A prefabricated, single-ply membrane roof from IKO Polymeric crowns a visually-striking treehouse at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show
In association with
IKO Polymeric and Excel Roofing have worked together to roof a luxury treehouse, which was displayed at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show in London. Supported on a treated, softwood timber sub-frame, the treehouse measures 8.5-metres from ground to ridge level. A handmade, spiral timber staircase provides access to the structure and leads to a treated timber deck. The exterior is finished with Cedar cladding in a range of different profiles. Natural weathering will turn the timber a silver-grey colour, blending-in with the surrounding vegetation. The roof is finished with slate grey single-ply roofing membrane. Dark grey windows and doors are used throughout.
Blue Forest – a company that specialises in the design and construction of luxury treehouses and unique sustainable buildings – ensured that the timber used in the treehouse was sustainably harvested and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). After the show, the structure was transported to the Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa in Hampshire for use as children’s club.
IKO Armourplan Single Ply membrane and PVC standing seams installation
The brief was to produce a modern, contemporary finish with clean lines. A metal standing-seam roof was initial favoured, but this was rejected due to time constraints and the use of offsite construction. To replicate the desired metal aesthetic, IKO’s Armourplan SG120 fleece-backed PVC membrane in slate grey was specified along with pvc standing seams. The membrane was adhered tightly to closely follow the contours of the curved roof and provide a crisp finish on the standing seams.
The roof was prefabricated in two sections so that the finishes could be fitted at ground level, reducing the need for working at height. Excel Roofing had just five days to complete the roof, with a day on site to complete the final welds that join the two sections together. IKO’s Armourplan PVC membrane proved highly convenient for offsite fabrication with only half a day needed on site to complete the works.
The treehouse was pre-fabricated in five main sections for ease of transport. Each section weighs around 1.5 tons and was transported to the show on a flatbed lorry before being craned into position. The roof finishes had to accommodate a tight timescale and challenging detailing, including a pair of turrets and a projecting porch. Furthermore, the metal drip edge had to be cut and segmented to give the impression of a smooth circle.
IKO Armourplan SG120 fleece-backed PVC membrane was adhered with IKOpro Sprayfast FMA adhesive. The bonded areas had to be taped and covered to protect against overspray and were installed in a two-stage-operation to ensure the membrane was kept tight and bubble-free. Cover tapes were welded over the joins, prior to the installation of the IKO Armourplan PVC standing seam profiles. This resulted in an aesthetically pleasing finish that replicates the desired metal appearance.
