Murdoch Awards 2014 - showcasing the very best in leadwork

The 2014 Murdoch Awards for quality in leadwork saw the continued sponsorship by ALM and another increase in the number of entries over the previous year. Overall winner was John Fulton (Plumbers) who took the accolade for 6-9 Water Row, in Greater Govan and Glasgow Harbour.

The impressive B-listed, red sandstone tenement building (pictured right) occupies a prominent site in the heart of Govan’s Conservation Area, having been built for the YMCA in 1897.

The restoration, in keeping with best conservation practice, involved roofing, stonework, joinery, chimney and structural repairs, refurbishment of sash and case windows, overhauling of the tower and repointing.

Because of its prominent location, the project was considered to be of high impact, enhancing the character of the Conservation Area, improving the streetscape and increasing confidence in Govan’s regeneration.

ALM’s Andy Denham commented: “This project is another real time example of the material’s longevity and a perfect example of how lead continues to be pivotal to the restoration of historic buildings. In conjunction with Jamestown Metals in Glasgow, ALM is proud to be associated with such craftsmanship and awards which recognise the highest contracting standards.”

The ‘Sponsors Award’ winner was another Scottish project, D Blake & Co.’s Dumfries House in Cumnock, Ayrshire (pictured left). This has enjoyed a high media profile ever since Prince Charles invested £20 million of his charitable foundation’s money and brokered a £45 million deal to secure the house and its collection of Chippendale furniture.

The leadwork package involved covering the tower roof of the newly built belvedere within the Queen Elizabeth walled garden.

An extremely tight time frame was involved to coincide with the scheduled opening by Her Majesty the Queen on 2nd July. Just a 2 week window was available, entailing 12 hour shifts for the 4 installers involved.

3.5 tonnes of code 6 lead was supplied by Jamestown Metals and installed with a gutter at base level discharging through ornamental lead-cast dragons and a welted step section. 56 lead panels were then fitted to the tower onto a 22mm thick timber substrate with open gap boarding.

Leadwork was fitted in panels of up to 2.0 metres x 800mm, head-fixed with 3 rows of copper clout nails with panels diminishing in size towards the top. Standard wood core rolls to the panels and a king roll at the hips were fitted with a separate welted cap.

The panels were fitted with a concealed tie at the bottom edge via a lead welded tie to the lower panel.

ALM supplied both of the winners as well as finalist Conservation Leadwork Ltd (pictured left), along with other short-listed contractors including Norfolk Sheet Lead (UK) (pictured top right), M W Leadworks Ltd (pictured bottom right) and S J Baker & Sons Ltd.

The Murdoch Awards are sponsored by ALM and you can find out more about them and Jamestown Metals, their sister company for the North and Scotland, at www.associatedlead.co.uk & www.jamestownmetals.co.uk