When architect Richard Scott embarked on his own residential renovation project, his design ambitions left nothing to chance. His bid to create a ‘sculpture in the round’ of the surrounding woodlands, required some lateral thinking which eventually led him to Skyline Architectural Aluminium from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS).

Having successfully brought many commercial and residential building designs to life through his practice, Surface Architects, Richard Scott faced the challenge of a lifetime with his own property. Highwood Lodge is now once again a beautiful 1860’s traditional red-brick cottage, but when Richard discovered it in 2013, it had been ravaged by ivy; rendered invisible and forgotten.

Over the course of five years, the property was lovingly restored and extended; and it was the modern pavilion-style extension that really allowed Richard’s imagination to fly. His main contractor, Sprinks, recommended the involvement of Phil Lapping from Gutterworks, one of Alumasc’s approved installers. Phil was pivotal in the specification of the Skyline Architectural Aluminium system and worked closely with Richard and AWMS on the intricate design and its resulting challenges.

Skyline fascias, soffits and vertical cladding panels were used to create the stunning minimalist modern-build attached to the charming Victorian cottage. It was essential that the materials allowed Richard to realise his artistic vision, and Skyline offered the flexibility needed to meet the project’s complex bespoke requirements. Another significant consideration was that Richard’s design left no place to hide in terms of quality and finish. The clean lines and angular appearance presented a surfeit of elaborate detailing and junctions that demanded precision. Richard explains:

“My aim was to create a space that maintained the delicate balance of old and new, whilst presenting a visual abstract within the landscape."

“Traditional architecture can be quite forgiving, in that certain elements can be used to cover or disguise other areas which may not appear perfect. But the abstract nature I wanted to achieve with the new extension left every finish, every seam, completely exposed. Different elements needed to meet and align within tolerances of 1mm, which presented quite a challenge for all concerned.”

Phil Lapping from the AWMS approved installer Gutterworks, comments:

“The Highwood Lodge installation was by no means without its challenges, but having had a lot of previous experience working with Skyline, I was confident that it was the right product for this unique job. Gutterworks worked closely with Alumasc’s technical team and the main contractors for the duration of the build, ultimately maximising the potential of the Skyline system and delivering the delicate balance specified in the design brief.”

The objective of Skyline Architectural Aluminium, is to give designers the ultimate freedom to push their creativity to the limit and realise solutions of aesthetic merit. The product range is often referred to as ‘a collection of ideas’, based on unsurpassed technical design expertise. All elements are manufactured from superior polyester powder-coated aluminium which is 100% recyclable and available in a selection of standard bold generic shapes with bespoke designs available to order when unusual design elements are at play, such as those at Highwood Lodge.

Richard Scott was passionate about his original concept, and remained doggedly loyal to it as the project took shape. The Skyline fascias, soffits and panels were supplied in black and white, creating ‘zones’ which contribute to different ambiances throughout the construction. The final result is a stunning pavilion comprising floor-to-ceiling glazing, an open plan main space incorporating living and kitchen, and a separate bedroom with its own free-standing bath. Richard concludes:

“The idea behind the contrasting architectural styles at Highwood Lodge, was to marry abstract with nature. The property grounds now span 10 acres and I see the house as being just one moment within that space.

“There is a real feeling here of the inside being a continuation of the outside environment. I make no distinction between interior and exterior in that the internal objects and the building fabric are all part of the same whole. The striking appearance that we achieved with Skyline has helped capture this concept perfectly.”

AWMS: Setting the standard for urban water management

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.

Alumasc Water Management Solutions is part of the Alumasc Group.

For more information, please call 01536 383810 or visit www.alumascwms.co.uk.