Sandtoft roofing project wins prestigious industry award

11.08.2011

The Reform Club on Pall Mall in London has been honoured at the Worshipful Company of Tyler and Bricklayers Triennial Awards 2011.

The industry awards, which take place every three years, recognise projects which demonstrate excellence in tiling and bricklaying in areas bounded by the M25 motorway. The palatial private members club was selected as this year's winner because of its impressive roof which features Sandtoft's handmade clay tiles, ridges and hips.

David Cole-Adams, chairman of the Craft Committee said: "In our search for the winning project, we visited a range of buildings across the London area. The Reform Club stood out as an excellent example of craftsmanship and sympathetic restoration.

"Given the range of challenges which Sandtoft had to contend with, a superb job has been done with meticulous attention to detail. The rich and vibrant colour of the new tiles stands out amongst the surrounding roofs which are predominantly sober grey slates."

The Reform Club is a Grade I listed building designed by the renowned architect Sir Charles Barry and built in 1841. When part of the roof had to be retiled, the architects turned to Sandtoft to help recreate the original appearance. The company's specialist heritage team replicated the same style seen on the 'Palazzo Farnesse' in Italy, which inspired the design of the Reform Club. This was achieved by using flat 'tegula' tiles with upturned edges which rest between vertical timber battens that are covered with curved 'imbrex' tiles.

Sandtoft also created a full size replica of the corner section of the roof in one of its factories. This enabled the team to see how the new hip and ridge tiles would looks against the Reform Club's stone-faced chimneys. It also highlighted a need for unique hip-ridge junction tiles specifically for use at the corners of the roof.

Speaking about the success, Andrew Lawton, Sandtoft's sales director said: "This award is testament to the strength and expertise of Sandtoft's heritage team. We are incredibly proud that our handmade tiles sit on top of such an illustrious London landmark."