The Property

Lead Cupola – Elleron Lodge, North York Moors

This project formed part of the wider leadwork package at Elleron Lodge, a large residential new build property in the North York Moors National Park. The building included a number of substantial flat roof areas and bespoke architectural features, with the cupola forming one of the more intricate leadwork details on the project.

The architect’s brief was to clad a pre-formed cupola in lead while allowing for a weather vane detail to be retrofitted after the leadwork had been completed. Although relatively small compared with the wider roof areas, the cupola required a high level of precision because of its shape, exposed location and the need for a clean architectural finish.

The finished detail was formed using Code 5 rolled lead sheet, exterior-grade plywood support, copper clips and stainless steel clips. The lead was dressed, bossed and formed into welted panels to suit the curved and angled geometry of the cupola.

Why the Cupola Required Specialist Leadwork

Cupolas are highly exposed details because they sit above the main roofline and are affected by wind, rain and temperature movement from every direction. Any weakness in the cladding, corners, perimeter details or fixing positions can quickly allow water to penetrate beneath the covering.

This project also had the added requirement of a future weather vane installation. That meant the leadwork needed to provide a watertight finish while leaving the cupola ready for a later fitting without compromising the completed roof detail.

Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach

This project was completed using a standards-led approach focused on correct lead forming, secure clipping and durable detailing in an exposed location.

• BS 6915 informed the design and installation of the fully supported lead sheet cladding.
• BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
• Lead Sheet Association guidance informed welted panel formation, fixing principles, bossing, dressing, clipping and perimeter detailing.

The key principle was to keep the leadwork secure while allowing natural movement. The cupola’s position meant that wind uplift and weather exposure had to be considered carefully, so the lead was formed in controlled panels, fixed with suitable clips and dressed neatly around the perimeter and upper detailing.

Specification of Works

Preparation and Removal

• Pre-formed cupola inspected before lead cladding works began.
• Architectural requirements reviewed, including the future weather vane installation.
• Cupola geometry measured and set out for Code 5 lead panel formation.
• Perimeter and upper details prepared for secure lead fixing.
• Working areas prepared to allow accurate dressing, clipping and welt formation.

Substrate and Support

• Exterior-grade plywood support checked to provide a stable base beneath the lead.
• Perimeter support details prepared for the lead cladding and edge formation.
• Fixing locations planned to secure the lead without restricting movement.
• Weather vane position considered so the completed leadwork could accommodate later installation.

Leadwork Installation

• Cupola clad using Code 5 rolled lead sheet.
• Lead panels formed to suit the curved and angled shape of the cupola.
• Welted panel details created to provide clean lines and controlled movement.
• Lead bossed and dressed carefully around changes in direction.
• Copper clips used in appropriate locations to secure the leadwork.
• Stainless steel clips installed where additional edge strength was required.
• Perimeter lead details formed to weather the base of the cupola correctly.
• Finished detail checked to ensure the future weather vane could be fitted without disturbing the main leadwork.

Finishing and Protection

• All exposed leadwork checked for dressing, clipping and visual consistency.
• Perimeter details inspected for weathering and wind resistance.
• Completed cupola cleaned down and checked before handover.

The Materials

This project used a concise group of materials selected for strength, compatibility and reliable performance in an exposed roof position.

• Code 5 lead
• Exterior-grade plywood
• Copper clips
• Stainless steel clips
• Lead welding materials
• Patination oil where required

If you are trying to understand which code of lead is right for a similar detail, our shoppable lead chart is a useful starting point. For broader product learning, see The Lead Handbook and our lead roofing guides.