McArthur Hall Tower

2 mins

The roof of this Grade B1 listed building needed a complete overhaul as part of extensive renovation, including a faithful renewal of the lead detailing on the College’s distinctive tower, and the re-use of roof slates to bring the building back to its former glory.

This Grade B1 listed building on the Methodist College Belfast site was designed by Sir Thomas Newenham Deane for girl school boarders and completed in 1891. Following the closure of the building to boarders in 2010, extensive repair and remedial work was required to stabilise and address health and safety risks in order to prolong the life of the building and bring it back to life as a functioning part of the College.

Complexity

The tower and its intricate detailing had been heavily exposed to the elements so that most of the lead was missing. What remained was rippled, which can result in cracking, had sagged and torn away from the nail holes, and was generally in very poor condition.

Workmanship

Experienced heritage craft lead workers painstakingly recreated the original intricate lead designs to the tower. The team reused as much of the original building material as possible, including roof slates, gutters and downpipes, with some lead work features to the spire salvaged and fitted back to the original timber finials.

About D Harkin & Co Roofing

D Harkin & Co Roofing has over 30 years’ experience offering roofing services across the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland. The company specialises in lead and heritage roofing, slating and tiling for both new build and refurbishment projects.

www.dharkinroofing.co.uk