Construction work for Project SLAM began in 2003, with the objective to upgrade over 20,000 bed spaces, utility and common areas and ancillary facilities across the country. It is one of the largest new build and refurbishment projects in the UK. The redevelopment of Woolwich Barracks has created six new accommodation blocks providing over 400 ensuite rooms in total, with an emphasis on the project being as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. The project has incorporated disabled bed spaces, remodelling three standard rooms into two rooms that comply with DDA regulations for comfortable but functional provision.
Staines-based Richardson Roofing was one of the contractors for this project. Having worked with Cembrit before, Richardson Roofing selected its Westerland and Glendyne slates for the job. This was an interesting and unique choice, as natural slates and fibre cement slates aren’t often used together, but the appearance from both materials complements the other extremely well.
"This was an important project for us," says Heinie Basson, Project Manager at Richardson Roofing. "The Woolwich Barracks is a local landmark and we wanted to ensure that our customer and the local community were happy with the end result. Cembrit’s Westerland and Glendyne slates are attractive roofing products and ones which we were confident would provide a traditional look in keeping with the surrounding environment. These slates are also cost-effective, another reason why they were the ideal choice for this project."
Cembrit’s Westerland slate has a surface texture and dressed edge similar to that of natural slate but does not need grading and sorting prior to installation. Finished with a semi-matt acrylic coloured coating to the top face and edges and a tinted high performance binder to the back face, the finish is of the highest quality. Easy to work with, as no power tools are needed to re-size the slates, Cembrit’s fibre cement slates simplify the install period and act as an economic alternative to natural roofing materials.
Glendyne is a high quality slate that combines first-class performance and authenticity, to make it the ideal choice for specifiers and roofers. Glendyne natural roofing slate is available exclusively from Cembrit in the UK. Glendyne is a distinctive blue-grey and perfectly suited for the UK specifier interested in the heritage and credibility of sourced products.
For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 (0)20 8301 8900.