Firestone RubberGard EPDM waterproofing from Alumasc has been used on the new eco-friendly visitor centre at the world-famous Batsford Arboretum.

The Arboretum, near Moreton in the Marsh, Gloucestershire, is home to the largest private collection of trees and plants in the country. The new visitor centre is part of a £2m project coordinated by main contractor BEAM Construction (Cheltenham) Ltd and funded by the Batsford Foundation. The scheme incorporates a number of environmental features including a ground source heat pump, sheep’s wool insulation and a low-profile roof which will reduce volume and minimise energy consumption.

Following careful consideration of the surrounding landscape, John Falconer Architects presented a unique and challenging ‘wave’ roof design to emulate the rolling Cotswold Hills, thus minimising the visual impact of the Centre. Firestone RubberGard EPDM waterproofing was chosen for the project due to its eco-credentials, ability to form clean edge detail and its life expectancy of up to 50 years.

RubberGard EPDM is a fully cured single ply membrane composed of EPDM polymer and carbon black, offering unrivalled resistance to ozone and UV radiation. Membrane characteristics remain stable over time thus providing a sustainable roofing solution which perfectly suited the Arboretum project.  RubberGard does not contain any plasticizers or flame retardants and as no toxic substances are released this allows collection and use of run-off rainwater.

RubberGard EPDM is available in panel sizes up to 15m in width and 61m in length, giving the benefit of fewer field seams and a shorter installation time. It is inherently durable, remaining flexible at temperatures down to -45ºC, is competitively priced and delivers low life-cycle costs due to minimal maintenance requirements.

Alumasc worked closely alongside Firestone Authorised Contractor Cardiff Single Ply Roofing for the duration of the project, providing full technical support on all of the roof details.

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