Woodland Discovery Centre

The JG Graves Woodland Discovery Centre is being constructed in the Ecclesall Woods Sawmill as part of the Sheffield Woodlands Environment Enhancement Project.

The centre runs craft courses all through the year from cider making to wood work skills. Public events in the autumn and spring celebrate Sheffield’s rich woodland heritage and demonstrates the unique facilities of the centre, as well as providing activities such as story telling, discovering nature and traditional uses of wood in the home and garden.

The Solution

The project entailed designing a center that harmoniously blended with the enchanting surrounding woodlands. The main building featured a grand ‘ski slope’ style roof, initially planned to be waterproofed using metal sheets. However, the client quickly realised that this approach would be prohibitively expensive.

To meet the client’s requirements for a cost-effective alternative that maintained the intended appearance, they turned to Charlesworth Contractors—a Polyroof approved contractor with a proven track record of excellence. Recognizing the need for a swift and efficient waterproofing solution, we recommended the BBA Approved Polyroof 185 System with Lead Roll Effect trims.

The first step involved fixing high-quality plywood boards onto the roof’s support beams to create the ski-slope shape. This foundation was then enhanced with GRP trims meticulously applied to replicate the appearance of traditional lead rolls. Finally, our renowned Polyroof 185 System was expertly installed, swiftly forming a seamless and highly durable waterproofing membrane.

The implemented solution not only met the project’s time constraints but also exceeded expectations in terms of performance and aesthetics. With a 20-year insurance-backed guarantee, our Polyroof 185 system provided the client with peace of mind, assuring long-lasting protection for the roof. Furthermore, not only did our solution prove to be an attractive alternative to metal sheets, but it also offered significant cost savings.

The successful collaboration between Polyroof, Charlesworth Contractors, and the client resulted in a waterproofing solution that seamlessly blended into the natural surroundings of the woodlands. Our advanced liquid roofing system, coupled with expert craftsmanship, delivered an outcome that was both visually appealing and economically viable. With the Polyroof 185 System, we demonstrated once again our ability to provide efficient, durable, and cost-effective solutions for even the most challenging roofing projects.