National Trust- ‘A Dodecorative Solution’

On the eastern edge of Plymouth, near the banks of the Plym estuary, lies the 466-acre Saltram Estate, managed by the National Trust since 1957. Welcoming around 180,000 visitors each year, Saltram is renowned for its Georgian mansion, picturesque parkland walks, and beautifully maintained gardens, which feature rare plant species, elegant avenues, and unique decorative elements.

In October 2017, Senior Gardener Dr Martin Stott approached Aldermans with a request to fabricate a custom-built concrete mould. The National Trust wanted to create perfect dodecahedral ornaments as decorative garden features. The mould needed to be strong enough to support the weight of concrete, precisely shaped for geometric accuracy, and securely fastened to prevent concrete leakage. It also had to be easily dismantled and reassembled for future use.

Dr Stott had already built a wooden prototype, which provided a starting point for the development of a more durable, long-lasting metal version. Given the precision and strength required, Aldermans’ expertise in laser cutting, metal fabrication, and welding made it the ideal partner for the project.