Client: Barratt Homes
Architect: MWE Architects
Type of works: supply of fibre cement Cedral Weatherboard

Marley’s fibre cement Cedral Weatherboard has been specified on a contemporary new Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 development by Barratt Homes in Sunderland.

Castle View, which consists of 25 two-storey homes, was built after extensive discussions between Barratt Homes and the local planning department due to its sensitive location facing Hylton Castle, an English Heritage property dating back to the 11th Century.

Consultant architect on the project Terry Palmer of MWE Architects in Newcastle said: “The planners and developer were looking for something that would contrast with the historic castle and they were excited by our proposed use of fibre cement Cedral Weatherboard, which offered all the benefits of a modern, low maintenance cladding material, whilst being in sympathy with the Grade I listed building.”

The development’s ability to complement nearby Hylton Castle is enhanced by fitting the Sand Yellow coloured Cedral Weatherboard as feature panels on the gable walls of each property, creating a turreted effect. Sand Yellow was specified from a range of 22 colours and four woodstains because it retained a link with the Ashlar sandstone blocks used on the original castle.

Cedral Weatherboard was fixed in a shiplap configuration on the properties, which incorporated a rear-ventilated cavity to provide the buildings with enhanced weather performance benefits. The walls achieve a U value of 0.35W/m²k.

Mr Palmer added: “Cedral Weatherboard was also specified for the project because of Marley’s longstanding reputation for quality, and its excellent environmental benefits.”

Fibre cement Cedral Weatherboard can achieve an A+ rating as defined in the BRE’s Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating for autoclaved fibre cement (calcium silicate) cladding - (Element Ref: 806220701, 806220675, 806220676)

Cedral Weatherboard does not require specialist installation skills - Barratt Homes’ site team used nail guns to fix the fibre cement boards directly to timber battens anchored to the blockwork on the Castle View properties.

Cedral Weatherboard from Marley is a widely used cladding solution on both new and existing buildings due to its durability and low maintenance as well as the fact it can be cut, nailed or screwed just like timber.