Menu
04/04/2012
Innovative Smailholm Tower Turf Roof Shortlisted For National Award
A groundbreaking project to create a turf roof on Smailholm Tower in the Scottish Borders has won Historic Scotland a shortlist nomination in the UK Roofing Awards 2012.
The iconic 15th century landmark, which lies between Kelso and Melrose, was given a pioneering "living" roof to resolve a long standing water penetration problem, affecting structural timbers and the upper apartments.
Working in partnership with consultant architect Tom Morton, Historic Scotland decided to take an innovative approach to the problem after suspected hairline cracks opened up in the Tower’s cap of whinstone rubble, which had replaced the original and long-vanished stone slab roof.
District Architect for Historic Scotland, Peter Ranson, said: "Because restoration of the stone slab roof would have been largely conjectural and involved unacceptable disturbance to the existing fabric, we explored other possibilities for keeping water out.
"In 2006, the agency trialled two different specifications of living roof. One was based on traditional puddled clay below turf, and the other a proprietary clay membrane beneath a sedum mat. The tests were checked over a period of two years, with visual inspections and electronic monitoring, and we discovered that both roofs had been successful in preventing rainwater penetration."
Historic Scotland decided to combine the best features of both specifications to achieve long-term durability. The capping was based on the sedum system but modified to enhance drought resistance, and to encourage the growth of a thicker sward to improve overall rainwater retention.
The Tower’s new roof is fully reversible, and replicates evidence of previous vegetation that once grew on the roof, as documented in historic images.
Although there many examples of turf capping on roofs with gentler pitches, the Smailholm roof, with its steeper slope, is believed to have taken this technique to a greater angle than any previous application.
Mr Ranson said: "The living roof has cured the water ingress, benefitting both the Tower and its visitors."
The success of the project has now been recognised by Smailholm Tower’s shortlisting in the UK-wide Roofing Awards 2012, in the Green Roof category. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on May 18th.
(GK)
The iconic 15th century landmark, which lies between Kelso and Melrose, was given a pioneering "living" roof to resolve a long standing water penetration problem, affecting structural timbers and the upper apartments.
Working in partnership with consultant architect Tom Morton, Historic Scotland decided to take an innovative approach to the problem after suspected hairline cracks opened up in the Tower’s cap of whinstone rubble, which had replaced the original and long-vanished stone slab roof.
District Architect for Historic Scotland, Peter Ranson, said: "Because restoration of the stone slab roof would have been largely conjectural and involved unacceptable disturbance to the existing fabric, we explored other possibilities for keeping water out.
"In 2006, the agency trialled two different specifications of living roof. One was based on traditional puddled clay below turf, and the other a proprietary clay membrane beneath a sedum mat. The tests were checked over a period of two years, with visual inspections and electronic monitoring, and we discovered that both roofs had been successful in preventing rainwater penetration."
Historic Scotland decided to combine the best features of both specifications to achieve long-term durability. The capping was based on the sedum system but modified to enhance drought resistance, and to encourage the growth of a thicker sward to improve overall rainwater retention.
The Tower’s new roof is fully reversible, and replicates evidence of previous vegetation that once grew on the roof, as documented in historic images.
Although there many examples of turf capping on roofs with gentler pitches, the Smailholm roof, with its steeper slope, is believed to have taken this technique to a greater angle than any previous application.
Mr Ranson said: "The living roof has cured the water ingress, benefitting both the Tower and its visitors."
The success of the project has now been recognised by Smailholm Tower’s shortlisting in the UK-wide Roofing Awards 2012, in the Green Roof category. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on May 18th.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 May 2015
CPI Drops By 0.1%
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) dropped by 0.1% in the year to April 2015, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is compared to no change in the year to March 2015. This is the first time the CPI has fallen over the year since official records began in 1996 and the first time since 1960 based on comparable historic estimates.
CPI Drops By 0.1%
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) dropped by 0.1% in the year to April 2015, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is compared to no change in the year to March 2015. This is the first time the CPI has fallen over the year since official records began in 1996 and the first time since 1960 based on comparable historic estimates.
07 November 2014
Tower Of London Poppies To Be Lit For Longer
Historic Royal Palaces has announced the display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London will be lit for an extra hour at night and earlier in the morning to allow more people to see the exhibition. Currently the poppies are lit from 5am until dawn and from dusk until 11pm. They will now be lit from 4:30am and then kept lit until midnight.
Tower Of London Poppies To Be Lit For Longer
Historic Royal Palaces has announced the display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London will be lit for an extra hour at night and earlier in the morning to allow more people to see the exhibition. Currently the poppies are lit from 5am until dawn and from dusk until 11pm. They will now be lit from 4:30am and then kept lit until midnight.
17 April 2015
Couple Rescued From Roof Of Burning House
Two people are receiving hospital treatment after being rescued from the roof of their home by firefighters in Carmarthenshire. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services were called to reports of a fire at flats on Morlan Terrace, Burry Port, at about 01:30 on Friday morning.
Couple Rescued From Roof Of Burning House
Two people are receiving hospital treatment after being rescued from the roof of their home by firefighters in Carmarthenshire. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services were called to reports of a fire at flats on Morlan Terrace, Burry Port, at about 01:30 on Friday morning.
04 February 2014
Woman Falls From Roof After Man Cleared Of Rape
A 41-year-old woman has died after falling from a shopping centre roof at 09:30 GMT. Police negotiators were trying to deter her when she apparently jumped. The female fell from the car park roof at the Wheatsheaf centre in Rochdale days after a man accused of raping her was acquitted by a jury.
Woman Falls From Roof After Man Cleared Of Rape
A 41-year-old woman has died after falling from a shopping centre roof at 09:30 GMT. Police negotiators were trying to deter her when she apparently jumped. The female fell from the car park roof at the Wheatsheaf centre in Rochdale days after a man accused of raping her was acquitted by a jury.
20 December 2013
Investigation Launched Into Apollo Theatre Roof Collapse
An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of part of the ceiling at London's Apollo Theatre.
Investigation Launched Into Apollo Theatre Roof Collapse
An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of part of the ceiling at London's Apollo Theatre.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
