Queniborough Development Pioneers Innovative Roofing Technology

A historic village in Leicestershire, recorded in the Domesday Book, is embracing modernity with a new housing project that features cutting-edge building materials. The Queniborough development, located six miles north-east of Leicester, is among the first in the East Midlands to utilise Bute3®, an advanced concrete roof tile manufactured by Russell Roof Tiles.

The project will consist of over 100 properties, including one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes, constructed on the former site of Shield Engineering and the surrounding area of the village’s historic lodge. Completion is anticipated by 2027, and construction is already in progress, with several homes fitted with the innovative tiles.

This initiative marks a significant advancement for the Bute3® rollout, establishing a new standard for quality in housing specifications. The choice of Bute3® demonstrates confidence in its performance and design, meeting the functional and durability needs of this substantial local development.

Produced at Russell Roof Tiles’ state-of-the-art facility in Burton upon Trent, Bute3® uniquely combines the appearance of three traditional plain tiles into a single interlocking unit. This design not only provides a classic look but also accelerates the installation process. The tile is adaptable enough to be installed on pitches as low as 25 degrees, offering greater flexibility for various housing designs.

In the Queniborough Lodge project, Bute3® is available in Slate Grey and Peat Brown, ensuring that the development aligns with the local aesthetic while adhering to the construction timeline. The tile’s installation efficiency is notable, as it can be up to 33 per cent faster to install compared to other small-format tiles, requiring only 10.9 tiles per square metre at a 75mm headlap. This reduces the number of tiles needed on-site, facilitating quicker roof completions and simpler logistics.

Queniborough boasts a rich history spanning over a millennium, with its traditional stone cottages, Georgian houses, and period farm buildings contributing to its charm. The Bloor Homes development will enhance the parkland in front of Queniborough Lodge, improving views of the historic structure while harmonising with the rural landscape. The design includes open green spaces, a nature sanctuary, a community orchard, and a new play area for children. Upon completion, the project will also introduce new grassland, a pond, and areas designated for natural rewilding.

Adam Tippins, Commercial Director at Bloor Homes East Midlands, remarked, “This development is the perfect blend of traditional design enhanced by innovative new building materials. We’re really excited to be using such a pioneering new product within Queniborough Lodge. Local planning constraints required a small format roof tile for dwellings on the main streets of the development, and this new tile fits the bill perfectly.”

Tippins added, “We’re very pleased with Bute3®, not only the quality, but it is visually impressive and fits very well into the local aesthetic. We’re very happy to be using innovative new products on our schemes with sustainable credentials that align with our own, an issue that is becoming increasingly important in our industry.”

Ross Hayward, Regional Sales Manager Midlands at Russell Roof Tiles, stated, “Market response has been excellent, with both contractors and developers recognising that Bute3® provides a high-quality but cost-effective solution – a genuine alternative to small-format concrete roof covering. This scheme is a major step forward for us. To see it specified on such a unique site using the product is a clear signal that the market is ready for the next generation of tile solutions. This project showcases what Bute3® can deliver when performance, aesthetics and scale all matter.”

Bute3® is currently in full production on Russell Roof Tiles’ new £18.5 million fully automated line, with strong demand since its launch. The tile is manufactured using advanced curing technology, incorporating solar PV to power the plant, which results in a more efficient process and reduces energy consumption by up to 30 per cent compared to clay tiles.

The Bloor Homes development serves as a significant showcase for Bute3®, reinforcing its potential as a preferred solution for large-scale projects where quality and consistency are paramount. As the largest installation of Bute3® to date, this project is expected to become a flagship reference for future specifications, providing a prominent example of the tile’s capabilities in action.