Both set in strict conservation areas, Linden Homes’ new projects at Kilmersdon Hill, Somerset and Hereford Road in Abergavenny required the use of sympathetic materials that would meet heritage requirements.
As a result, SSQ’s heritage accepted Del Carmen slates were selected and installed across nine and 27 new homes respectively.
With a need to meet English Heritage standards, SSQ’s heritage accepted Del Carmen slate was selected – having been previously used on projects of a similar nature where such strict requirements also apply, Del Carmen is commonly accepted as a viable alternative to indigenous slates.
Whilst the conservation element was of primary importance, aesthetic considerations were of significance too. Offering a flat, uniform appearance, Del Carmen slate features a faintly rippled riven texture, providing an appealing appearance that worked well with the look of the houses and indeed, the surrounding landscape.
James Hurford from Linden Homes agreed: “We wanted to get the look of the new homes just right and that meant selecting materials that would be in keeping with the surrounding architecture whilst also meeting heritage requirements as a matter of course. SSQ’s Del Carmen slate was ideal – blue/black in colour, the slates provided a rustic look that complements the stonework structure of the buildings perfectly whilst meeting necessary conservation requirements too.
“Durability and indeed cost were also key factors when it came to selecting a suitable roofing material. SSQ’s Del Carmen slate was available at a very attractive price point - particularly when compared to other slate roofing materials. What’s more, the slate itself is incredibly durable and also boasts a 100 year guarantee as a result, giving us and new homeowners the peace of mind that the roof will continue to look good for many years to come.”
Using a hook and spike fixing method, approximately 13,500 of SSQ’s Del Carmen slates were installed on the roofs of nine new four and five bedroom houses and double garages at Kilmersdon Hill.
Darren Scott, Contracts Manager at A L King Roofing Ltd found the Del Carmen slate incredibly easy to work with, commenting: “SSQ’s Del Carmen is a good quality traditional slate that does not vary too much in terms of thickness – this means less time needs to be spent by operatives when it comes to grading, prior to installation. As a result, the slates are much quicker and easier to lay, creating a flat, uniform appearance once installation is complete.
“We’ve worked with a variety of SSQ’s slates over the years and have always found them to be of very good quality - needless to say, we were not disappointed when it came to installing Del Carmen at Kilmersdon Hill.”
Similarly, M Camilleri, Director of M Camilleri & Sons Roofing Ltd said: “Using a copper nail fixing method, we fitted approximately 60,000 of SSQ’s Del Carmen slates at Hereford Road across 27 new houses. Quick and simple to fit in place, SSQ’s Del Carmen slates are very easy to work with and look great in situ.”
