Brett Martin’s Cascade cast iron style rainwater system has struck the right balance between cost effectiveness, performance and aesthetic appeal during the transformation of a nineteenth century Grade II listed abbey into 47 two to five-bedroom luxury homes.

In extensive and idyllic grounds near Wimborne, and once home to the Holy Cross Abbey order of Cistercian Trappist nuns, the historic Stapehill Abbey has undergone a restoration and conversion into 22 homes while a further 25 have been built in the grounds. With the developer Ankers and Rawlings committed to retaining many of the abbey’s original period features, the choice of a cost-effective rainwater system had to match the aesthetics of cast iron, whilst offering all the benefits of plastic materials. The size of the roof on the abbey also necessitated a high capacity system.

To meet these requirements, Scott Worsfold Architects specified Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System comprising a 115mm Deepstyle Gutter and 68mm Round Downpipe in classic black.  Designed to offer effective rainwater drainage on larger or steeper residential roofs such as the abbey’s, this semi-elliptical system also provides the developer the potential to reduce downpipes due to higher capacity, which can provide substantial cost reductions and appearance improvements. Hoppers with the year of the renovation embossed in to them were also included to provide a unique way of identifying when the works were completed.

“From an architectural perspective the Cascade range is historically very accurate and it fits seamlessly with listed architecture without any compromise,” commented Gary Worsfold, Director of Scott Worsfold Architects. “When looking at all options, ease of install, and the clear benefits of a system that is designed with all components to fit and work together so easily was an obvious and critical need. However, it was the aesthetics which convinced us and the conservation officer. The system is an almost perfect aesthetic replica and it fits so well with this project and the architecture we are conserving. Detail is the building block of great architecture and it is in the detail that Cascade has a clear advantage over any other in the market place.”

The Cascade Deepstyle gutter system is characterised by an easy fix clip system, which facilitates simple installation, whilst external fixing lugs allow easy access for cordless power tools.

Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at a height, helping to offer the developer huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs.

In addition to the popular Classic Black colour specified at the abbey development, Cascade is also available in a choice of seven heritage colours including Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue, Chartwell Green, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White – all of which cater to the subtle nuances of local vernacular architecture. The complete colour range delivers the traditional appearance of cast iron with the convenience of modern plastic materials. Cascade is also UV stabilised for a maintenance-free system that will stay looking great and working well for years and comes with a 10-year guarantee.

Brett Martin offers far more than the quality and versatility of the product itself – it can provide superior technical support, detailed installation instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure rainwater systems perform exactly as promised.

With this landmark development now complete and the future of this abbey secured Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System ensured an architecturally sympathetic appearance was achieved in the shortest possible time and without the health and safety implications of handling and installing a traditional cast iron system.

To find out more about Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage visit: www.brettmartin.com