FDT is part of the Holcim group alongside Elevate EMEA, specializing in complete waterproofing systems and offering comprehensive services for all project phases. The company’s Rhepanol® hg roofing membrane was selected for the waterproofing of a private residence in Manaton, Dartmoor, England, designed by Peter Hall of Van der Steen Hall. The project involved transforming an existing vacation bungalow into a contemporary four-bedroom home that would integrate into its rural setting.
The concept of “green innovation” guided the design, with the aim of creating a modern dwelling that blends into the surrounding farmland and woodland of Dartmoor National Park. The architect was tasked with working on the footprint of the original structure while reimagining it to provide an enhanced living space without disrupting the natural landscape. The resulting home features three extensive green roof surfaces that soften the building’s profile and echo the rolling contours of the local topography.
Sustainability was embedded in both the construction methods and material choices. Components from the demolished bungalow were salvaged and reused in the new building, reducing waste and environmental impact. The residence has a total area of approximately 250 m², with its form and finishes such as granite walls, oak-framed windows and doors, and vegetated roofs working together to integrate the building into its surroundings.
The green roof structure consists of stable timber boards topped with the Rhepanol® hg roofing membrane, which serves as both a waterproofing layer and root barrier. To prevent soil displacement and support vegetation growth, gravel stop strips were welded as shear sills, and the upstands were sealed with the same membrane to ensure continuity of protection. The roof windows’ post-and-beam frames were also covered with a robust synthetic membrane to safeguard against water ingress.
Above the drainage layer, a topsoil mix supports grasses native to the region, reinforcing the home’s connection to the Dartmoor landscape. The green roof changes in character with the seasons, contributing to local biodiversity while enhancing the home’s energy efficiency and visual integration. This combination of architectural clarity, technical performance, and ecological design reflects the project’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
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