Case Study - A renovation project by Devlin Architects to improve both the aesthetics and the energy efficiency of a 1970's home.

 A mixed blend of Dreadnought brown antique (70%), blue brindle (15%) and country brown (15%)

Architects - Devlin Architects

Contractors -   Artifex Build

Photography - Thomas Pitt

Devlin architects were approached by the home owners of this Northamptonshire house, built in the 1960’s/70’s, to improve both the external aesthetics as well as the energy efficiency.  Their scheme, which was approved by Daventry District Planning and Conservation Department, used a combination of buff brickwork and timber cladding with a clay tile roof, to allow for an insulation layer and airtight blanket to be wrapped around the entire building. 

The architects had known about Dreadnought’s range of rooftiles for a long time and had been keen to use them on a suitable project.  They felt that the wide range of colours would allow them to get the blend that would work for this project.  They selected a blend of 70% brown antique with 15% blue brindle and country brown.  Dreadnought clay roof tiles are naturally coloured by expert control of the kiln atmosphere rather than by artificial stains and coloured sands.  Their colours therefore have a randomised element which makes them great for blending.  By mixing brown antique tiles which are multi coloured, with tones of red, brown and blue together with some blue brindle tiles as well as some red and brown tones of country brown made for an excellent blend which brings interest and warmth to the lighter hues of the external walls.   The large flat areas of roof will be overlaid with  green sedum to provide a greener outlook from the first floor windows.

Contractors Artifex Build have done an excellent job of mixing the tiles!