Projects

Roberton Villa
Remuera, Auckland

Key specification

Surface Area: 325 sq m

Roof assembly: Micro-ventilated roof substructure

Material: Made in Italy Classic Marseille clay tile

Sheet-metalwork:

• 0.80 mm copper: drip edges, valleys, gutter valleys, aprons, chimney flashings, and other roof details

Water drainage system:

• 0.80 mm OG-profile copper gutters (330 mm) and accessories
• 0.70 mm copper downpipes and accessories

Overview

This historic house was owned by Dr Ernest Roberton (1862–1949), an honorary physician at Auckland Hospital and President of the British Medical Association. Built around 1900, the home reflects late Victorian/Edwardian residential architecture.

The restoration involved replacing the original Marseille clay tile roof with a new roof of the same profile, sourced from Italy, to maintain visual continuity with the existing architecture while improving longevity. A micro-ventilated roof system was developed, incorporating breathable waterproof protection and continuous passive ventilation to better manage moisture and summer heat.

Original lead chimney and apron flashings around dormers, windows, and other junctions were redesigned and replaced with 0.80 mm copper, improving performance and reducing future maintenance while keeping the detailing true to the building’s historic character. In addition, narrow tiled infill sections were replaced with properly detailed copper covers, fully integrated into the gutter line. This upgrade creates reliable, low-maintenance junctions and directs water safely into the drainage system for long-term performance.

Premium 0.80 mm OG-profile copper gutters (330 mm), made in Italy, were installed with brackets fixed directly to the rafters to deliver a rigid, high-performance system. The drainage layout was redesigned for improved functionality. All copper joints were brazed, ensuring long-term watertightness and structural integrity.