The UK’s seaside, with its extremes of temperature, high winds and salty environment, presents perhaps the toughest test for any external cladding product. That’s why Cedral fibre cement facade materials are specified for bespoke beach huts in the exclusive area of Mudeford Spit in Dorset.
Russell Lowe, owner of Russty Hooks Beach Hut Design & Construction started building bespoke huts in 2018, with his first project the renovation of his own family’s hut which they have owned since the 1990s.
Russell explains: “Mudeford Spit is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, so special sensitivity is given to the area and the abundance of wildlife in and around it. Being aware of this, I decided to start building offsite beach huts, with minimal journeys to site. This approach reduces our footfall as much as possible. Moving to offsite construction also allows for a much better higher spec than building onsite as I have the luxury of an indoor workshop. The huts are delivered to the beach finished both inside and out with every detail complete”.
Given the high quality of the work, Russell’s business is now thriving. The team of two builders average three to four projects every year, all of which include full fit out including kitchens, insulation, flooring and all mod cons. As a former boat builder, Russell brings this same eye for detail into his beach hut projects.
Russell says: “When working with families on their bespoke huts, I always recommend Cedral fibre cement cladding due to its resilient nature, low maintenance and long-life span. It’s a pleasure building huts, working closely with clients that have often been passed down from generation to generation. It’s very rewarding to see the happiness they bring!”.
Safety and durability are hugely important considerations to any cladding project and the renovation of beach huts is no exception. As with any construction design, adhering to building regulations is key. With its A2 fire performance classification and excellent product availability via local merchants, Cedral’s range of facade products is always Russell’s go-to cladding option.
He continues: “Whenever we’re rebuilding a hut, safety is always the first consideration, so replacing often perished boards with hard wearing Cedral fibre cement is the way to go. Using 50mm insulation, while getting the ventilation gaps right on the replacement cladding, always delivers a great final build; cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The choice of colours in Cedral’s new range is also really popular with customers.”
Russell concludes: “Building beach huts to our specification is surprisingly tough. You need some skill to use this type of product, and the right tools, but the team at Cedral are always on hand to help with product updates or technical queries if needed. The range of profiles available really help to elevate each build, while the quality of fixings have also stood the test of time, given the battering they can receive from the strong winds and salt spray that we see here on the coast.”
Available in 21 vibrant and contemporary colours, Cedral’s cladding is available in two designs with the option of a smooth or woodgrain finish. To find out more visit www.cedral.world
