Kalzip makes a style statement at the Staiths

When fashion met construction at award winning first phase of Staiths South Bank residential development in Gateshead, Kalzip aluminium standing seam roofing proved to be the ideal accessory.

When fashion met construction at the award winning first phase of the Staiths South Bank residential development in Gateshead, over 3,000 square metres of Kalzip aluminium standing seam roofing proved to be the ideal accessory.

Created by fashion designers Wayne and Geraldine Hemingway alongside architects ID Partnership, the Staiths development is the result of a unique collaboration with George Wimpey North that aims to rejuvenate the current style of new residential properties.

The development boasts contrasting building heights, asymmetrical roofs, random fenestration and different facade finishes to emphasise the need to move away from the 'facelessness' of the existing and often formulaic approach to large volume house building.

Comprising 158 properties of different layouts, sizes and styles, the first phase of the development is awash with different materials, colours and finishes, all of which have been specifically chosen for their design potential and performance.

The attractive modern appearance of Kalzip aluminium, used for both shallow pitch and roofs with saw tooth elevations, is offset by the use of traditional tiling on neighbouring properties in order to emphasise the individuality and character of the development.

As the Hemmingways' were extremely specific about the building materials specified, they opted for a plain mill finish Kalzip roof instead of the standard stucco-embossed.

This smooth appearance is often viewed by the industry as being likely to show blemishes and marks however, thanks to the technical expertise and careful installation carried out by approved Teamkal contractor Briggs Roofing and Cladding, the stringent design requirements were successfully met without compromising the quality and appearance of the Kalzip 65/400 sheets.

In addition to the aesthetic appeal of Kalzip, exceptional durability and weather tightness were also important factors in the specification process owing to the site's waterfront location by the River Tyne.

The outstanding qualities of Kalzip such as its robustness and longevity, alongside the virtually non-existent requirement for maintenance, made it the ideal as well as the most cost-effective option.

To enhance the roof designs further, a range of complementary Kalzip flashings was also specified.

Staiths South Bank has also been praised for its commitment to improving community living and has been designed in such a way to encourage greater social interaction between neighbours, with courtyards, children's play areas and even communal barbeques and outdoor eating areas.

The project has already won a number of prestigious industry accolades including the Large Housebuilder category of the 2005 Housing Design Awards.

With the first phase now finished, the remainder of the scheme that will comprise approximately 2000 new homes is due for completion in 2010.

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