ABOUT
Cumbrian Composite Designs is run by Chris Trippear who began building and creating glass fibre products over 40 years ago. This skill was first acquired when Chris was out in South Africa where he was introduced to using glass fibre material while boat building. This is where he learned that unlike wood which is susceptible to wood bores, insects and prone to expanding in damp conditions, glass fibre is far more durable and maintains its shape under variable weather conditions.
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Nine years later Chris returned to UK and the Lake District, managing to get a workshop at the Top of Orton Scar. Windermere was where he was brought up and had previously worked in the boat yards serving in a 7yr apprenticeship. Chris managed to lease his own land and building so he could continue working to produce flat bottomed boats on his returns from living in South Africa.
Chris then moved on to producing replica 17th Centenary Four Poster Beds. The bed he reproduced belonged to Les Worthington who was the Landlord of the Queens Head Pub in Troutbeck Cumbria. Chris reproduced a copy of his original solid wood ornate four poster bed with elegant carvings and designs, but was to be made out of fiberglass. The result was met with great appreciation and led Chris into the world of interior décor, producing wall panelling, ornamental pillars and ceiling cornices.
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Chris then moved into constructing cold rooms for businesses in the food industry due to an increase in demand. This was using the same technology found in a freezer unit to keep produce cold as that found in units that used heaters to maintain the heat. It was in these units that Chris was able to incorporate glass fibre insulation.
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​The next area Chris turned is expertise to was producing glass fibre roof panels that looked like real slate. The finish and texture to these are something else, even on close inspection it's hard not to believe these are not made from slate. Chris worked for several years producing and fitting these too buildings.
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​Back in 1985 it was Chris’ expertise in working with insulated glass fibre structures that he had developed over many, many years for other people and business that he was able to use his own skills for his own benefit in a time of great need and disruption. It was in 1985 that Chris’ own house was impacted hard through severe flooding, making it impossible to live in his house. With the building work that was needed and the insurance investigations, this was a time consuming inconvenience, with the house uninhabitable Chris needed a quick solution. So Chris quickly constructed a comfortable building out of insulated glass fibre on his property with all the electricals and plumbing you would find in a regular house.
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After this misfortune Chris was able to find a new niche for his business and began producing self-contained, fully insulated buildings of differing sizes and purposes.These can be designed and used as Granny annexes, Garden offices, Spare guest room and many more uses.Chris is now able to design a range of Bespoke Fiberglass products.
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