The Art of Sustainability: Redruth's Buttermarket Façade with Recycled Glass

In the town of Redruth, Cornwall, a transformation is underway at the Buttermarket. This Grade II listed building is being adorned with 800 handmade recycled glass shingles. The project is in its final stages, with 1.5 tonnes of waste glass having been transformed into functional art. Each shingle, crafted from this waste glass, stands as a testament not only to the art of recycling but also to the dedication involved in handcrafting sustainable art with a commitment to the circular economy and innovation.

These shingles, precision waterjet-cut at Cross Engineering Swansea Ltd, are each meticulously cleaned and coated with a cutting-edge hydrophobic layer. The process is as fascinating as the result. The hydrophobic coating applied to these shingles is a marvel of modern technology, repelling water and ensuring that, regardless of the weather, the Buttermarket remains a beacon of cleanliness and resilience.

But what exactly is this hydrophobic technology? It is a type of nanotechnology that changes the way water interacts with surfaces. Treated surfaces cause water to form beads and roll off, rather than soaking in. It's akin to watching water droplets perform a ballet, a dance of physics that protects and preserves. 

As the Buttermarket prepares to unveil its new look, it stands as a proud example of the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, creating something truly extraordinary. It's a narrative of #RedruthRevival, where the past and future merge, and where sustainability is about preserving history as much as it is about safeguarding our planet.

The architect Jen Boddington and Claire Faire at Thread https://www.a-thread.co.uk/

Contractor Jewell Construction Ltd https://www.jewellconstruction.net/

Supported by https://ahfund.org.uk/projects/the-buttermarket/