Salt Town Contractors was honoured to deliver a specialised waterproofing solution for the historic and iconic Burgh Island Hotel, an Art Deco Grade II listed building located off the South Devon coast. The project involved refurbishing Main Hotel Roof (430m²) using the LRS FastCoat Pro liquid-applied waterproofing system, specifically chosen to withstand the harsh coastal environment and preserve the integrity of this architectural gem. 

Client 

Constructed in 1929 by filmmaker Archibald Nettlefold, Burgh Island Hotel epitomises Art Deco design and has attracted prominent guests, including Agatha Christie, Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson, and Winston Churchill. This prestigious hotel is accessible only during low tides, offering guests a unique sea tractor journey when high tides cut off access. In addition to its architectural significance, Burgh Island Hotel remains culturally important, featured in films and TV adaptations, notably those of Agatha Christie’s novels. The project’s completion reflects Salt Town Contractors’ commitment to preserving this historic site while enhancing its durability for future generations.

Challenges Faced

The island’s location and tidal patterns posed logistical challenges, requiring meticulous planning to manage limited access. Salt Town Contractors coordinated tightly scheduled deliveries to coincide with low tides and utilised the hotel’s sea tractor for personnel and materials during high tide. Limited storage on the island necessitated well-timed material usage, ensuring the project’s progress aligned seamlessly with these natural constraints.

Solution & Delivery

Preserving Aesthetic Integrity and Enhancing Durability

The Art Deco design and historic value of Burgh Island Hotel required Salt Town to execute work in a way that both respected the hotel’s heritage and met modern waterproofing standards. The LRS FastCoat Pro system is a Pure Polyurethane Liquid waterproofing system that was fully reinforced with GRP matting, designed to ensure long performance life and exceptional UV resistance to aid in withstanding the unique pressures of coastal exposure while integrating MS 2-part Primer to bond effectively with the Solar reflective coating and the aged asphalt. This approach delivered a long-term waterproofing solution that maintains the aesthetic of the original architecture.

Results

The successful completion of the Burgh Island Hotel roof waterproofing not only met the project’s stringent time and operational requirements but also extended the roof’s lifespan by 20 years, backed by a robust warranty. The waterproofing system now shields the building against saltwater ingress and extreme weather, ensuring the hotel remains safeguarded for decades. The hotel management has praised Salt Town Contractors for minimising operational disruptions, allowing the historic site to remain fully operational during the refurbishment.

Future Prospects

Given the success of this initial project phase, Salt Town Contractors has been invited to return for additional roof work across the island in the coming year. This opportunity reaffirms the client’s confidence in Salt Town Contractors’ ability to manage complex heritage projects with precision and respect for historical significance