Keymer provides the crowning glory on prestigious Hampstead development

19/10/2011

When the striking original Victorian facades were reinstated on three buildings being redeveloped at Fitzjohn's Avenue in Hampstead, hand made clay roof tiles from Keymer were chosen to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the roof scape and ensure the historic accuracy of this prestigious address.

Fitzjohn’s Avenue in Hampstead was classed by Harper’s Bazaar in 1883 as ‘one of the noblest streets in the world’ and the three buildings at the newly named de Laszlo House are testament to that, representing excellent examples of Victorian revivalist domestic architecture. 

When it came to the redevelopment of the buildings in order to accommodate 18 luxury apartments, Lawray Architects wanted to ensure any new external finishes were in keeping with the distinctive facade features which included decorative and gauged brickwork and moulded brick embellishments. As such the roofscape was topped off with approximately 60,000 Shire Heritage tiles from hand made clay roof tile specialist, Keymer.

“The Shire range was specified and approved in close consultation with Camden’s conservation officer” recalls Nick Marsh, Director of Lawray Architects. “Keymer were very proactive and helpful supplying tile samples for full scale onsite mock-ups of the roof in advance of the roof construction commencing”.

Keymer’s Shire clay roof tile range is a natural reaction to the demand for a value for money Wealden clay tile that still presents the highest quality. Infused with the company’s heritage and hand made manufacturing techniques, the cost-effective tiles are complemented by the highest standards in looks and quality.

“Keymer’s Shire range provided the prestigious looks that only come from a genuine hand made tile,” explained Roy Thomas of roofing contractor Seeco. “They offer longevity, durability and the aesthetics we required – a weathered look that gives the illusion they’ve always been there. We’re delighted with the finish and the result is a stunning roofscape that will last for years to come.”

To produce the distinguished look – recognised throughout the UK and overseas – the production of these clay tiles is 100% hand made, giving every single tile personal attention. This means each tile is individual and produced using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Approved by BSI British Standards and accredited to EN ISO 9002, the highest official standard in quality, Keymer’s Traditional hand made clay tiles are hand tested to ensure all tiles meet with the company’s demanding level of quality.

Over time, the tiles will age with natural beauty. They provide any roof with an aesthetic that only a genuine hand made clay tile offers – unrivalled by any machine made alternative.