Client: The Prince’s Foundation
Type of works: supply and installation of Sandtoft's Cassius clay roof tile for environmentally friendly home.

The Prince’s Foundation for the built environment has specified Sandtoft’s Cassius clay roof tile for its high profile ‘Natural House’ project. The environmentally friendly home has been built on the BRE Innovation Park to demonstrate that a building can reduce carbon and energy inputs by 70% while retaining a high level of construction quality.

The Cassius in Antique Slate has been chosen to complement the design of the Natural House, which is aiming to achieve Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Lenka Schulzova, Urban and Architectural Advisor at The Prince’s Foundation said: “We wanted a roof tile that was made from a natural material, was cost effective and had the look of British slate. Using natural slates would have been too expensive, so the Cassius proved to be an ideal clay alternative. Its interlocking qualities also made it perfect for the roof which has been designed to allow relatively easy conversion if additional accommodation is required.

“We liked the tile’s large format design as this enabled us to reduce the amount of material used in terms of tiles and battens, resulting in cost savings and ensuring we could meet our brief to build a home which is affordable, practical, adaptive and attractive.”

Sandtoft’s Sales and Marketing Director, Nick Oldridge added: “At Sandtoft, we are committed to achieving environmental excellence and reducing carbon emissions, so we’re delighted to be involved in another sustainable building project with BRE.

“The Cassius carries a BRE Green Guide rating of A+ and is made with 100% green electricity. It is one of our ‘New Generation’ clay tiles and only 10.7 tiles are required per square metre, which often results in significant cost savings. Installation times for the Cassius are the same as those for interlocking concrete tiles and are far quicker than those required for natural slate which has to be laid double lapped. Our customers can therefore achieve a very aesthetic, natural roof at an affordable price.”

It is anticipated that the development will demonstrate that low costs and renewable building methods are compatible, and together provide a viable method of delivering sustainable, affordable homes. It has cost around £1,000-£1,200 per square metre to build the Natural House, which is the normal range for good quality housing.