John Brash & Co has been recognised with an industry award for its work on the restoration of a historic Greek landmark in Berkshire.
The company”s Western Red Cedar Shingles were specified as part of the restoration of the Greek Theatre at Bradfield College, near Reading, which has been named the winner of the Best Treated Wood project at the first-ever Wood Protection Association (WPA) Awards.
The Greek Theatre dates back to the 1890s and hosts plays in Ancient Greek. It fell into disrepair and was condemned in 2009 due to safety issues and access problems, but the recent redevelopment project to bring it back to life has been capped off with the award win.
Christian Brash, chairman for John Brash and Co., said: “The restoration of the Greek Theatre at Bradfield College is very impressive and we are very proud that our shingles draw the eye when you step into the amphitheatre.
“This is yet another great example to add to our portfolio of stunning project successes where the end result not only looks incredible but the shingle has been chosen because it is exactly the right product for the renovation.
“To be the first winner in the first WPA awards is also a special moment for us and long may the awards continue to recognise the very best of wood products.”
John Brash says its Western Red Cedar Shingles were chosen for their natural durability all year round. The theatre is in the depths of an old chalk quarry and the temperature can be more that 3ø lower than ground temperature, with conditions in the woodland theatre likely to be damp with little sunlight during winter months. John Brash says the characteristics of the shingles will resist these weather conditions and provide natural durability and weathering.
Mr. Brash added: “Our shingles are a truly renewable and sustainable roofing and cladding material, with one of the lowest carbon footprints of any widely used building product. They are light for transport, and therefore make savings in supporting structures. They also offer a high degree of thermal insulation.
“We are starting to see the benefits of using MicroPro, a preservative treatment that is kinder on the environment than other copper-based preservative treatments. It”s a clear preservative treatment, meaning it doesn”t discolour the shingles and allows them to naturally age into a silvery grey colour.”
For more information about John Brash and Co.”s Western Red Cedar Shingles, click here
