Grade II listed 16th Century barn, Braintree

Client: Private
Type of works: supplied Evolve Deepflow gutter system.

Marley Alutec’s Evolve Deepflow gutter system has been installed on a renovation project featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme, hosted by Kevin McCloud. The episode, which aired on 5th October 2011, highlighted the renovation of a Grade II listed 16th Century barn near Braintree by homeowners Ben Coode-Adams and Freddie Robinson, who have carefully restored the building to its former glory – giving it a new lease of life as a family home.

As the barn has a massive 500m2 high pitched roof, Ben and Freddie required a high-capacity drainage solution that would blend sympathetically with the historical design of the building. Similarly, they wanted to restrict the number of downpipes where possible, so the high capacity Deepflow gutter system combined with the Traditional 76mm circular downpipe, both of which were specified in Heritage Black paint finish, was the ideal solution.

In addition, as an aluminium product, the system ticked all the necessary boxes over cast iron or plastic alternatives. Given the conservation requirements of the old building, plastic pipes were not appropriate, while cast iron was not feasible due to its high cost and maintenance needs.

Marley Alutec’s Evolve systems last longer than alternatives and require less maintenance than cast iron or steel due to the resilient nature of aluminium. Lightweight and incredibly durable, aluminium is an ideal material for rainwater systems as it resists corrosion, has a life expectancy of 50 years or more and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life span. Evolve is one of the most sustainable and cost effective rainwater systems available in the UK today.