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Case Study

Breaking the Pitch Rules - Plain Easy Turns a 28° Clay Roof into a Compliant Masterpiece.

Blackberry Kilns, a bespoke build within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Blackberry Kilns is a bespoke replacement dwelling located within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Inspired by the historic lime kilns that once characterised the local landscape, the home was designed as a sustainable lifetime residence that combines traditional rural architecture with modern building performance. Delivered in close collaboration between the architect, Redwing Roofing and Permavent’s technical team, Blackberry Kilns demonstrates how innovative roofing technology can preserve traditional design rather than replace it, creating a home that feels timeless within its landscape while achieving outstanding long-term performance.

View products used in project

Location

Blackberry Mead, Kent

The Project

Blackberry Kilns began with an ambitious challenge rather than an ambitious vision. The architect set out to create a contemporary home that looked as though it had always belonged within the Kent Downs landscape, preserving the character, heritage and craftsmanship associated with traditional Kent architecture. However, achieving this level of architectural authenticity presented a challenge that, by conventional roofing standards, should not have been possible. 

Strict planning restrictions limited the overall ridge height of the new dwelling, resulting in roof pitches as low as 28°, well below the normal minimum pitch required for handmade clay plain tiles. This would typically require either a complete redesign or an alternative roof covering. Increasing the roof height was not an option, and changing the roof covering would have fundamentally altered the architectural intent and appearance of the property.

Permavent in Action

Rather than compromising the design, Permavent Plain Easy provided the engineering solution that made the architect’s vision achievable. Its patented low-pitch roofing system creates a fully engineered secondary waterproofing layer beneath the roof covering, allowing traditional handmade clay plain tiles to be successfully installed at dramatically reduced roof pitches whilst maintaining compliance with BS 5534 and delivering long-term weather protection. 

Plain Easy was therefore far more than another component within the roofing specification. It became the product that unlocked the entire design concept, enabling the project team to preserve the traditional character without compromising technical performance. The project successfully demonstrates how innovative roofing technology can preserve architectural ambition while delivering exceptional building performance.

Constructing the roof demanded exceptional craftsmanship. The combination of unusually shallow roof pitches, complex roof geometry and intricate interfaces between handmade clay tiles and zinc-clad elements meant there was little margin for error. Every stage of the installation required close coordination between specialist trades to ensure both weather performance and visual quality were achieved.

Permavent’s technical team remained actively involved throughout the project, supporting the contractor with project-specific guidance on junction detailing and interfaces to ensure every aspect of the installation met the highest standards. 

The team’s collaborative approach and technical expertise ensured that the roof not only met the functional requirements of a low-pitch installation but also delivered the aesthetic vision of a home rooted in craft and rural character. All materials used in the project were installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions, guaranteeing the integrity and longevity of the roofing system. 

“The roof at Blackberry Kilns presented a challenge to combine the stunning visual appearance of handmade clay tiles with roof pitches that were significantly below the normal performance capability of the product. Permavent’s Plain Easy system provided the solution, allowing us to achieve both the architect’s vision and the client’s expectations. Their technical support throughout the project was invaluable.”  

Director, Redwing Roofing 

Roofing Contractor:

Private residence

Roofing Contractor:

Redwing Roofing,
8 Sybron Way,
Crowborough,
TN6 3DZ.

Redwing Roofing | Roof Repairs & Tiling | Checkatrade Approved

 

Products Used

Plain Easy

Patented low pitch slate roofing system

  • Low pitch roofing system
  • Extends life of the roof by keeping battens dry
  • 40-year product guarantee
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