The specification and installation of a new replacement rainwater system at a London primary school had to be cost effective whilst offering high performance and exceptional aesthetics. Brett Martin’s Cascade cast iron effect rainwater system was up for the challenge, offering period styling without compromising on drainage performance.
Forming part of Brent Council’s school expansion programme, Fryent Primary School in Kingsbury is one of three primary schools being refurbished and transformed with new-build modular extensions incorporating classrooms, kitchens and multi-use halls. As part of the refurbishment of the existing period building, Brett Martin provided the architect and contractor with full on-site technical support, as well as recommending a cost-effective rainwater solution which had the look and feel of the existing cast iron system, but offered the long-term benefits of plastic.
The architect Peter Balham attended the Brett Martin CPD ‘Specifying Appropriate Rainwater Systems to Achieve Your Architectural Vision’ which became the catalyst for the specification of the Cascade system. Brett Martin met with the architect, providing samples and together had the product approved by the school governors and the London Borough of Brent. Following a site visit and a take-off being carried out, the architect’s specification included a comprehensive range of Cascade cast iron effect rainwater systems in a range of domestic and high capacity systems, all in Classic Black. The installation saw the 112mm Roundstyle gutter and 68mm round downpipe installed at the east end of the main entrance block. For the larger roofs across the other school entrances, rear and inner courtyard, play area and classroom dormer, the 115mm Deepstyle and higher capacity 170mm Deepstyle gutter systems were used to offer increased roof drainage. To deal with rainwater run-off from the flat roofed buildings surrounding the courtyard and astroturf play areas, the 105mm round and 100mm x 75mm rectangular downpipes and undated hoppers were installed.
Commenting on the specification, architect Peter Balham said: “We had been looking for an authentic and cost-effective cast-iron replacement for the main school building for some time and Cascade was far and away the best choice when compared to other rainwater systems and offered by far, the most comprehensive range to accommodate both the domestic and industrial scaled requirements on this project. It’s a quality, high performance product with period-style detailing that looks perfect and will protect the building against the ingress of water.”
Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at a height and helped to offer the local authority huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs which was a key consideration during the approvals process.
Proven on a variety of projects from domestic new-build and refurbishment projects, church and barn conversions, Georgian and Victorian shop frontages, flats and apartments, schools and hotels, the Cascade system has been designed and developed by Brett Martin using over 60 years’ experience at the forefront of plastics technology and a unique patented manufacturing process to achieve the authentic cast iron finish.
With the refurbished building and modular extension now completed, Brett Martin’s Cascade cast iron effect rainwater system has ensured an architecturally-sympathetic appearance was achieved with a reliable, durable and cost-effective drainage system that will continue to perform for many years to come.
Find out more about Brett Martin at www.brettmartin.com
