Sandtoft completes prestigious contract

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jan 10, 2006

Sandtoft, the UK's largest independent roof tile manufacturer, has recently completed the roofing works at Magdalene College, Cambridge University.

Sandtoft, the UK's largest independent roof tile manufacturer, has recently completed the roofing works at a new high specification student facility at Magdalene College, Cambridge University.

The contract was part of a £11.5 million refurbishment of two existing Victorian villas and outbuildings, together with an old ice cream factory that had been latterly acquired by the College.

The new facility, called Cripps Court, took 18 months to construct and includes; 44 student rooms, a dining area, an auditorium for 144 people, 5 seminar rooms, catering facilities and several music practice rooms; a sports hall with attached recreational facilities and multi-gym will form phase II of the development.

Nick Oldridge, sales and marketing director at Sandtoft, comments, "This was an ideal project for Sandtoft Heritage, a specialist conservation and restoration service, that creates bespoke handmade roof tiles and fittings.

"Heritage is a popular choice with architects working with buildings of historical importance, where the blending of old and new is imperative to the overall appearance of the project." More than 27,000 Provincial Pantiles were selected for the refurbishment.

Graham Riley, architect for the scheme at Freeland Rees Roberts Architects in Cambridge, says, "Cripps Court required a great deal of research and careful planning to ensure that the scheme enhanced the existing historic buildings at Magdalene College.

"The overall styling of the courtyard development was Italianate.

The Provincial from Sandtoft offered a classical handmade pantile made by traditional methods, using long-established craftsmanship and techniques.

Its ability to rapidly weather to a mature appearance was ideal for this project.

"We have been very impressed with the overall look and finish of the roofing works, as well as the highly professional technical support received from Sandtoft during the refurbishment project.".