St Leonard's School House

The recent roof restoration project, spearheaded by Notting Hill Genesis, one of London's largest not-for-profit housing associations, stands as a testament to the delicate balance between preserving architectural heritage and meeting modern living standards. As part of a comprehensive regeneration and decarbonisation initiative, the roof restoration showcases how centuries-old structures can be thoughtfully adapted to serve contemporary needs while maintaining their historical integrity.

The project presented a unique architectural challenge: to restore the roof of a historic structure while maintaining its original aesthetic, all within the context of its new purpose as social housing comprising five units. Equans, appointed as the main contractor, entrusted the roofing work to Cheshunt-based Dontel Group,.

At the core of the project was the careful selection of roofing materials that could faithfully recreate the original look while meeting modern standards of durability and efficiency. After careful consideration, the project team chose wienerberger's Humber plain clay roof tiles in natural red as the primary roofing material. These traditional, cross-cambered, machine-made clay tiles offered the perfect blend of authentic appearance and modern performance.

To further enhance the historical accuracy of the restoration, wienerberger's Humber club tiles were strategically incorporated into the design. These specialty tiles were crucial in recreating the distinct patterns and textures of the original roof, demonstrating the attention to detail that is essential in heritage restoration projects.

The ridges of the roof were finished with wienerberger's Duracoat ridge tiles. These tiles, featuring a highly durable multi-layer acrylic polymer coating, provided an authentic finish without compromising on longevity or cost-effectiveness. This choice exemplifies the delicate balance between preserving historical integrity and incorporating modern materials for improved performance.

The construction process required precision and expertise. Dontel Group, drawing on its experience of working with wienerberger products, carefully matched the new tiles to the original design. This included the careful positioning of club tiles to accurately recreate the historical pattern.

The project holds significant architectural importance as it demonstrates the intricate balance between preservation and modernisation in restoration work. By choosing materials that closely match the original, the team has been able to preserve the building's architectural heritage while adapting it for modern use. Moreover, as part of a larger decarbonisation effort, this roof replacement showcases how historical buildings can be made more sustainable without sacrificing their character.

The outcome of the project has been met with high praise. Nathan Hubbard of Dontel Group expressed satisfaction with the final result, noting that the roof now offers improved durability and efficiency while maintaining its historical appearance. He commented: “The final look is amazing and we’re delighted with the end result. The roof looks back to its existing look, offering durability and a stunning new look in line with the wider upgrades that have been made.”

The success underscores several important lessons for architectural practice, including the critical role of material selection in historical restoration, the need to balance authenticity with modern performance requirements, and the value of collaboration between suppliers and contractors.