well as advising on designs and layouts. This provides confidence to specifiers that the chosen design and products are fit for the job and conform to Building Regulations.
Neil Wells, Managing Director for the hotel owners M.F.Wells Hotels Limited, concludes: “The building boasts a very traditional architectural design and Alutec’s products have complemented this characteristic perfectly.
“As well as providing a great look, the aluminium guttering has given us peace of mind, as we know that the products will last for many years and will need virtually no maintenance during that time.”