In keeping with the architecture of historic Worcester, CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPA 18 roofing slates have been used on four buildings of Berkeley’s The Waterside regeneration development. Located on the site of the former Royal Worcester porcelain factory, the development has strict planning requirements. The natural slate product was chosen for its appropriate appearance, to integrate with the industrial Victorian architecture in this location.

An exclusive housing project combining the redevelopment of original structures with the construction of new ones, The Waterside includes an array of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, with views of the River Severn and Worcester Cathedral. CUPA 18 slate was chosen for the roofing of blocks 12, 15, K1 and K2 of the most recent stage of project, which has been progressing in phases over the last decade. While blocks 12 and 15 were new builds, K1 and K2 were refurbishments of original structures.

Design Manager at Berkeley, Alex Burrows emphasised the importance of the development remaining in-keeping with the location, as the site sits within a conservation area and within the curtilage of the Grade 2 listed Bone Mill. “The story for the development was to restore these buildings to their former glory. We wanted a high level slate similar to that used on the original buildings in the area. We were given options by our supplier and CUPA 18 had the appropriate, high quality appearance we were after,”

The slates were supplied by CUPA stockists Willis Westcott Ltd. before Antony White of Bicester Roofing Co., carried out the work on the site. Antony commented: “I like that CUPA 18 is not as flat as other slates; it has a more authentic look and more character than other brands. Natural slate had been used historically on previous phases of the development and the same look was desired to remain in keeping with period look of the location.”

A high quality Spanish slate, CUPA 18 has a smooth matt surface and is known for its strength and durability. Grey in appearance, it can be supplied in a range of formats and sizes to meet any design requirement.