Case study 10

Ruel Steading

Having completed many Self-Build projects over the years, James was looking for a project that could be a future place to retire. This project offered a unique chance to save a proud building and bring it a new life.

The original building having been a sawmill, built in 1812 of quartz schist stone building had been left with no roof for over many decades and was in extremely poor condition. This was just one of many challenges James and Jason (James’s architect & son) had to overcome, including significant areas of the stone walls that required to be painstakingly taken down and carefully pieced back together.

A key part of Jason’s design was a corridor extension, constructed to allow retention of all the original doors and windows with very few new openings required through the half metre thick stone walls. 

The entire corridor is formed by coupled floor to ceiling, VELFAC V200E units, which results in a clean and refined appearance inside and out.

So why choose VELFAC?

“My son had previously used VELFAC products on another project. He was pleased with how the product performed and could see it working well with our building.

. I then went to the showroom to view the windows and doors, I liked the slim profile and great insulation values offered, the exterior is clean with no external handles or hinges so that helped us make our decision.

The other factor was cost, I have fitted UPVC windows in the past and was surprised by the value for such a high-quality product. A competitive price for a superb product.” advises James

Working with ADW

The stonework across the mill has interesting combinations of shape and size, crow stepped gables, and generous pointed arch windows with triangular openings too. James tells us,“ADW advised us on appropriate tolerances for the new windows within existing openings, which, thankfully, fit despite the varying stone surfaces!

The site is accessed by crossing an A listed bridge with a max capacity of only 7.5 ton, impacting delivery and movement of materials. We worked with ADW to plan the delivery around this constraint, splitting our order into two batches and keeping overall weight within the limited capacity of the bridge.

By visiting the ADW showroom, my son and I, we were able to discuss the project details and working together with the ADW team were able to refine details, such as the corner of the new glazed corridor. We found ADW extremely helpful throughout and visiting the showroom gave me the chance to understand the installation and operation of the windows & doors.

The after care and customer service was excellent. Minor items were dealt with quickly and easily.”

End Result

“The building has a “special” feel to it. We are happy with our choices and the final result is a beautiful modern extension which is just perfect for us. Not retiring quite yet, I have just taken on another project that ADW are currently pricing. The positive experiences collaborating with them on my own house has led to me work with them again ” James Forrester