Alutec’s Evolve rainwater system has been installed at St Catherine’s View dementia care home in Winchester.
The 56-bedroom development was commissioned by Colten Care and took two years to complete. Taking medical best practice into consideration at a design level, the development is made up of five individual house groups as opposed to one large building. This community design enables residents’ needs to be met on an individual level, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor environments that provide the right blend of calm and stimulation for each person.
Harvey Baker, purchasing manager at Colten Care, said: “Alutec’s products fitted in with the responsible building and premium quality ethos of the build because of its excellent performance, durability and sustainability credentials. Colten prides itself on offering the very best in care and we believe that the right built environment can play a big part in the wellbeing of our residents.
“An example of our consideration for care at all levels is shown through the rainwater and eaves system specification. Alutec’s aluminium products are virtually maintenance free, which was not only appealing from a cost perspective, but it also meant there would be minimal disturbance to the residents of the home - a crucial benefit for our application. PVC and cast iron alternatives could not offer the same benefit, and neither could they offer the right balance of initial cost and lasting value because of either frequent maintenance needs or large material and installation costs.”
Installed at the site was Alutec’s Evolve Deepflow guttering with Flush-fit downpipe in grey RAL 7043 colour. Made from marine grade aluminium and using the latest manufacturing technologies, Alutec’s rainwater systems have outstanding performance credentials and are one of the most-sustainable ranges available in the UK. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, with an estimated 75% of all aluminium ever produced still in use today.
The systems installed at St Catherine’s view have a flow performance rating of 4.9 litres per second, ensuring they can cope with the heaviest of water run off and an extended life expectancy that is virtually maintenance free.
“Aesthetically, the facility has a traditional residential feel, with lots of slate, tile, brick and woodwork, so it was important that the rainwater and eaves systems complemented this,” said Baker.
“Alutec’s aluminium products, with their classic style and great range of colour finishes, fitted in perfectly and helped to give the project more of a homely feel as opposed to a clinical and cold finish. Alutec’s input into the design and its help, specifically with the downpipe specification, was very much appreciated as well.
“The result at St Catherine’s View is wonderful. Places at the facility are in high demand and this is due, in part, to the aesthetics of the build.”
