Waitrose, Welwyn Garden City

Contractor: RG Carter Projects
Type of works: Romulus double roman clay tile specified for Waitrose extension.

Sandtoft's Romulus clay roof tile has proved the ideal solution for an extension to a Waitrose food shop located in the heart of a conservation area in Welwyn Garden City. The large format, roman profile tile has been specified to meet strict planning requirements and blend seamlessly with the original building and local vernacular.

Tom Mayhew, Project Manager at RG Carter Projects, which managed the development, said: "The existing roof and properties in the surrounding area featured traditional double roman clay tiles, so we reviewed a number of different samples and suppliers to try and find a tile that would match.

"Sandtoft's Romulus tile in Natural Red proved to be the closest match to the original. The shape and dimensions of the Romulus were within millimetres of the existing roman roof tiles and the colour was also ideal. As a result, it was the only tile that the planning officer was willing to approve for this extension.

"Although double roman tiles are prevalent in this area, in the past it has been difficult to find new tiles that can match. The Romulus however, has solved this problem and provided a roofing solution that blends seamlessly with the local environment in Welwyn Garden City."

Nick Oldridge, Sales and Marketing Director at Sandtoft added: "The 1960s saw the decline of the double roman tile as manufacturing ceased across the South West. As the project proves however, there is still a strong demand for this particular type of tile profile.

"This 'new generation' tile has the added benefit of being affordable and quick and easy to lay. For planners, housebuilders, architects and homeowners, it provides a natural and durable roof covering without the need to pay a premium."