Rochdale Company Confronts Corrosive Coastal Conditions at New Welsh Hospital Training School Coastal environments test even the toughest construction materials, but Rochdale based architectural fabricators, Guttermaster, can rise to the challenge. Salt laden air, high and gusting winds, extremes of temperature were all taken into account by Wrexham architects TACP in their design for the North Wales Clinical Training School at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan. Guttermaster has supplied concealed gutters, fascias, truly curved verges and rainwater down pipes. These were specified to overcome the extreme coastal conditions. Made in aluminium the rainwater system will naturally resist the weather and require little maintenance other than periodic cleaning. The new building is a striking architectural design and is part the initiative to improve medical school recruitment and graduate retention in Wales. It houses dedicated lecture theatres, classrooms, tutorial suites and support facilities. Steve Taylor of TACP explained, “It was also essential to use materials with natural resilience against the harsh elements and which had low maintenance characteristics. The Guttermaster rainwater products and fascias meet this need and are complimented by a raised seam aluminium roof and with Kingspan insulated panels on the walls.” Guttermaster managing director Mike McKee added, “For decorative reasons, the external surfaces of the downpipes, gutters and fascias are finished in long-life polyester powder coat, but the inner faces are uncoated and therefore exposed to the salt laden air, rainfall and moisture. Aluminium has extreme weather resistance because on exposure to air it acquires a thin oxide layer. This protects the metal from further attack, even in extreme locations such as Glan Clwyd. Aluminium oxide is so tough that it is commonly used in grinding wheels and cutting tools.” Guttermaster produce rainwater products in both traditional and modern designs, in addition to bespoke aluminium fabrications. All design and manufacturing processes are subject to meticulous quality assurance procedures. The company works closely with architects, contractors and their clients to provide attractive and durable roof drainage and perimeter detailing. The Guttermaster products were installed by roofing specialist Ervyk UK and the main contractor was Wynne Construction. The North Wales Clinical Training School is a partnership between NHS Trusts in North Wales, the University of Wales in Bangor, North East Wales Institute of Higher Education and Cardiff University. More Information Mike McKee, Tel. +44 (0)1706 869550 Fax. +44 (0)1706 869551 E-mail: mikemckee@guttermaster.co.uk Web: www.guttermaster.co.uk Guttermaster Ltd, Shawclough Trading Estate, Shawclough Road, Rochdale, OL12 6ND, UK High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/gu234/4295gu1a.htm July 19, 2007 Additional note for editors – Sustainability Aluminium addresses the need for sustainability. Because of its long life and low maintenance, the embedded energy used in its production is written off over many years. Even when buildings are redeveloped, aluminium remains a high-value material that is 100% recyclable. The aluminium used at Glan Clwyd is made from recycled material. Producing new aluminium this way takes only 5% of the energy required for the production of virgin material from ore.