The Grade II listed circular Roundhouse in Derby, once used by the North Midland Railway for servicing locomotives, has recently been resurrected to become the iconic centrepiece of the new Derby College campus, providing approximately 18,000 square metres of learning and teaching space.

With a passion for conserving our heritage, Longden solid timber doorsets were the natural choice to complement the detailed restoration and help transform the once derelict, Grade II listed Roundhouse.

Able to create, adapt and support design concepts to suit any requirement or environment, Longden was able to manufacture the unique external doorsets required to comply and meet the requirements of its Grade II-listed status, including performance characteristics for 30 minutes fire resistance. 

The solid timber doorsets specified include a uniquely designed framed ledged and braced boarded doorset with over panel as well as vertical boarded doorsets all constructed using the durable hardwood Iroko. With the same dedication to conserving our heritage, Longden shares its customers’ concern for sustaining the earth’s resources. As such Longden solid timber doorsets can be specified using timber and timber-based raw materials approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and exclusively from well-managed and sustainable sources.

To help protect and preserve the uniquely designed doorsets from the UK’s harsh natural elements such as lashing rain, harmful frost and fungal attack, Longden worked with Morrells’ – the leading specialist within the surface coating industry. The doorsets have been treated with exterior finishes from Morrells’ Omnia range, incorporating 1 coat Omnia Preserve, a water borne timber treatment which protects against rot and fungal attack and 2 coats Omnia Clear, a topcoat with hybrid-microporous polymer technology allowing the timber to breathe and provides protection against the elements.

The Longden approach to conservation and our expertise in traditional craftsmanship is widely recognised by architects, conservation experts and organisations such as English Heritage. Other notable education renovation projects include St Johns College of the University of Cambridge, Westminster University and Birbeck College.