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Hepworth offers the right solution for Tyntesfield House in Wraxall
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A Grade I listed Victorian mansion, which holds significant architectural and historical interest, is being transformed back to its former glory, thanks to the help of Hepworth Terracotta, a brand of Wavin, a market-leading supplier to the construction industry.
The company was tasked with making bespoke roll top ridge tiles for Tyntesfield House in Wraxall, North Somerset as part of a major restoration project which is being undertaken by the National Trust following its purchase of the property in 2002.
The property, which is built of mellow Bath stone, with an elaborate roof bristling with towers and turrets, is remaining open to the public throughout the works, marking the first time the National Trust has conducted such an extensive restoration in full public view.
Due to the listed status of the mansion, the new ridge tiles needed to be sympathetic to the origins of the building, forming a continuous row of ridge tiles from the old into the new, replacing only those that could not be reclaimed. It was a fundamental requirement that only an exact replica of the original tiling would be acceptable. Hepworth Terracotta demonstrated their ability to uphold these values throughout the project, retaining the original character of the roof whilst also being truthful as to where restoration had taken place.
Toby Pitt from West Country Tiling, the main roofing contractor on the project demanded precision from the outset. He explained: "The manor has significant architectural importance with its design, decoration and craftsmanship. As a Grade I listed building its of exceptional interest, not only in the UK but also internationally. It was therefore very important for us to find a supplier that had the expertise to produce the ridge tiling to very exacting standards.
"It was immediately apparent by using a sample of a standard ridge tile provided by Hepworth Terracotta, that the buff colour of the clay was a good match to the original. Hepworth Terracotta then used one of the original roll top ridge tiles from the roof of the manor house to create a further sample that matched the original perfectly so we were able to sign it off straight away and confidently place the order.
"After working closely with Hepworth Terracotta and our clients at the National Trust, a quality product was delivered that was perfect for a Grade I listed property of this nature."
Paul Wydell, Product Manager for Hepworth Terracotta added: "It's testament to the technical capability and craftsmanship of the terracotta manufacturing team at our Forest Works plant that this project was completed on time to the precise needs of the client.
"It's wonderful to know that as a company we were able to use our specialist skills to provide a product that will play a part in bringing this unique Victorian building back to life for future generations."
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