A new affordable housing development in Burton on Trent is combining Russell Roof Tiles’ new Bute3® concrete roof tile with an integrated Solfit solar PV system.
Developers Langcroft Group is delivering the new 14-home scheme on Harbury Street for housing provider Trent & Dove. The scheme will provide a mix of housing to help meet local demand for affordable homes. This is the first time Langcroft has specified Russell Roof Tiles on any scheme.
Trent & Dove is a not-for-profit housing association which owns and manages more than 6,700 homes across East Staffordshire, South Derbyshire and Northwest Leicestershire. The homes range from family houses to independent living accommodation. It also provides support services aimed at reducing homelessness and helping local communities thrive.
Combining traditional appearance with solar technology
Bute3® in Cottage Red was introduced during the planning stage, with Langcroft selecting the tile because of its value, availability and compatibility with an integrated solar PV solution. Achieving the appearance of a traditional plain tile roof was particularly important. This is because the design team wanted the development to remain in keeping with the character of the area.
Bute3®’s thin leading edge helped provide the required traditional appearance. Its design enabled the Solfit solar panels to sit neatly within the roof rather than being mounted above the tiles.
Will Ryley, Development Manager at Langcroft Group, said, “We wanted the development to complement the surrounding homes, so the appearance of the roof was very important. We were impressed by the finish achieved with Bute3® and how well the tiles integrate with the solar panels. The completed roofs have met and exceeded the expectations of the design team.”
Manufactured locally at Russell Roof Tiles’ Burton on Trent site, Bute3® is designed to recreate the appearance of a traditional plain tile while offering the performance, consistency and cost benefits of concrete.
Its quick-fix installation method uses four nail holes and a no-nail clip, giving roofing contractors greater flexibility during installation. The Langcroft team were impressed by the installation, which was delivered by long-standing partner Dukeries Roofing.
Integrating solar into housing design
Russell Roof Tiles also provided technical support during the specification process, advising on both the roof tile design and the integration of the PV system. Russell Roof Tiles only recently joined forces with Solfit, supporting the deployment of roof-integrated solar systems across UK housing developments.
Solfit provides specification-led, roof-integrated solar solutions, supporting housebuilders in designing, integrating and governing compliant solar PV systems across residential developments.
With solar PV expected to become standard across new-build housing under forthcoming energy efficiency regulations, the integration of solar systems within roofing design and construction processes is becoming increasingly important for housebuilders delivering at scale.
The local nature of the supply project was another benefit for Langcroft. Russell Roof Tiles manufactures the roofing products in Burton for a development being built in Burton on behalf of Trent & Dove, which also has its headquarters in the town.
Will added, “Working with a local manufacturer was a real positive for the project. Russell Roof Tiles provided excellent technical guidance on both the tiles and the PV specification.”
He adds, “The biggest benefit has been having an attractive, readily available and complete roofing solution. We are very happy with the finished result and would definitely specify Bute3® on another development.”
The customer is also utilising Russell Roof Tiles 15-year RussSpec guarantee, which extends to the PV product, supported by a 15-year labour guarantee from the installer. RussSpec connects the roof design, products and installation requirements in one specification, helping protect performance, compliance and accountability.
A modern approach to traditional roofing
Bute3® is a revolutionary new concrete roof tile, combining three Traditional Plain Tiles with a standard interlocking roof tile format. It blends innovative design with cutting-edge production techniques.
The tile features a double-cambered design which provides a genuine alternative to natural slate, small-format concrete and clay roof tiles. However, it comes with all the installation benefits that come with an interlocking standard format tile.
