Freephone (UK): Telephone: 0333 987 4452
Tuscan Foundry Products Ltd, Unit 1, Dunsdon Farm Estate, Pancrasweek, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7JW, United Kingdom
Fax: Email: info@tuscanfoundry.co.uk
We offer flexible working practices, quality castings, attention to detail, precise communication skills and the experience gained on many projects working with architects and contractors. We manufacture a diverse range of architectural products with a reputation for being on time and on budget.
Much of our experience has come through supplying drainage products for building works. In addition to our standard range we manufacture ornamental and one off castings, particularly for restoration and heritage projects.
We can replicate any cast iron casting that has been previously manufactured.
Cast iron planters can be produced to a variety of shapes and sizes and can include personalised embellishments. Apart from the unique natural appearance, the benefits of using cast iron for planters are durability, longevity, a lower whole life cost and also the environmental considerations.
Cast iron outdoor furniture such as planters and lawn ornaments were at their height of popularity from the mid 1800’s until around the turn of the century. During this time iron workers developed the skills necessary to make decorative cast iron and due to the Victorian fascination with lawns and gardens, it created a public demand. Moulded cast iron was relatively cheap and replaced the more expensive hand-made wrought iron used largely from the early 1800s. By the 1890s cast iron was in turn replaced by steel which was lighter, stronger and less brittle.
A few bespoke cast iron pieces were designed and made for wealthy individuals but the majority of pieces were mass produced in moulds and sold to the general public. Victorian manufacturers overcame the weight problems posed by cast iron by simply dividing a large design into a number of smaller castings. The small castings were individually boxed, shipped and then assembled into the final form on the grounds of the buyer.
Original cast iron urns up to five or six feet in height, for example, were typically created from 4 to 5 castings all generally under 12 inches tall and weighing no more than 50 to 100 pounds. Original garden benches were made from as many as eight to ten pieces usually in the 5 to 50 pound range. Certainly not lightweight, but these sizes and weights could be handled by a Victorian home owner and a helper fairly easily. Although these pieces look massive and imposing when assembled, most are easily taken apart and moved.
Pavement lights (UK), vault lights (US), floor lights, or sidewalk prisms are flat-topped walk-on skylights, usually set into pavement (sidewalks) or floors to let sunlight into the space below. They often use anidolic lighting prisms to throw the light sideways under the building. They declined in popularity with the advent of cheap electric lighting and some cities are systematically removing historic sidewalk lights; however those interested in preserving their history are restoring and replacing them with materials such as cast iron to ensure that they will remain for decades to come.
Pavement lights are a method of daylighting basements and are able to serve as a sole source of illumination during the day. At night, lighting in the basements beneath produces a glowing sidewalk. Pavement lights may be used to make subterranean space useful. They are more common in city centres, dense, high-rent areas where space is valuable. Historically, landlords took an interest in improving not only the floor area ratio, but the amount of space that was naturally lit, on the grounds that this was profitable. Occupiers valued daylight not only as a way of saving on artificial lighting costs (which were higher historically), but in some cases also as a way to let premises remain cooler in summer, and a way to save on ventilation costs.
Pavement lights and related products were historically marketed as a way of saving on artificial lighting costs and making space more usable and pleasant. Modern studies of similar daylighting technology provide evidence for those claims.
Residing in our towns and cities, on our roadsides, in parks, as well as around our schools and businesses, street furniture really is a massive part of our everyday landscape. Individual pieces offer a range of practical, social and environmental functions.
Cast iron is the traditional choice for long lasting street furniture in the UK and is widely respected for its sustainability credential; making cast iron the perfect choice for landscape transformations in heritage, conservation and urban areas.
The first “street furniture” landmark was the ‘Maritime Bollard.’ It was the next design progression from the wooden bollard, and came into use in the 17th and 18th century, during the Victorian era. They were reconfigured from disused cannons reclaimed from decommissioned ships and were most notably present in Portsmouth and the London Borough of Camden.
Seating is another key piece of the street furniture industry, became more popular with the advent of the railways in the 1840’s. The first type of bench associated with the railways was that of the Great Western railway company which connected the midlands with London, the south-west and west of England.
Tree Grilles and guards are a relatively new sighting in the urban environment. These grilles are an excellent example of how street architecture and the environment, humanity and the organic are working in harmony with one another. They are also a stylish way to help to prevent vandalism and theft in urban areas.
Ecclesiastical floor grates have been a feature of our churches and cathedrals for a very long time. Used to cover the under floor heating pipes whilst allowing the air to circulate upwards, they were also popular in Victorian and Edwardian greenhouses, conservatories and orangeries. They come in many different designs, often unique to an individual building, usually intricate and actually quite beautiful for such a functional item.
The earliest railings were wrought iron, and their manufacture was possible because of the development of blast furnaces in the 15th century. Early examples can occasionally be found inside churches. Wrought iron continued to be used until the late 19th century, following the emergence of steel. Cast iron railings did not appear until the second half of the 18th century, following the development of new industrial processes.
Cast iron became ubiquitous because of the Adams brothers in particular, who immediately recognised the ease with which it could be cast into classical forms. However cast iron was rarely used decoratively on the outside of houses until after 1850. Iron was most commonly used for railings mounted on low stone boundary walls, balustrades and in the case of some middle class houses, parapets or to crown bay windows, porches or pointed roofs. Cast iron increased in popularity during Victorian times and was widely used for making Victorian gates, railings, panels, and the decorative elements they incorporated.
Beautiful and ornate, Victorian wrought and cast iron railings are a common feature of churchyards across the country. They may have been installed originally to mark the boundaries of consecrated ground and to provide a level of security for the graves and church, but they are also of historic importance in their own right and are often much cherished by parishioners and church authorities. Historic ironwork is difficult to repair well and requires sensitive conservation. Processes should be informed by an understanding of the principles set out by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (www.spab. org.uk) and in the Burra Charter (see australia.icomos.org). In particular, conservators should seek to retain and preserve as much original material as possible, using traditional materials and techniques in repairs, with minimal disturbance to the original work, and using reversible processes where possible.
It is not always possible to restore or repair old railings when the damage is extensive, or if the originals have been replaced at some point with cheaper replicas. In those situations Tuscan Foundry Products can advise on the cost of replacement items to match the original cast iron railings.
If you are unsure what you need, our team of experts can
visit your project and discuss your requirements.
Sales & Customer Services:
0333 987 4452
Unit 1 Dunsdon Farm Estate
Pancrasweek
Holsworthy
Devon
EX22 7JW
United Kingdom
Freephone (UK): Telephone: 0333 987 4452
Tuscan Foundry Products Ltd, Unit 1, Dunsdon Farm Estate, Pancrasweek, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7JW, United Kingdom
Fax: Email: info@tuscanfoundry.co.uk
Our dedicated customer service team are on hand to answer any questions related to installation of our products. Our technical trained team can offer additional support and advice on a wide range of subjects. We can also provide an installation guide if required.
In the interests of performance and safety we recommend that all installation work is carried out to applicable codes of practice.
Due to the many beneficial properties of cast iron rainwater and soil goods, minimal maintenance is required for Tuscan castings. We recommend an annual inspection of cast iron rainwater, soil or drainage systems and clearance of any debris and or blockages. Painted surfaces should be cleared of any contamination and any deterioration of paint should be touched up.
We work to ensure that our business activities comply with, and where possible surpass, applicable environmental standards and legislation. We aim to implement processes and practices which help to minimise risk and protect the environment and eco systems from environmental impacts of the manufacturing processes. We will reduce to a minimum the environmental impacts of our production activities and develop a pro-active approach when taking in to account our local community.
We aim to do business with only those suppliers who share our core values and approach to corporate social responsibility. We aim to purchase from only those suppliers that have demonstrated a commitment to improving or maintaining acceptable standards on labour, health and safety and environmental practices.
Our cast iron rainwater products are manufactured in accordance with BS460.
The EN877 Halifax Soil System has been awarded British Board of Agrément (BBA) third party accreditation certificate number 06/4401. The scope of the accreditation is detailed within the certificate. The EN877 Halifax System bears the CE markings as required to conform to the Construction Products Regulations (CPR).
Tuscan Premier rainwater systems are available in a choice of 3 different exterior coatings, Premier grey primed, Premier Extra black gloss or Premier Extra coloured.
Most Premier standard rainwater products are now available in Premier Extra black gloss finish from stock. Tuscan painted cast iron rainwater and soil goods are produced with an industry leading finish.
Premier Extra coloured offers any cast iron rainwater items supplied pre-painted to match any RAL or BS colour reference. We are also able to offer a Colour Match service taken from an existing sample. When considering a coloured finish to your product, we recommend you consult your our team for advice about the choice and suitability of choice colours.
Premier Extra pre-painted systems provide the following additional benefits
Round rainwater pipes in a choice of 65mm, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm diameters and in standard lengths of 0.6m, 0.9m, 1.2m and 1.8m. Produced by the centrifugal cast method which offers uniformity of shape and thickness.
With the introduction of the H16 gutter, the Premier standard rainwater range now includes 8 gutter profiles in a variety of different sizes with capacities up to 3 litres per second.
Our selection of standard rainwater heads now includes the H1 and H1A designs.
Rainwater diverter kits allow rainwater harvesting through facilitating connection to a water butt, they are supplied with comprehensive installation instructions. Offered in 3 sizes as standard, bespoke diverter kits can also be made to fit any pipe.
New design loose pipe sockets with spigots enable cost saving through utilisation of pipe offcuts.
Half round gutter jointing kits consisting of 10 EPDM rubber gaskets, bolts, nuts & washers provide time saving at point of installation.
No other material offers the aesthetic appeal of cast iron, one which can satisfy all the requirements of traditional architecture. It is the logical choice for listed properties, conservation areas and heritage work.
Tuscan cast iron pipes are highly resistant to distortion caused by accident or vandalism.
Our cast iron gutters are able to withstand the weight of ladders for roof maintenance.
Gutters will not bend and sag when subjected to heavy snow and storms.
Long Life
Correctly installed and maintained Tuscan cast iron rainwater systems can last in excess of 100 years.
Long life expectancy makes cast iron the cost effective choice with one of low whole life costs of any gutter or pipe material.
Annual Maintenance checks should be carried out – occasional repainting may be required after the annual maintenance checks. This is especially important within coastal areas or areas of high pollution.
100% recyclable at the end of its life.
We understand that not all buildings suit the standard range of products and that many buildings have cast iron gutter, pipes and hoppers that are unique to that individual structure.
Specialist patterns and castings can be produced at the foundry located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. We have the experience and capability to manufacture bespoke casting and fabricated products to support our comprehensive standard range of cast iron rainwater and soil goods.
The Halifax site comprises of the pattern making shop, foundry and fabrication facilities, which enables us to manufacture bespoke items to meet your requirements. Our customer service team will manage your order throughout each stage of the process; ensuring the most cost effective production options are selected and quality standards and delivery deadlines are met in full.
Many bespoke commissions start with a client who is trying to reproduce a casting in the style or shape of a pattern which is no longer available. Our in house technical team will be able to work with either a sample from site to replicate an existing casting or a detailed drawing to create a product to a completely new design.
Renovation or extension of a period property can require, for example, radius gutters to match the specific curvature of the building and design of gutter or ornamental hopper heads to match existing installations like for like. In most cases drawings are not available, our technical support will work closely with the client at any stage of the project until we have a new casting which is compliant with current building regulations and listed building consent where applicable.
Standard products can also be altered to provide a specialist solution for your project. For example, fixing ears can be added to rainwater and soil fittings; pipe and gutter fittings can be made to specific angles and projection dimensions; and castings can be customised with dates or embellishments.
We can also produce bespoke cast iron radius gutters that are as unique as your project.
Low noise levels due to the sound deadening properties of cast iron. This is particularly important when choosing your soil system.
Very little expansion and contraction in extreme temperatures therefore no noisy clicking, creaking or permanent deformation of gutters.
Cast iron gutters will not rattle in high winds.
Quicker installation and reduced costs, which can reduce installation time by up to 50%.
No requirement for hazardous material on site and minimal down time caused by inclement weather conditions delaying painting.
Factory applied two-pack polyurethane coated finish. This coating has a life expectancy of at least 10 years subject to annual inspection and maintenance.
Delivered protectively wrapped to provide protection whilst in transit and on site.
Important note:
Life expectancy for the coating does not apply to locations within a three kilometres distance of marine or coastal environments. In these circumstances please consult our team for advice on a suitable coating choice.