Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System has provided exemplary period detail and long-term performance as part of a stunning new housing development within an exclusive country estate in County Durham.
One of County Durham’s hidden gems, the extensive Lambton Estate occupies 600 hectares of farmland and woodland in the northeast of the county. As part of a long-term restoration scheme to help fund the conservation of historic Grade I and Grade II listed buildings within the estate, the first phase has seen home builder Miller Homes complete 64 new properties for the new Eastern Village. Thoughtfully designed to be in keeping with the heritage of the estate and entirely bespoke, the three, four and five bedroom homes and one and two bedroom apartments have Victorian design features including red brick detailing, sash windows and decorative ridge tiles and chimneys. With the aesthetics and long-term performance such important drivers of the scheme, Newcastle-based POD Architects turned to Brett Martin when it came to the specification of rainwater systems.
To meet the stringent design requirements across the homes, POD Architects specified Brett Martin’s Cast Iron Style Cascade Rainwater System comprising 106mm Prostyle and 112mm Roundstyle Gutters, 68mm Round Downpipes and Ogee Hoppers, all in classic black.
Commenting on the specification, Adam Lee at POD Architects said: “This exceptional development is in a unique setting and required an approach to materials that would draw on the estate’s existing buildings whilst ensuring an architectural legacy. It is the highest quality cast iron replica rainwater product on the market and we are incredibly pleased with both its performance and aesthetics.”
Aisling Ramshaw, sales director at Miller Homes North East said, “Part of the charm and unique character of the Lambton Park development comes from the imaginative and bespoke design throughout. When it came to getting the details right, we were committed to quality throughout, only working with high end brands, for example Symphony for kitchens, Porcelanosa for ceramic tiles and of course Brett Martin for our rainwater systems.”
The popular classic black colour specified for the Cascade system at Lambton Park, is one of eight heritage colours including Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue, Chartwell Green, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White - all of which cater to the subtle nuances of local vernacular architecture, as well as reflecting the trend for priming and painting traditional systems. The complete colour range delivers the traditional appearance of cast iron with the convenience of modern plastic materials.
Another clear advantage for both the architect and developer was the fact that the Cascade is UV stabilised for a maintenance-free system that will stay looking great and working well for years. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee.
“Whilst other manufacturers were considered, we worked with Miller Homes to go with Cascade because of its aesthetic appeal and longevity. It is now a non-negotiable product for the remainder of Miller Homes’ properties which form part of the Lambton Park scheme,” added Adam.
Proven on a variety of projects from domestic new build and refurbishment projects, church and barn conversions, Georgian and Victorian shop frontages, flats and apartments, schools and hotels, the Cascade system has been designed and developed by Brett Martin, using over 60 years’ experience at the forefront of plastics technology and a unique patented manufacturing process to achieve the authentic cast iron finish.
The Lambton Park development received 5-star recognition (highest level of award) in the UK Property Awards after winning the award for the ‘Best Residential Development in County Durham, 2021’
With the first phase of the exceptional development now complete, Brett Martin’s Cascade rainwater system is undoubtedly playing a key part of developer Miller Home’s commitment to high specification and exceptional detailing.
To find out more about Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage visit: www.brettmartin.com
