Lighter lunches Guests at the Herriot Hotel in Skipton, North Yorkshire, can now enjoy their tea and coffee in the hotel’s beautiful new conservatory extension created by Ultraframe.

The Grade 2 listed hotel underwent a dramatic makeover which included the addition of a function suite and 10 new bedrooms. The new rooms were built on the site of a dismantled stable outbuilding using the original stable stones. The project’s architect consulted the experts at the Ultraframe Portals Division to design and manufacture an elegant conservatory roof for an extension that would join the original hotel building to the new rooms, whilst complementing the style of the Victorian property.

Michelle Graham-Roe, Proprietor of the Herriot Hotel, said: “We had to adhere to strict regulations in our extension plans for the hotel because it is a listed building. This meant extra effort was required from everyone involved with the project but it has been well worth it. Our architect set Ultraframe quite a challenge and their Portals Team responded in a manner that showed their experience and technical ability. The conservatory complements the surrounding buildings perfectly and has become a real feature of the hotel.”

Nick Booth, Portals Sales Manager at Ultraframe, said: “The conservatory roof at the Herriot Hotel may look quite simple, but in fact it was the opposite. There were many factors we had to take into account when designing and manufacturing the roof which provided additional challenges for the team. Firstly, the 10m by 7m roof had to blend with the original property and stick to the strict guidelines that ensured it enhanced the listed building. We had to design a double-ended gable roof to fit between the two existing walls, but this was made more complicated because the walls were not parallel to each other. We also had to incorporate a lift shaft in the design for a lift to take guests up to the new rooms.

“The fact the conservatory had a dual function, as an extension and as a link between the old and new hotel buildings, made the design brief much more demanding and complex. We were aware that detailed planning and precision were paramount to making the roof a success and we worked closely with the project’s architect throughout the design stages.”

The Ultraframe Portals Team recommended Cheadle Glass from Stockport for an efficient and professional installation. Their skilled fitting team completed the two part installation in less than seven days.

Phil Alley, Projects Manager at Cheadle Glass, said: “Because the conservatory extension was part of a larger building project we were very aware that if we missed our deadlines it would delay remaining work on the hotel. Fortunately, Ultraframe portal frames consist of hollow sections of structural grade aluminium and are specially designed to be extremely lightweight for a quick and easy installation. We have installed a number of Ultraframe roofing systems in the past and have complete confidence in the sound engineering principles and thorough design behind their roofs. It was no surprise to us that the conservatory roof at the hotel fitted together perfectly. Ultraframe had got it spot on again!”

Managing Director at Cheadle Glass, Keith Flowers, commented: “The Herriot Hotel installation was extremely successful and adds yet another prestigious contract to our extensive portfolio.”

Michelle Graham-Roe concluded: “The conservatory is a great asset to the hotel. We have disguised the lift shaft built into one of the walls as a chimney chute and even have a built-in log fire. It provides the hotel with a relaxing, versatile lounge which overlooks our attractive courtyard. Our guests often take their teas and coffees there after dining in the adjoining restaurant. They also use it to enjoy our bar snacks, conduct small business meetings and even to host aperitifs for wedding receptions and parties. The Ultraframe portals team has helped create an elegant room that also looks really impressive when lit up at night.”

Cheadle Glass is one of the North West’s premier suppliers and installers of UPVc frames and portals, as well as being a major manufacturer of glass products for a wide range of applications. The family owned business has been established nearly 40 years and is able to manufacture, supply and install across a wide range of both retail and commercial applications. For more information on Cheadle Glass call 0161 480 6644 or visit www.sigmaglass.com.

The Ultraframe Portals Division specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of portal framed conservatory roofs and large bespoke roofs that require additional structural support. The team, comprising sales, estimator, structural engineer, designers and installation consultant, is available for advice at all stages of a project and can assist with the design and prepare budget quotations and indicative layouts. If required they will visit a site to discuss proposals and carry out detailed site surveys, followed up with detailed working drawings, full structural calculations and fixed price quotations.

For further information on the Ultraframe Portals Division please contact Portals Sales Manager, Nick Booth, on 07740 070658, fax your enquiry to 01200 452397 or email portals@ultraframe.co.uk