When the director of a builders’ merchants in Wales took on the project of renovating his own property, his industry experience proved invaluable for the specification of the right products. His challenging coastal location led him to just one option for his rainwater system; it had to be Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS).

Andrew Prosser is the sales director at LBS Builders’ Merchants across South Wales, and he recently took on an extensive renovation project, with the intention of creating his family’s ‘forever home’. The property was a single-storey 1970s’ bungalow, nestled on the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. The construction comprised three additional extension buildings which had been added over subsequent decades, each with its own rainwater system - the result was, in Andrew’s own words, ‘disjointed and unattractive’.

Andrew and his construction team have breathed new life into the tired residence, transforming it inside and out. Natural exposed stone forms the centrepiece of the property’s construction, whilst the extension buildings have been finished in fresh white render. Beautiful natural slate roof tiles have been installed across the entire property, so the chosen rainwater system not only needed to perform well, but also had to draw these elements together seamlessly, to create a cohesive visual appearance.

Due to his work background, Andrew was fully aware of the tried and tested Alumasc reputation. He explains:

“My chosen system would need to withstand the rigours of regular horizontal driving rain, but we also wanted a stylish product which would complement the contemporary feel we’ve achieved with the refurb. I have been supplying Alumasc products for years and knew that their Heritage Cast Aluminium system would be the perfect choice. Not only is the marine-grade aluminium fully fit for purpose for decades to come in this coastal setting, but the jet-black finish, which beautifully mimics the look of cast iron, has created a bold contrast against the natural slate and brilliant-white render.”

Heritage Cast Aluminium: Inherent quality and performance

Andrew Prosser’s five-bedroomed family home is now enjoying all the benefits of the Heritage system, which offers a comprehensive range of traditional gutter profiles, round, square and rectangular pipes. Heritage has been designed to provide all the essential architectural features appropriate to traditionally designed buildings, whilst being fully in tune with modern fast-track building contracts.

The Heritage system is manufactured in the UK in accordance with BS EN 8530 (formerly BS 2997) and boasts a life expectancy of 40 years in rural/suburban areas and up to 25 years in industrial/marine areas. It is durable and non-corrodible, and its inherent light weight makes it easy to transport, handle and fix.

The range can be finished with BBA certificated powder coatings in a choice of colours, or as is the case with The Bungalow, can offer a textured finish to replicate cast iron.

Alongside the Heritage Cast Aluminium Rainwater system, Andrew also specified the Skyline Architectural Aluminium Fascia and Soffit system from Alumasc; presenting an entire package of aluminium products which is 100% recyclable.

Andrew concludes:

“The Alumasc system has not only realised the exact vision I had in mind when I embarked on the project, but has also given me peace of mind with regard to its long-term performance against the weather here.

“The use of Heritage all around the property has given the aesthetics a real synergy, which has ultimately turned a hotchpotch of architectural styles into an inviting home that I can be sure is future-proof.”

AWMS: Leading the way in sustainable drainage

The AWMS ‘Concept to Completion’ process is underpinned by a solid company infrastructure which offers the following:

• three UK manufacturing plants
• national brand-specific sales team and regional support network
• in-house technical team
• design team to fulfil bespoke design requirements
• rainwater and drainage calculations and on-site surveys
• take off and estimations
• in-house, BBA approved powder coating facilities
• unrivalled dedicated UK technical and after-sales support

Under the AWMS umbrella, sit five brands well known for innovation, quality and longevity: Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes; Skyline Architectural Aluminium; Harmer Building Drainage; Wade Building Drainage and Gatic Drainage & Access Covers.

Their extensive product portfolio ensures the provision of Rain to Drain solutions that continue to set the standard for urban water management.

Alumasc Water Management Solutions is part of the Alumasc Group.

For more information, contact Alumasc Rainwater on 01536 383810, or visit www.alumascwms.co.uk