Hayle Mill, Maidstone, Kent

Client: PJ Livesey Group Ltd
Contractor: Alert Plumbing
Type of works: supply of Heritage rainwater system from Alumasc.

A Heritage rainwater system from UK market-leading aluminium specialists Alumasc has been chosen for a unique development of residential properties in Maidstone.

Hayle Mill is a Grade II listed paper mill complex set in the Loose Valley Conservation Area, which has been sympathetically converted into high-quality homes by developers The PJ Livesey Group Ltd of Manchester.

It was vital that all products used on this sensitive development maximised the historic value of the buildings. Until recently, cast-iron has been the only material capable of fulfilling the aesthetic and practical requirements that most listed and heritage building projects require, but the Heritage cast-aluminium system from Alumasc provided the perfect alternative.

Heritage cast aluminium was installed at the mill by Alert Plumbing of Kent. The system was supplied in a moulded gutter profile, which required approval from English Heritage. Gutter profiles are available to match traditional patterns - half-round; beaded half-round; beaded deep run, ogee and moulded - and there are five configurations of round, square and rectangular downpipes in various standard sizes. A full range of complementary fittings, including fascia brackets, rafter arms and traditional drive-in rise and fall brackets, complete a fully-integrated rainwater package that delivers ease of installation, long-life and considerable economic benefits.

Alumasc’s unrivalled technical team helped to establish rainwater flow rates on site to ensure the correct gutter sizes were installed and bespoke brackets were designed for 2 of the apartment blocks.

The Heritage aluminium range is manufactured in traditional sizes and can be supplied in Mill Finish or polyester powder-coated in a choice of colours for a pre-finished system requiring minimal maintenance. Heritage is strong, lightweight and designed for fast installation. Well-proven wet-sealed and bolted-joint connections allow easy fixing, and the downpipes are available with or without ears. The system is BBA Approved and the material offers lifecycle economy, is corrosion resistant and in keeping with Alumasc’s commitment to sustainability, is 100% recyclable.