Client: Bowood Estate
Contractor: Sharland Roofing
Type of works: supply of Cupa Heavy 3 slate

The Bowood Estate is situated in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, where work is nearly completed on a brand new hotel and spa. Cupa Natural Slate was considered the perfect choice for the roofing, as it was essential the materials used on the new building complemented the existing properties, including a Georgian Manor House with a natural slate roof.

More than 20,000 Cupa Heavy 3 slates were used throughout the development. Heavy 3 was specifically chosen for its rustic appearance and was preferred by the architect.

Lee Sharland of Sharland Roofing, who carried out the installation, commented, “It is always a pleasure to work with Cupa. Their slates are of a high quality and are very easy to work with. The Heavy 3 variety achieves an authentic, rustic look to a beautiful building.”

Cupa 3 is a Blue/Black slate with a riven surface, which contains non-rusting metallic particles, giving it a distinctive natural colour, texture and grain. The Heavy variant is split to a thickness of 8 to 10mm, and is exceptionally durable and virtually maintenance free. The product comes with a 100 year guarantee.

The new hotel and spa at Bowood features a number of sustainable innovations. These include a Biomass system, fuelled by wood chips created from the estate's own timber thinnings, which will provide hot water and heating for the hotel and the neighbouring golf and country club. Cupa Heavy 3’s excellent environmental credentials enhance the overall sustainability of the development.

Due to open in May 2009, the hotel will comprises 43 en-suite bedrooms including six luxury suites and an 80-seat restaurant. The spa will feature a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room, and aromatherapy showers.