KEEPING WIND AND RAIN OUT, LETTING BATS IN: SUMMERHILL CONSTRUCTION AND UKSSH MEET EVERY CHALLENGE AT FOTA HOUSE
When Summerhill Construction of Donoughmore, County Cork, were tasked with restoration of the roof at Fota House they knew that their main priority was protecting the house’s nationally significant collection of paintings from the worst weather that the Celtic Sea may potentially throw at it – but they also had to ensure that some of Fota House’s natural residents were protected.
Fota House is one of Ireland’s great houses, not only home to a nationally significant collection of paintings, but also a beautifully restored arboretum and gardens.
So when the Irish Heritage Trust appointed Summerhill Construction - a family owned and run business – to undertake the renovation project, the team at Summerhill knew that the choice and design of the temporary roof would be a crucial element in maintaining their reputation for quality and excellence – and they knew that installing a Haki temporary roof from UK System Scaffold Hire would deliver the performance and peace of mind that they required.
The Haki temporary roof was installed to ensure work continued on schedule, despite weather conditions, and included installation of a new bat-friendly felt roof covering before Summerhill Construction removed a section of the temporary roof to allow access for the local bat population.
Summerhill’s roof renovation also included re-slating the south pavilion roof repairing the chimney stacks, asphalting the main roof and undertaking lead work as well as undertaking insulation upgrades to the roof to improve the overall energy efficiency of the building.
… and it isn’t just the bats that have benefitted from Summerhill’s attention to detail – the house has remained open to the public while works are progressing, so while Summerhill Construction has been working hard to future proof Fota’s heritage, the project has also been managed to ensure the safety of staff and visitors to the house.