Roofing tiles come to the rescue

Devastated by an arson attack that spread fire across its rooftop, forcing the evacuation of local residents, the future of Waitrose in Banstead, Surrey, hung in the balance. With the choice made to painstakingly restore the popular shop to its former glory, the decision was taken that it should be finished with the same Keymer hand made clay tiles that had previously crowned its roof.

Having maintained a presence in the picturesque town of Banstead for over 40 years, Waitrose was determined to continue trading. The store was therefore temporarily relocated to the empty site of a former Woolworths whilst rebuilding work took place. In all, it took 348 days, 466,800 working hours and millions of pounds to restore the heavily damaged structure.

Bamber and Reddan Architects were chosen to manage the redesign of the Waitrose. They saw no reason to specify anything other than Keymer on the roof of the renovated structure. Having been so aesthetically pleasing and reliable previously, it seemed fitting that the company’s tiles should be returned to the roof.

To install the tiles, specialist roofing contractor Apex Roofing Ltd. was called upon. The company has a great deal of experience fitting tiles on a range of structures, from prestigious landmarks to new build homes and was happy to work with Keymer’s well crafted tiles once more.

Keymer’s Traditional Wealden Red clay tiles were selected for the project. Manufactured by hand by Keymer’s skilled craftsmen to exacting standards of quality, the tiles have a warm reddish hue that is perfectly in keeping with Banstead’s traditional looks and will weather for an attractive and genuine aesthetic.

The hand made tiles have subtle variations in tone, texture and form that simply cannot be achieved through machine methods of production. With over four centuries experience in making tiles, Keymer is deeply committed to the traditional British craft of making tiles from locally quarried clay.

To further complement the quaint aesthetic of Bansted, architects specified that the tiles be installed on rocketed eaves at an angle of 40°. This ensured an eye-pleasing gradient on the roof, waterproofing integrity and longevity.

Keymer’s Traditional Wealden Red tiles are manufactured under a Quality Assured system with all raw materials sustainably sourced. They are complemented by other colours – Antique, Elizabethan and Weathered – and a range of fittings.

The reopening of Waitrose was a big event for the local community of Banstead, with attendees including the local MP and other dignitaries. New and improved, with additional parking and a coffee shop, the Waitrose store is once again a focal point for the town – especially thanks to its striking clay roofing tiles courtesy of Keymer.