Copperleaf featured by Wienerberger UK
Psyte Studio - Architect Cheltenham. Designed by Psyte, this project sought to create a home that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to it's environment, making use of natural materials and traditional forms whilst prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency.
wienerberger UK has published Copperleaf as a reference project, featuring Cassius Antique roof tiles. Read the Case study (external link)
Project details:
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Architect: Psyte Studio
Product referenced: Cassius Antique Roof Tiles
Case Study Focus:
Roof design balancing contemporary character with nearby Victorian context
Interlocking tile system for a coordinated finish and reduced waste
Highly insulated structural panel roof build up to support thermal performance
James Sandwith – Director at Psyte Studio: "At Copperleaf, the roof design was an important element in marrying the building’s contemporary style with its historic context. We focused on selecting materials that not only enhanced the aesthetic but also supported our sustainability goals. The result is a roof that complements the overall design while ensuring energy efficiency and durability for years to come."
Rediscovering History: The Remarkable Journey of the Copperleaf Rear Staircase
Unearthing the Past
The story begins during the excavation phase, beneath a garage constructed around 1910. As we delved into the ground, breaking through a concrete slab, our contractor’s team stumbled upon these remarkable sandstone steps, originally installed circa 1860 when the Victorian house was built. These steps, crafted from the local Forest of Dean sandstone, were a relic of the past, each step weighing approximately 200 kilos, with the entire assembly weighing a few tonnes.
The Craftsmanship of Yesteryears
The sandstone steps are a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the stonemasons of the 19th century. These artisans meticulously hewed each stone by hand, likely on site due to the sheer weight of the materials. The Forest of Dean sandstone, known for its durability and distinctive character, was a popular choice at the time.
A Deliberate Preservation
The initial reaction was one of awe at the discovery. A local reclamation yard in the Cotswolds offered over a thousand pounds to purchase them. However, recognising their historical value, we decided to preserve and repurpose them. This decision marked the beginning of a complex yet rewarding journey of incorporating these steps into Copperleaf’s rear stairway.
Engineering and Design Challenges
The steps' integration required careful planning and collaboration. A large excavator was hired to manoeuvre the hefty stones, setting them aside for future use. Our design process involved exploring various options to ensure the staircase would be both functional and integrated with the design of the house.
Jack Russell, a local metalworker and sculptor was engaged, whose approach and craftsmanship were pivotal for the structural design for the steel framework provided the necessary support for the staircase, ensuring it could bear the weight of the sandstone while maintaining structural integrity. A robust base slab was poured to support the 1.5 tonne structure, independent of the main building.
A key design concept was to play on the scale and weight of the sandstone steps by hiding the supporting steelwork, creating the illusion that the steps were floating effortlessly. Jack's primary contribution was his understanding of this design vision and his dedication to achieving it through meticulous steelwork design and fabrication. His efforts ensured that the support structures were discreetly integrated, allowing the steps to appear as if they defied gravity.
The Final Touches
Jack spent several weeks fabricating the steelwork, which was then brought to the site and meticulously assembled. The balustrades and additional steel elements were crafted on site, tailored to fit the unique dimensions of the sandstone steps. The stones, having been buried for over a century, required some restoration and stonemasonry cleaning and preparing them, restoring their original grandeur.
A Staircase with a Story
Today, the rear staircase of Copperleaf stands as a bridge between past and present, seamlessly blending contemporary design with historical significance. It serves not only as a functional element of the new build but also as a preserved piece of architectural history, embodying the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the Victorian era. At Psyte Studio, we take pride in honouring the past while building for the future. The Copperleaf rear staircase is a shining example of how historical preservation and modern architecture can coexist harmoniously, creating spaces that tell a story.