Swift Roofing has worked together with its sister company, Heritage Designer Homes (HDH), on an upmarket detached house with four double bedrooms in Wigmore, near Gillingham.
For 12 years HDH has been developing infill sites in the area and building aspirational homes that are distinctive and yet fit into the overall character of the surrounding area.
Alan Swift, of Swift Roofing, explained: “We try not to make our houses look too modern – we don’t do a standard build as we are always looking for that ‘wow’ factor.”
Alan explained that he would have used reclaimed hand-made clay tiles but these, he explained, create their own challenges. Alan stated that “with a new tile you get the right fittings to match and a uniform colour, so it’s easier to sort out. You also get a guarantee, which you don’t get with a second-hand tile, and you have the peace of mind of fitting something you know is new and has never been used before. In fact I said I wanted the tile before I’d even asked the price.”
Alan explained that the project in Wigmore was particularly sensitive because it was in a valley so the roof was visible from many angles and was even more of a key feature in its appearance and appeal.
“The key point to choosing the tile was that we wanted it to look stunning – and we think we got the effect right. Interestingly, the house was sold on the same day it went on the market.”
The Victorian is the third tile in the Rosemary Clay Craftsman range offered by Redland and is said to have a darker and grittier texture than either of the other two tiles. All three tiles in the range – Victorian, Hawkhurst and Albury – have a weathered look and give traditional roofs a greater depth of texture and character.
The tiles are said to be versatile and can be laid on a variety of roof configurations as there is a full range of compatible fittings and accessories.
Redland says that its Rosemary Clay Craftsman range is designed to combine the look and feel of an aged handmade tile with 21st century performance, with textured surfaces, irregular distortions to the front edge and varying hanging lengths. The Rosemary Clay Craftsman has reportedly been rigorously tested by Redland’s engineers in the Group’s wind tunnel and subjected to driving winds and high rains. These show that the tiles meet all the requirements of BS 5534: 2014 Code of Practice for Slating and Tiling – providing Redland fixing recommendations are followed.
