A rural Leicestershire village recorded in the Domesday Book is stepping into the future, with new homes showcasing state-of-the-art building materials.
A new housing development in Queniborough (six miles north east of Leicester) is set to become one of the first in the East Midlands to use Bute3®, a revolutionary new concrete roof tile from leading manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles.
The 100 + properties comprise 1, 2, 3 & 4 bed homes and are being built on the former works of Shield Engineering and land surrounding the Leicestershire village's historic lodge.
The scheme is expected to be completed in 2027, and with construction well underway, new properties have already been installed with the brand-new tiles. The Queniborough Lodge project marks a significant milestone for the Bute3®, rollout and sets a new benchmark for quality specification.
The project represents a major vote of confidence in Bute3® performance and design credentials, with the tile selected to support both the functional demands and long-term durability requirements of a significant local scheme.
Manufactured at Russell Roof Tiles’ new state-of-the-art facility in Burton upon Trent, Bute3® combines the look of three traditional plain tiles into a single interlocking unit - delivering a traditional aesthetic while significantly speeding up installation.
Designed as a versatile alternative to small-format tiles, Bute3® can be installed on pitches as low as 25 degrees, offering specifiers greater flexibility across a range of housing designs. Bute3® in Slate Grey and Peat Brown is being used at Queniborough Lodge, helping the development reflect the character of the local aesthetic while meeting the demands of its build programme.
Bute3® has the appearance of three separate plain tiles but is installed as one, helping contractors reduce handling time and improve productivity on site.
The tile can be up to 33 per cent quicker to install than other small-format tiles. With only 10.9 tiles required per square metre (at a 75mm headlap), it also reduces the number of tiles needed on site - supporting faster roof completion and simpler logistics.
The village of Queniborough has a long and fascinating history, dating back over a thousand years. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it has retained much of its historic character, with lanes lined by traditional stone cottages, Georgian houses, and period farm buildings.
The Bloor Homes development preserves the parkland setting in front of Queniborough Lodge, enhancing views of the building while complementing the surrounding rural landscape. The design incorporates open green space, including a nature sanctuary, community orchard, and a new children’s play area. Once complete, the scheme will also deliver new grassland, pond creation, and areas dedicated to natural rewilding.
Adam Tippins, Commercial Director, Bloor Homes East Midlands said. “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.
“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, said: “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 now in full production on Russell Roof Tiles’ new £18.5 million fully automated line, with demand already proving strong since launch. Bute3® tile is produced with state-of-the-art curing technology, utilising solar PV to help power the manufacturing plant, making for a more efficient manufacturing process and using up to 30 per cent less energy to cure than clay tiles.
The Bloor Homes development is a showcase across a significant footprint, reinforcing the Bute3® potential as a go-to solution for major developments where quality and consistency are essential. As the largest installation to date, the project is expected to serve as a flagship reference point for future specifications, providing the industry with a high-profile example of the tile in action.
