Architectum 7 (2006)

Clay Roof Tiles

a rc h i t e c t u m February 2006 | edition 7 | International Magazine Koramic Clay Roof Tiles

Koramic is the clay rooďŹ ng tile brand of the Wienerberger Group

architectum publisher Wienerberger AG editorial staff Christian Van Thuyne (Belgium) Isabelle Bevernage (Belgium) Stuart Matthews (Canada) Maria Yiannakou (Cyprus) Juha Karilainen (Finland) Anne-Raphaële Porcherot (France) Laëtitia Deviterne (France) Jacqueline Dietsch (Germany) Heidemarie Pollok (Germany) Geert Kamps (Holland) Monika Sikorska (Poland) Nigel Linton (United Kingdom) Franz Kolnerberger (Export) Sabine Merlevede (Export) Stefan Claeys (Corporate) editor Staf Bellens (Belgium) Chris De Smedt (Belgium) Mary Chimona (Cyprus) Marja Salmenmäki (Finland) Jean-Pierre Cousin (France) Gerard Halama (Germany) Tom de Vries (Holland) Marcin Narwid (Poland) Daniel Majchrzak (Poland) Nigel Linton (United Kingdom) Tim Spillane (United States) photography Patrick Hanssens (Belgium) Wouter Missiaen (Belgium) Peter Verplancke (Belgium) Marc Soubron (Belgium) Photo Studion Tasos (Cyprus) Juha Karilainen (Finland) Gilles Puech (France) Stéphane Michaud (France) Gerard Halama (Germany) Hubaer Kusters (Holland) Cezary Jasiczak (Poland) Nigel Linton (United Kingdom) Tim Spillane (United States) co-ordination & realization Barbara Haanl Stefan Claeys design & prepress Ikaros Communications (Belgium) press Deckers Druk (Belgium) editorial office Wienerberger Ltd., Wienerberger House, Brooks Drive, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 3SA +44 (0) 845 303 2524 +44 (0) 161 491 6529 office@wienerberger.co.uk www.wienerberger.co.uk This magazine from

appears in Dutch, English, German, French and Polish.

ARCHITECTUM is distributed in Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg, France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Cyprus, United Arab Emirates, United States, Japan and Singapore.

Dear reader, Having recently joined Wienerberger as their Sales Director responsible for the Koramic Clay Roof Tile product range, it comes as no surprise to me that we have a great wealth of products and solutions to offer architects.

When people ask me what’s so special about Koramic roof tiles, the answer is always “Our range of clay roof tiles is not only innovative, but it’s extremely successful globally”. That’s a fantastic thing to be able to say and it gives me tremendous pride and pleasure every time I do – which, if I’m honest, is quite often.

How many times have you looked up at a buildings roof and noticed a new detail in the design and wondered how the architect came to choose the solution you see before you? In this issue of Architectum, you will see new and varied applications and read how Koramic have enabled design solutions to be implemented across Europe, from Denmark to Cyprus. With an eye for detail you will see such varied examples as pantiles on a Finnish parish to blended tile solutions in a Dutch village. Nearer to home is an example of traditional clay pantiles on a Grade 1 listed manor house conversion. Waveney House is now open for business after a three year renovation programme that has seen the 500 year old manor house transformed into the sympathetic and stylish Waveney House Hotel.

Under Koramic’s guidance, clay plain tiles and profile tiles have expanded into a very real alternative to concrete for value for money and aesthetic appeal. And while I’ve got my “sales head” on, I’d like to mention our new roof tile showroom in Manchester. Many architects are finding it easier than ever before to specify and detail our range of tiles with the confidence that they have specified a clay tile with the backing of one of Europe’s largest construction material companies. Alternatively why not visit our informative web site on www.wienerberger.co.uk I hope that you enjoy the new magazine format, and look forward to hear from you soon.

Martin Fewtrell

Sales Director Koramic Clay Roof Tiles

Highlights 1 7 3

2 4

6 5 8

1

COLOURS OF THE MARK BRANDENBURG

> p04-05

5

Beaver tile has key role in castle restoration

2 3

STEEP ROOFS ON SCATTERED BUILDINGS MAKE MODERN VILLAGE

> p06-08

6

SPECIAL - SUNNY TOSCANA

> p20-21

Bowed roof creates extra living space

BRICKS AND ROOF TILES GIVE MASSIVE BLOCKS > p09-11 SCALE, DIMENSION AND CONTRAST

7

OF HOBBITS, HOUSES AND THINGS HANDMADE

> p28-29

J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy comes to life under a roof made of clay roof tile

8

HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF Flemish pantiles make the Grade!

FASCINATING GEOMETRY

> p14-16

Holiday homes with that something extra

Rudy Uytenhaak puts a finishing touch to Amsterdam stadium neighbourhood

4

SPECIAL - RELAXING ON THE OPAL COAST

> p12-13

The new parish office building in Espoo

3

> p34-35

[Germany]

Colours of the Mark Brandenburg Beaver tile has key role in castle restoration

4

> For the renovation of Schloss Neuhardenberg, there were no original roof

High craftsmanship

tiles from the historic building available. Therefore, for the restoration of

Especially for these roofs, Koramic produced Beaver tiles in

the roof covering, a search was undertaken to find similar, preserved roofs

three different shades. They correspond to the classic Berlin

in the surrounding countryside. The result is there for all to see.

size of 15.5 x 38 cm, but have a basket arch instead of a round tail. With a total thickness of 20 mm, the tile exhibits a

Careful renovation

slight downward curve of approximately 5 mm at the sides.

Like the surrounding landscape, Schloss Neuhardenberg is expansive and

This gives rise to the domed top that is typical of handmade

distinctive, but at the same time concentrated and shaped in its details by the

tiles. Three ribs on the top surface and another two on the

magnificent light of the Mark Brandenburg. The castle was endowed with its

sides allow the water to run off. The surface of the tile is

present splendour under Karl August, Prince of Hardenberg. From 1801 to

slightly roughened. For the crown of the batwing dormers,

1823, Karl Friedrich von Schinkel was responsible for much rebuilding work.

lengthways curved Beavers were also supplied in order to

Peter Joseph Lenné laid out the castle park. Today, the result is an extremely

avoid gaps appearing as the cladding rises from the roof

interesting and extensive group of buildings that defines the image of the

surface into the dormers.

Neuhardenberg municipality.

Major conversion, restoration and building work has been carried out since

Cladding close up

1996. In late summer 2001, the entire complex, which is operated by the

The ridges are mortar bedded. In order to facilitate ventilation

Schloss Neuhardenberg Foundation, was given over to its new role of meeting

of the now extended and insulated roofs, a row of 3/4-Beavers

place and exhibition venue.

was applied under the ridges. Air enters above the grooves, which are almost invisible. On closer examination, the Beaver

Moving roofs

tiles, which have a 5 mm domed surface, also play a small part

Schloss Neuhardenberg is covered with copper, and the east and west

in the ventilation because under each roof tile there is a 5 mm

courtyards are completely covered with Beaver tiles. The masonry façades of

air gap corresponding to the curvature of the surface.

the long single-storey construction of the “Kavaliersbau” and the farm buildings

In addition to its newly found role, the restored building

have been kept in antique white and exhibit a distinct vertical structure. This

ensemble of Schloss Neuhardenberg is impressive thanks

restrained elegant architecture is crowned by steep, massive roofs. With their

to the sympathetic and professional way the restoration

curved batwing dormers, the roofs look energetic and full of movement.

was carried out. The visitor cannot fail to be charmed by the judicious choice of colours and materials. Here again, everything is exactly just as it should be.

Project

Schloss Neuhardenberg,

Client

Deutscher Sparkassen-

Architects

Lindner, Roettig, Möller Architekten GbR,

Project-leading architect

Dipl.-Ing. Arch. Frank Angrick

Neuhardenberg (Germany) und Giroverband e.V. Bonn Düsseldorf, Berlin Preservation of monuments and historical buildings Brandenburgisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege, Wünsdorf Roofing contractor Clay roof tile

Bennert GmbH, Hopfgarten Koramic Berlin Beaver with basket arch, 3 ribs, in three different shades of red

5

Steep roofs on scattered buildings make modern village [The Netherlands]

6

> A modern village has come into being in Vleuterweide, not as the result of ribbon development or houses clustered around a church, but through a diversity of volumes, many roofs and scattered parcelling. The 73 houses in a subsector of the Utrecht Leidsche Rijn Development Plan that were designed by the architect’s firm Feekes & Colijn all originate from a two-storey basic model under a steep pitched roof. This roof shape, covered with clay roof tiles, comes back in the various extensions, the basic model can be adapted to suit larger house types as well.

Visitors and residents alike call the Boomgaarden in Vleuterweide a smurf district with little gnome houses.

But for project architect Anke Colijn this is by no means a disparaging comment. On the contrary, she takes it as a compliment that shows that her idea of creating a small neighbourhood with a rural atmosphere with very bold houses has turned out to be a success. And this village character rapidly generates a social fabric that enhances the quality of life and imbues a sense of security.

Identification Anke Colijn: “Identification is key word for all our projects. If the residents can identify with where they live, this contributes to their well-being. This not only encourages deep involvement and subsequently a durable environment, but also has an economic impact because people feel better and do not fall ill so easily for example.” Colijn stresses out that identification

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should be possible at all levels. This was taken into account

account at the planning stage and, in consultation with the building-regulations

in the 73 houses as regards urban development as well as

inspectorate, worked out a number of variations with a maximum number of

at street and house level. The buildings are thus placed hap-

dormer windows.

hazardly on plots of different sizes. In addition, there are not only detached houses but also short rows of two, three or

Harmony

four. This gives every point in the district a different and distinct

Anyone walking through the Boomgaarden senses an atmosphere of harmony

visual identity.

in spite of the studied randomness in the urban development plan. To this end, Colijn employed various design features. For example, every roof has the same

Differentiation

steep pitch and is covered with clay roof tiles (Pottelberg Flemish tile 401) in a

Although initially the project was executed for individual clients,

motley mix of four shades. The basic house model has façades with a cladding

in practice this did not prove feasible. So in order to achieve

of light-red brick with window frames designed as apertures. Like the basic

the desired differentiation effect, Colijn set herself up as the

model, the conservatories feature steep roofs with a 60° pitch. However, the

private client and gave every house an individual character

conservatory roof is lower and runs down almost to ground level. The gable

and the possibility of identification. As the starting point, she

end consists entirely of a wooden front. According to Colijn, because the con-

designed a limited basic model (two storeys with a pitched

servatory roof has an overhang that varies from 50 centimetres at gutter level to

roof) which she extended with modules scattered throughout

1.3 metres at the ridge, the extension takes on an appearance that is as bold as

the project. The modules involve extended roofs but are most

it is ‘gezellig’ (cosy). Colijn hesitates slightly when using the typical Dutch word

prominent in the form of conservatories added to the gable

‘gezellig’. But, in her opinion it characterises the village-like atmosphere in the

ends of the houses.

Boomgaarden and probably explains why people are so keen to live there.

Participation

Project

The residents’ participation was limited to the interior layout of the houses, during construction but at a later stage as well.

For example, provisions were made in the high roofs in the

73 houses, detached or in rows of two, three or four houses, Vleuterweide (The Netherlands)

Client

AM-Wonen / Bouwfonds

Design

Feekes & Colijn Architects, Utrecht

Project architect

Anke Colijn

form of steel beams for adding in-between floors. This results

Main contractor

Van Tartwijk Building Companies, Schijndel

ultimately in houses with three but even as many as seven

Roofing contractor

Ottenhof Carpentry and Roofing Company, Groesbeek

bedrooms. The six-metre-high spaces under the roofs invite

Clay roof tile

the possibility of adding dormer windows. Colijn took this into

8

Koramic Pottelberg Flemish tile 401, natural red, rustic, amarant, old copper

Bricks and roof tiles give massive block’s scale, dimension and contrast Rudy Uytenhaak puts a finishing touch to Amsterdam stadium neighbourhood [The Netherlands]

> >

> Next to the beautifully restored Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam, the architect’s firm Rudy Uytenhaak designed a massive housing project. Always ready to experiment with materials, they created closed yet open façades with flat roof tiles and ridged bricks. The detailed features of the cladding materials give the massive blocks scale, dimension and contrast. And all in complete harmony with the stadium neighbourhood.

In the luxury residential project on the Laan van Hesperiden in Amsterdam-Zuid, project architect Marco Romano from the firm Rudy Uytenhaak adopted the design elements of the adjoining Berlage urban development plan. In addition to the closed and plastic character of the large areas of masonry, the façades comprise tiles, slate or zinc plates, and interspersed sandstone features. Romano saw the opportunity of meeting the client’s wishes by means of an innovative use of brick. The urban development plan called for a design with massive blocks whereas the client BPF Bouwinvest wanted façades with many windows. Romano hung brick strips on the façade. These strips dominate one’s impression of the façade when approaching from the side (“on the run”), giving the building a maximum brick look. The more the façade is approached from the front, the more it seems as if the strips make up only a fraction of the façade, making possible a wide view from the large windows.

Self-expressive tile surfaces Analogous to the architecture of the existing development, Romano opted for tiles as the cladding material for the closed façade sections and the top storeys.

The Migeon Actua flat tile has the same reddish-brown colour as the brick but differs in structure and reflection. Whereas the brick has a rough profile, the tile is flat. Because the same material was chosen – graded by clay colour – the project does not break up but remains a distinct coherent entity. On the top

10

storeys, the tile cladding is applied in the same vertical plane as that of the brick

Project

and caretaker’s flat on the Laan van Hesperiden,

façade, but sometimes sloping backwards slightly (although the underlying spaces are straight). The sloping surfaces are sometimes three storeys high and, in combination with the vertical attic windows, a façade emerges that exhibits marked similarities with buildings on Parisian boulevards. Ridges (which

Amsterdam (The Netherlands) Client

BPF Bouwinvest

Design

Architect’s firm Rudy Uytenhaak, Amsterdam

Design team

conceal a gutter) are applied at the transition of the tile façade and tile roof.

the brick is somewhat less overpowering. This effect is also enhanced by the façade sections in the plinth of the building, which are made of concrete blocks.

Craftsmanship This residential project represents the latest final piece in a respectable district.

For years, the edge of the Berlage urban development plan had a typical frayed edge here.

The high architectural values in this Amsterdam Stadium neighbourhood still continue to command respect. This is also shown by the way in which architect, contractor and producers worked together in this recently completed project.

Their expertise and professional dedication resulted among other things in a choice of materials and detailed finishing of equally high merit, which combine to give the project scale, dimension and contrast. Moreover, this was not a case of indiscriminate imitation but the judicious deployment of modern and innovative resources and techniques. Incidentally, the total project comprises more blocks than those designed by Rudy Uytenhaak. The other blocks were designed by the architect’s firms of L. Lafour and R. Wijk (who supplied the urban development plan together with Hans Ebberink) and Mulleners & Mulleners, all from Amsterdam.

Rudy Uytenhaak, Marco Romano with Jos Rijs, Engbert v/d Zaag, Joppe Kneppers,

This gives the surfaces a clear demarcation. The distribution of the tile surfaces in the façades makes the blocks seem lower, the façade looks friendlier and

270 apartments, underground car park

Thomas Bernhardt Main contractor

Building Consortium Bot / De Nijs, in Heerhugowaard and Warmenhuizen

Clay roof tile

Koramic Migeon Actua, multiblend

Fascinating geometry The new parish office building in Espoo

12

[Finland]

The office complex was designed by the successful Finnish architects

The façades ensure that the new building complex blends seamlessly into its

Lahdelma & Mahlamäki to house the new Diocese of Espoo, the youngest

surroundings and the steep roofs clearly announce its ecclesiastical vocation.

among the nine dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

The usable floor area of the complex is 2,748.5 m2, the volume is 13,200 m3

The Espoo diocese is nicknamed “Nokia’s Diocese” because the head

and the roof areas total 1,500 m2.

office of Nokia, the high-technology giant, is located here.

Roofing craftsmanship Fitting in the landscape

The roofing contractor, Rakennuspalvelu Jarmo Mäntylä, is the only member in

In many respects, Espoo is unique among Finnish cities. Fifty years ago it was

the Finnish Roof Society specialised in tile roofing. During the roofing work, the

a rural municipality with only 30,000 residents. But it has grown fast and is now

workmen did not once have to ask for advice. Many spectators admired the

a city of 215,000 people. There is no distinct heart, but five regional centres. In

expertise of the roofers on these extremely steep roofs. The latter can now be

one of them, the Espoo Centre, lies Espoo Cathedral, a grey granite medieval

admired from near and far in their natural red glory.

church and the oldest building in the Helsinki area. The church’s oldest parts date back to the 1480s. Sustainable building was therefore also a requirement for the new parish office.

Innovative architecture The project was designed by architects Lahdelma & Mahlamäki. The complex of two massive linked buildings with double pitched roofs (50°) is located near the old church and next to buildings from the last decades, many of which have red brick façades. The two separate buildings lie diagonally to each other and are joined together by a large entrance, which opens on the river, the rocky forest and the old church.

Actua roof tile set the tone The main materials of the complex are red facing bricks and clay roof tiles from Wienerberger. The project manager at Lahdelma & Mahlamäki, Mr. Marko Santala, explained that the roof tile, Koramic Migeon Actua, was selected first and all the other materials (bricks, plaster, aluminium framework and glass) were then chosen to match the colour of the clay roof tiles.

Project

Parish office building, Espoo (Finland)

Client

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, Espoo Diocese

Architect

Ilmari Lahdelma, Lahdelma & Mahlamäki, Helsinki

Roofing contractor

Rakennuspalvelu Jarmo Mäntylä, Vantaa

Clay roof tile

Koramic Migeon Actua, natural red

Relaxing on the opal coast [France]

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

Holiday homes with that something extra

14

Nice of the North, on the French Opal Coast, the Flemish group Vanhaerents is putting the ďŹ nishing touches to a holiday park with 160 apartments and 100 houses. Timelessness and durability are the key concepts for both the architecture and the choice of materials.

Natural surroundings The French government looks after its coastline. Consequently, the number of locations for holiday accommodation is limited.

In 1995, the Vanhaerents Group did not hesitate for a moment when they had the opportunity of buying a plot of almost 8 hectares bordered by the sea, a golf course and a nature reserve. The project was carefully prepared in cooperation with two architects: Els Vanhaerents and Bernard Laffaille. Their design comprised of 8 village buildings with 160 apartments that overlook the sea or the golf course, and 100 houses that

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

> In picturesque Wimereux, which is sometimes called the

are grouped in all kinds of combinations up to clusters of four or eight.

Varied individuality Els Vanhaerents: “Bernard Laffaille is actually from Wimereux and so knows the local requirements and the resort style through and through. Because we wanted to set ourselves apart from the run-of-the-mill holiday villages, we enriched this style with contemporary accents. Classic features include the roofs, dormer windows, round and bowed windows and the

>

15

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

> white of the sidings with which the façades are finished. The

Great interest

modern touch is provided by plastered façade sections, the

The houses and apartments that are already finished are selling like hot cakes.

doorways and the scale of the shapes. We have given each

Sixty-five percent of the buyers are Belgian, who are only too glad to come and

building its own identity by using vivid colours for the plaste-

experience the delights that the Opal Coast has to offer: crustaceans, healthy

ring: yellow, green and blue. And, in order to avoid monotony,

air, and beautiful scenery where you can ramble, cycle, do horse riding or water

now and again we varied the white sidings with grey.”

sports to your heart’s content.

Storm-proof Tempest Tile An essential requirement was the use of durable and lowmaintenance materials. Hence the choice for sidings, PVC windows and balustrades in special anodised aluminium. Joost Vanhaerents of Vanhaerents Group: “The Tempest Tile 44 really fits the bill. We wanted a solution that had really proved its

Project

Holiday village with 160 apartments and 100 houses on the Opal Coast, Wimereux (France)

Client

Vanhaerents Group, Torhout (Belgium)

Architect

Ariétur - Bernard Laffaille, Wimereux (France) + Els Vanhaerents, Sint Michiels (Belgium)

reliability. After all, we are near the sea in an aggressive climate

Main contractor

Vanhaerents Group, Torhout (Belgium)

with bad storms. Thanks to its locks, the Tempest Tile is extre-

Roofing contractor

Charles Delattre, Etaples (France)

mely reliable in such an environment. It is also an attractive tile

Clay roof tile

Koramic Pottelberg Tempest Tile 44, amarant

that harmonises with the style of the buildings. Here it is nailed, screwed and hooked to stop it being blown away.”

16

16

Old clay pits given new use

[Belgium]

>

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

Research park Waterfront

17

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

> Research Park Waterfront is emerging cautiously in the former clay pits of the Kapittel brickworks in Niel. In the master plan, the architects exploited the existing differences in level and also specified the use of natural building materials. They thus laid the development-planning basis for a project that fully respects the site and its past.

In previous decades, the clay pits in the Rupel region near Antwerp created a great deal of fuss. With the gradual disappearance of the brick industry, a number of pits were used as rubbish tips. This practice was ended by many years’ protest and growing environmental awareness. In recent years, a great deal of thought has gone into their much-needed conversion.

Choice location The area concerned comprises of 32 hectares and is criss-crossed by four pits. The varying water level and local conditions have produced a unique flora.

This choice location for a science park that is connected with the University of Antwerp found a number of private and public partners. For the urbandevelopment master plan, they called on AWG Architects and the architect’s office Ferre Verbaenen. The latter also designed the first and currently only building.

Urban-development footprint Bob Van Reeth (AWG Architects): “As our office always does, we started from the spirit of the location for the master plan. In this case, I knew the site through and through because I grew up in the neighbourhood. We put a straight road in the irregular landscape and used the differences in level to obtain volumes with different storeys. From the road, they all have the same cornice height. In order

18

to create unity, we specified sloping roofs with clay roof tiles and façades with a minimum percentage of brick.”

Project

in the old clay pits of the Kapittel brickworks,

Ferre Verbaenen: “The covered car-parking facilities are an unusual feature.

They are made of wood and have clay roof tiles that hark back to the old drying sheds in the brickworks. As a result, you do not look out from the building at a

‘Research Park Waterfront’, office building Niel (Belgium)

Clients

University of Antwerp (UA) + Regional Development Authority (GOM) Antwerp +

heap of old iron, but at a remembrance of activities past. In this way, we have

University Business Centre Antwerp (UBCA)

integrated the history of the site in the project.”

+ Soficom Development (SD) Architect

AWG Architects, Antwerp + Architect’s Office Ferre Verbaenen,

Respectful integration The building has four levels, each of 900 m , a relatively simple construction

Kapellen

2

with taut lines. The typical features are the red brick and the sloping roofs. Ferre Verbaenen. “We looked for a clay roof tile that connected with the Boom tile of yesteryear. And in Koramic’s extensive range, we found the Tempest Tile 44.”

The aim is that twelve buildings will ultimately be constructed, which will make the overall impression even stronger.

Fast finishing Roofer Jean-Marie Verhaege looks back at the work with pleasure. “At such

General contractor

Antwerpse Bouwwerken, Borgerhout

Roofing contractor

Jean-Marie Verhaege & zoon, Aalter

Clay roof tile

Koramic Pottelberg Tempest Tile 44, amarant

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

Car park with a past

a height, safety is crucial more than ever. Before work started, the general contractor took all the necessary measures, and the different contractors never ever got in each other’s way. The work itself went very fast, although it did involve some 2000 m2, with the associated zinc work.”

19

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

[Belgium]

20

Sunny Toscana Bowed roof creates extra living space

>

ensured perfect support afterwards. I never even considered

derlo. The yellow apartment building with the bowed roof in red clay roof

another material. And why should I? The quality of clay roof

tiles turns all heads. But the distinctive roof shape is more than just eye-

tiles is beyond question and with the relatively small Tempest

catching; it also offers the possibility of creating roomier apartments with

Tile we were able to cover the radius of 6.5 and 5.5 metres

fine interiors.

without a hitch.”

Italian inspiration

Attention to detail

The genesis of the project reads like a novel. When the Consept Building Group

Roofer Ronny Gielen was responsible for the laying. “It was

purchased the land with the aim of erecting an apartment block, the vendor, a

the first time that I had laid such a large bowed roof, but

man with roots in Tuscany, asked for the building to be named after his native

everything went very smoothly. The structure was made with

region. Architect Luc Kwanten immediately allowed himself to be inspired by the

prefabricated rafters. Because the tiles do not stop all the

dome of the ‘duomo’ in Florence for the shape and colour of the roofs. He follo-

rain water due to the steep gradient, the under-roof also had

wed the same line for the rest of the colour palette: sunny yellow for the façade

to be rendered impervious to rainwater, dust and snow as

brick, brown accents with the brick edges around the porches and the dormer

well. On Koramic’s advice, we worked with an under-roof foil

windows, and PVC window frames finished on the outside with a polyacrylate

that allows the passage of water vapour and is tear-proof. The

foil in silver-grey imitation wood-grain.

rest was mainly a matter of attention to detail: the skylights had to be nice and tight, I worked the accessories into the tile

Complete complex

battens because they were slightly curved, and of course I

Residence Toscana is comprised of two volumes which are set at right angles

fixed every tile one by one.”

P o t t e l b e r g Te m p e s t 4 4 s p e c i a l

You simply cannot miss Residence Toscana when you drive into Tessen-

to each other, and accommodates a shop, six ‘ordinary’ and seven duplex apartments. And there is a roof garden where the volumes meet. The ‘gable’ end was also finished with red clay roof tiles, so that the sun introduces a warm and welcoming glow. Under the building there is a garage level with ample parking and storage facilities.

Tempest Tile 44 ideal

Project

Apartment building with 13 apartments and 1 shop, Tessenderlo (Belgium)

Client

Consept Building Group, Paal-Beringen

Architect

2A.be, Paal-Beringen

Roofing contractor

Carpentry & Roof Construction Gielen, Beverlo

Clay roof tile

Luc Kwanten: “Koramic guided us in the choice of the Tempest Tile 44 and

Koramic Pottelberg Tempest Tile 44, natural red

21

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[Poland]

Once upon a time …

Modern residential district with traditionally built houses

In Poznan, western Poland, there is a residential district whose borders are shaped by dwarfs, fairy tales, Brzechwa and Tuwim. The latter two are the names of well-known Polish writers of children’s fairy tales. The district is called ‘Osiedle Bajkowe’, which is Polish for fairy-tale district. Bajkowe is situated in a green part of the city in Grunwald near Marcelinski Forest.

Fifty-two detached houses were built using traditional technology. Every one of them has brick walls, roofs covered with Koramic clay roof tiles and attractive back gardens, as well.

Experience and quality

feeling of durability, peace and safety in aesthetically beautiful

The idea of creating this district came from the Ataner building company. As a

houses. What is more important, these Bajkowe houses are

leading developer in the Wielkopolska region, Ataner builds around 500 high-

also practical and functional – garages, basements and drives

quality apartments a year. Being both the investor and contractor, it is able to

have not been forgotten. And the large solid clay-tiled roofs

offer its clients high quality of service, guaranteed delivery as well as a willing-

offer plenty of space for the whole family.

ness to incorporate individual requirements.

“Trustworthy” tile Architecture compactness

Koramic clay roof tiles were chosen to cover the roofs of

The Bajkowe residential district is a mixture of modern technology and traditio-

residential district Bajkowe. It is the tile which you can trust,

nal style. Each set of buildings creates a compact composition, which consists

claims the designer of the Tadeusz Biedak area. The archi-

of identical shapes and colour combinations for certain building features. The

tect used Koramic L15 red engobe clay roof tiles. This type of

overall picture is rounded off by detailed attention to gates, fences and the

tile perfectly matches the character of area and underlines the

street plan. The district is situated among green trees and bushes, which also

local shape of the pitched roofs. The choice was due to a

grow in close proximity to the houses. Daring architectural solutions have

number of factors, such as the concept of the residential

been avoided, as a result of which the houses create a friendly and welcoming

district, location, architectural vision and practical aims.

ambience.

Koramic clay-tiled roofs convinced all the architects. They assured them of the high quality and durability of the clay roof

Back to tradition

tiles they selected. Koramic offers a complete and unique

Residential district Bajkowe harks back to a traditional, local type of building. It

roofing system, which does not create any problems as far

is typified by pitched clay-tiled roofs with pointed out tie-beams linking the top

as contractors are concerned. It also provides the opportunity

of the roofs with the side facades, which are characteristic for the region. Wood

and security of choosing the appropriate additional clay com-

was used to make balustrades for the balconies and terraces. The edges of

ponents, such as ventilated or aerial clay roof tiles, as well as

the roofs are based on beams. This creates arcades, again echoing traditional

non-ceramic roof accessories.

house building.

The total of 6000 m2 of Koramic clay roof tiles that covers the

Thanks to its clay-tiled roofs and traditional way of building, residential district

roofs of the Bajkowe residential district sets the visual tone for

Bajkowe breaks architecturally speaking with the surroundings, which consist

the entire landscape. So much so that it is easy to believe you

of 30-year-old single-family houses with flat roofs. At the same time, this area

actually are in a fairy tale.

looks like an integral part of the natural green forest.

Project

No place like home With its pitched clay-tiled roofs, residential district Bajkowe is characterised by solid similar shapes. This type of building gives residents and inhabitants a

Bajkowe residential district with 52 detached houses, Poznan (Poland) Architect Architecture Studio “Klimaszewska&Biedak” Investor & contractor Przedsi_biorstwo Produkcyjno-Budowlane ATANER Sp. z o.o.

Clay roof tile Koramic Langenzenn L15, red engobe

23

[France]

Tile cladding for mansard roof Privately promoted apartment building

24

Residence Les Pléiades is situated in a quiet district of Thonon in the

habitability and indisputable style. On the other hand, the absence

southwest of the town centre. One of the two main façades points

of roof timbers allowed all ventilation and heating installations to

towards the mountain and the other faces Lake Geneva, which can be

be moved down to the basement. Only steamship-style chimneys

seen through the foliage of the trees. This residential building was reali-

punched out with large portholes jut out above the roof. This is the

sed by a private promoter and sets out to offer high levels of architectural

original signature of the French architect Claude Marin, and they

quality and comfort to distinguish it from run-of-the–mill projects. This aim

appear in his numerous projects. Here, the architect Yohann Forel

is reflected in the roofing, which is a variation of a mansard roof and

has faithfully echoed Claude Marin’s original concept.

extends down the façades for a considerable distance.

Large roof tiles for a texture effect Mansard roof reduces apparent volume

According to the principle of the traditional mansard roof, the lower

The use of the site was restricted by the building regulations to a three-storey

slope was clad in the same roof tiles like the main roof. As the pitch of

frontage with a height of 12 metres up to the ridge. In order to obtain the maxi-

the roof is rather low for a piedmont zone, the roof had to be laid with

mum building surface area while respecting these dimensional constraints, a

curved rather than flat tiles, in spite of the latter’s affinity for mansard

fourth level was treated as a false attic, which becomes as it were the main floor.

roofing. On its own, the lower slope could have been clad with flat

The latter’s façade is set slightly back from the front; a very steep lower slope,

tiles, but the client and the architect preferred uniform treatment of

laid on wood triangles added on, clads this wall and connects the roof with the

the entire roof with a slightly curved roof tile, viz. the Bisch Alegra.

façade of the lower storeys.

The colour chosen was dark brown and its slightly glossy appearance

A distinctive feature is the absence of a direct connection between the lower

harmonises with the copper tin ware. The originality of this choice

and the upper slope. This is achieved traditionally by using elbow tiles, which

also lies in the large size of the tile, whose specifications enables it to

are replaced here by a recessed gutter. This unusual choice has the advantage

be adapted to the numerous apertures in the main cladding (private

of solving the problem of collecting rainwater, while dispensing with an inelegant

terraces, skylights), in addition to the cut-outs for the picture and

gutter at the bottom of the lower slope. The latter extends right down to the

pediment windows in the last floor of the running façade.

storey immediately below, covering the façade like a cape.

Gain in net floor area Thanks to the creation of this attic floor, the gross floor area was brought up to 1600 m2 and the net floor area to 1350 m2 for the 22 apartments. The spaces of the attic apartments spread under the pitch of the roof, which gives them

Project

Residence Les Pléiades, Thonon-les-Bains (France)

Promoter

Résidences du Lac Léman, Pierre Mudry, Thonon-les-Bains

Architect

Firm Claude Marin Yohann Forel, Thonon-les-Bains

Roofing contractor

Entreprise Farizon, Thonon-les-Bains

Working area

40 m2 (main roof), 210 m2 (lower slope)

Clay roof tile

Koramic Bisch Alegra, dark brown

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Roof renovation showcase [Belgium]

Flemish roofer displays expertise with clay roof tiles

26

Roofer Eddy Claeys from Kaprijke in Belgium has specialised in renova-

Privacy is L-shaped

tion. When he decided to build a new house, it had to reflect his profession.

Conversely, the set-up is present-day: closed on the street

Together with architect Luc Groosman he achieved a bold blend of styles

side. Because the client did not want a blind façade at the

and roof shapes covered with two kinds of clay roof tiles.

front, Luc Groosman had to look for a suitable solution. The main volume is at right angles to the street, but this is not

Mix and match

noticeable due to the adjoining low part. In order to break the

Fifteen years ago, Eddy Claeys built a simple square-shaped house with a

monolithic façade of this second part, the architect introduced

pitched roof that did not really reflect his professional skills. This was why he

pseudo-gates in wood. As a result of the L-shape there is a

and his wife decided that their new home would be completely different. “I

sheltered southwest-oriented courtyard garden at the rear that

wanted a house with a mix of styles that shouldn’t look new. At the same time,

offers plenty of privacy.

I wanted to demonstrate everything that you can do with clay roof tiles. This is the reason behind the many roof and dormer shapes and the combination

Pottelberg and Patrimony

of the 451 pantile Victorian braised blue with plain tiles in two sizes and three

Mixing three colours and two sizes of the Patrimony plain tiles

colours. I didn’t make it easy for the architect Luc Groosman and myself with

produces a subtle distinction that is in perfect harmony with

the detailed finishing, but the whole thing works: customers who come to take

the Victorian braised blue pantile. All the roofs connect nicely

a look are immediately convinced.”

with the façade of recycled bricks. Luc Groosman: “The underlying idea is that the sections with the plain tiles appear to

Statement not cliché

be lower, while the volumes with the Victorian pantiles seem to

The starting point and source of inspiration for the design was an English Heri-

have been added at a later date.”

tage barn covered with Aléonard Patrimony plain tiles. Architect Luc Groosman: “Eddy wanted variety in shapes as well as materials. That’s how I arrived at the different window apertures, dormers and roofs, and the mix of materials used: natural and painted wood, black aluminium sections for the large bowed window at the back that recall the cottage orangery in steel. In fact, instead of coming up with the umpteenth small farmhouse or cottage, I wanted to make

Project

Single-family house in a mix of styles, Kaprijke (Belgium)

Client

Eddy Claeys, Sint-Laureins

Architect

Luc Groosman, Sint-Laureins

Roofing contractor

Eddy Claeys, Kaprijke

Clay roof tile

Koramic Pottelberg Old Hollow Tile 451 Victorian braised blue + Koramic Aléonard

a statement.”

Patrimony plain tile, in a blend of 2 sizes and 3 colours

27

Of Hobbits, > houses and things handmade [USA]

J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy comes to life under a roof made of clay roof tile

28

Somewhere in Middle-earth…

shades and harmonizing hues of the roof covering. Unless,

They were Hobbits for sure, and probably Fallohides, since I’m told that their

that is, you happen to be looking down at the roof. And that’s

kind love the trees and woodlands more than either the Stoors or Harfoots, and

the first reason we loved doing this job – the beauty of doing

as they were building their house in a thicket of trees, I assumed this much to

a Hobbit’s roof is that the very first course of tile you lay often

be so. It is true I had never actually seen them (their shyness with regard to Men

begins right about at your belt.

meant they limited their interactions with us to the architect alone), but what breed of Hobbit they were mattered little to me. What was indisputable was that

When ‘hand-made’ is the only choice

they were Hobbits and all Hobbits are terrified of heights. And that meant that

While a roof that begins at your waistline is one that allows an

without a doubt they’d be hiring a roofing contractor to install the clay roof tiles

unusual perspective – even more uncommon – is a roof which

on the roof of their new home.

also allows you to touch it. And a Hobbit’s roof begs you to do so. As pleasing to the eyes as the colours are – Lichen

Architecture in the Shire

greens, Kent red, vineyard blacks and ochre Lichen – the true

As I understand it, if a Hobbit can’t find a reasonable hole – or, if for reasons of

beauty of the handmade clay roof tiles of Aléonard Patrimony

practicality, they prefer something different (as many of the millers, smiths and

is revealed when one holds them in one’s hand. Ah, but now

cart wrights among them do) – a Hobbit will build a house. Whether you’ve

I have let the real secret out – we love our trade because we

ever actually seen a Hobbit or not, the architectural character of their homes is

love the feel of what we do. But I don’t expect letting this little

unmistakable. Round windows and door frames. Exquisite woodwork. Undu-

fact made known ‘round the Shire’ will bring any competition

lating roof lines. And almost always, Hobbits fancy squat, low houses built into

from the Hobbits themselves – they wouldn’t dare!

a bank of earth and favour the use of the traditional building materials of wood, brick and stone. As for the roofs, unless they can cover them in sod, they invariably choose clay tile. And pay someone else to install it!

Project

Private house, Chester Springs near Philadelphia PA (USA)

A matter of perspective Any roofer will tell you that the best time of day to appreciate the colour, texture and nuance of a clay tile roof is shortly after dawn or right before dusk. The ma-

Architect

Mark Avellino, Archer Buchanan Architects, West Chester

Roofing contractor

Spillane Roofing Inc, Glenmoore

Clay roof tile

Koramic plain tile Patrimony, 3 size 4 colour

gic of the material comes alive with the breaking of the day and again with the

blend 50% Lichen green, 30% Kent red,

approaching mystery of the night. But the rest of the day, with the roof reaching

10% vineyard black, 10% ochre Lichen

into the sun, so much is lost as the brightness of the sky washes out the subtle

29

[Cyprus]

Modern & Mediterranean with traditional touche

> 30

Dynamic forms

Creating antithesis

The building is a simple geometric two-storey contemporary house with tradi-

Traditional Cypriot architecture consisted of one, usually rec-

tional touches. The plasticity of the forms is accentuated by the horizontal and

tangular form on the first floor which was tiled, covered in clay

vertical lines, which are painted brilliant white.

roof tiles, and contained the bedrooms. Conversely, the flat

Contrast in the building is created by the single-pitch sloping roof covered with

roof on the ground floor contained the services.

brown Koramic clay roof tiles. This is a key feature that enhances the dynamics

The combination of the two in a modern interpretation has

of the forms.

created a striking antithesis of traditional and modern. This is enhanced by the choice of materials as well as colours, e.g.

Facing south

brilliant white paint, dark-coloured roof tiles and the natural

The layout of the spaces on ground as well as first floor is based on a rectangu-

metallic coating of the openings.

lar shape. This opens out along its whole length towards the south, giving views of the garden, the town and the sea.

The internal spaces along with the semi-covered areas and the outdoor spaces work together in synergy, clearly announcing the occupants’ Mediterranean

Project

way of life.

Architect and owner Mary Chimona

In fact, the Mediterranean way of life was the underlying concept for the design of the house. This meant bearing in mind the fact that in Cyprus one spends

Private residence in Larnaca (Cyprus)

Roofing contractor

Andreas Yiallouros & Sons

Clay roof tile

Koramic Migeon Actua, brown

eight months of the year outdoors, where most daily tasks can be performed.

The spaces that are south facing comprise the living room, sitting room, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor. All the sleeping quarters on the first floor also face south.

The services of the building are north facing. The two south-facing areas already mentioned, i.e. the formal and informal spaces as opposed to the services, are delineated aesthetically by a different roofing concept. The flat roof covers the service zone, whereas the single-pitch sloping roof represents the formal and informal spaces.

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>

[Poland]

Rich culture and tradition Renovation of old warehouse – home to Bydgoszcz City Museum

With a history going back nearly 700 years, Bydgoszcz is one of the ol-

in mind the building’s character, historical value and unique

dest towns in Poland. Traces of even older habitation have been found

appearance, the materials selected had to underline and

in both Bydgoszcz and its “twin city” Fordon. Its location between the

accentuate the feeling of light, elegant construction, colour and

historical Polish regions of Wielkopolska, Kujawy and Warmia resulted in

form. The very large roof could be seen from a very long dis-

an extraordinary mixture of Polish, Prussian and Hanseatic influences as

tance and was therefore probably the most important aspect.

regards culture and tradition. Prussian art is especially noticeable in the architecture. In the 19th century, Bydgoszcz was even called “little Berlin”

Koramic Beaver tile ideal

because of its similar, very modern architectural solutions designed by

Secondly, for the same reasons, the materials used had to offer

the best well-known designers. For many years, tourists from all over the

the highest possible levels of quality, durability and reliability.

world have admired the beauty, design and form of some old warehou-

The Koramic Beaver clay roof tile used during the renovation

ses situated on the banks of the River Brda. These impressive buildings

successfully fulfils both requirements of quality and appearance.

bear witness to the power of Bydgoszcz merchants in the 18th and 19th

There is a general consensus in Bydgoszcz that this clay roof

centuries.

tile enhances the beauty of Renaissance buildings and makes them a huge tourist attraction for the city.

Prosperous past Nowadays, one of these historical warehouses is home to the Bydgoszcz City Museum. Built between 1793-1800, it is one of the city’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture and a major attraction in its own right. It dates from the period of Bydgoszcz prosperity, when the city was one of the most important trading centres in Poland. This magnificent, multi-storey building, constructed

Project

Renovation of a historical warehouse – City Museum, Bydgoszcz (Poland)

Client

The City Museum in Bydgoszcz

Clay roof tile

Koramic Kunice Beaver tile, natural red

with the so-called “Prussian wall” technique, was very functional and still remains one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. It is indisputably a perfect home for the City Museum, which was founded more 80 years ago. Among other items, the museum houses the largest collection of the work of Leon Wyczolkowski, the museum’s patron.

Quality and aesthetics During the reconstruction, some crucial points emerged as regards the choice of materials, based on the building’s past and its current owner. Firstly, bearing

33

History repeating itself Flemish pantiles make the Grade!

[United Kingdom]

34

Inland Harbour

Dormer windows have been let into the roof to take advantage

Situated on the peaceful River Waveney that forms the border between

of the views over the River Waveney and to provide natural light

Norfolk and Suffolk, Beccles was once a flourishing Saxon seaport nestling

into the bedrooms situated on the upper floors. Extensive new

in the Waveney Valley. Today the town is one of the major centres for holiday

parapet walls form the edge restraints to the roof on the main

boating in the southern part of the Norfolk Broads. The town’s largest manor

building and allow the lower height extensions to marry into

house, Waveney House, dates back before 1540 at which time it became the

the original manor house façade. Typical local details include

family home of the wealthy merchant, William Rede. The location was chosen

the use of a creasing tile, [plain tile without fixing holes or nibs],

for its 53 metres of river frontage which enabled Rede and later owners to load

laid to the gable parapets at right angles to the brickwork. A

cheese and butter for delivery by sea to the City of London.

simple brick on edge is then added on top of the creasing tiles to form a weatherproof capping that protects the parapet from

Beer and Brewing

rain penetration and snow fall.

A century and a half later saw the addition of a brewery to land adjacent to

Lead work forms a weatherproof joint and covers the final row

Waveney House under the ownership of John Stockwood. Great beer, wine

of tiles as they butt up against the parapet walls. A lead-channel

and spirits are now served by the current owners who decided to undertake a

is created that diverts rain-fall to the gutters and down-pipes.

complete refurbishment of the interior and exterior in 2001. Great care has been

The original brick chimney stacks have been re-pointed in

taken to preserve and re-discover the original features, oak beams, inglenook

lime-mortar and lead flashing has been keyed into the joints

fireplaces, natural stone and its Flemish Black Glazed clay roof tiles.

just above roof tile level to provide a watertight closure between the tiles and masonry.

Grade 1 listing

Each half round glazed ridge tile has been bedded and butt

Now listed as a Grade 1 building of local and national importance, the Waveney

jointed with a cement-lime-sand mortar, as approved by the

House Hotel offers the great charm and character of the original Georgian

local planners. The contrast between the white lime-mortar

manor house combined with the excellent beauty of its riverside location.

and the gloss black of the tiles compliments the contrast between white lime-mortar used to bed the grey napped flint

Black Glazed Tiles

that forms the main façade material of the front elevation to

The main roof was stripped back to the original timbers under the control of the

the Hotel. White painted window frames with matching sash

current owner, Stuart Holmes. As with all Grade 1 listed buildings, great care

opening lights complete the restoration and further enhances

was taken to preserve as much of the original craftsmanship and materials as

the original white stone quoins and portico that forms the main

possible; not an easy task on a building nearing its 500th birthday. During the

entrance way.

restoration of the main building it was decided to replace the original pantiles with similar non-interlocking black glazed clay roof tiles. Historically these clay roof tiles would have been sent over the North Sea from Belgium or Holland to the port of Lowestoft and through the Oulton Broads to Beccles on the River Waveney.

The details

Project

The Waveney House Hotel, Puddismoor, Beccles, Suffolk (U.K.) Client Proprietor Mr S R Holmes Architect Barsham Securities Roofing Merchant Essex Roofing, Colchester, Essex Roofing Contractors CTR Roofing, Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk Clay roof tile Koramic Pottelberg Old Hollow Tile 451, black glazed

Koramic had the perfect product for the project with its Pottelberg 451 Black Glazed non-interlocking old pantile, 9000 of them were required as well as half round glazed ridge tiles.

35

Clay Roof Tiles

www.wienerberger.co.uk International Magazine Koramic Clay Roof Tiles

Koramic is the clay rooďŹ ng tile brand of the Wienerberger Group