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30 Years at the Top: Forticrete Gemini Roof Tiles Crown Anderson’s Fitzroy Place Development in Historic Blackmore
Product used: Roof Tiles
Roof tile type: Forticrete Gemini Roof Tile - Interlocking Plain Tile
Project location: Fitzroy Place, Blackmore, Essex
Project type: Residential
Developer: Anderson
Roof tile type: Forticrete Gemini Roof Tile - Interlocking Plain Tile
Project location: Fitzroy Place, Blackmore, Essex
Project type: Residential
Developer: Anderson
The roofing industry is marking a major milestone this year – the 30th anniversary of the Forticrete Gemini roof tile. First launched by Forticrete, now a part of Ibstock Plc, in 1995, this award-winning tile has transformed the way Britain builds, combining timeless aesthetics with modern efficiency.
Now, three decades on, Forticrete Gemini is taking centre stage at Fitzroy Place in the historic Essex village of Blackmore, where the Chelmsford-based housebuilder Anderson has chosen the tile to crown the properties in its standout new development.
A Landmark Development
Fitzroy Place is a carefully curated collection of homes, ranging from charming two-bedroom homes through to the magnificent five-bedroom Wolsley.
Designed with both tradition and stylishness in mind, the development sits harmoniously within Blackmore’s historic village setting, where architecture tells a story stretching back hundreds of years.
The development places a village green at its heart, echoing the sense of openness for which Blackmore is renowned, and creating a natural meeting point for families and neighbours. The new homes at Fitzroy Place have been thoughtfully designed to ensure they knit together seamlessly with the style of the existing homes within the village from Flemish bond brickwork to the roof finishes, where Forticrete Gemini tiles from Ibstock account for the majority of the roof tiles specified.
Wayne Hillier, Associate Commercial Director at Anderson, commented: “Blackmore is a particularly picturesque village and desirable area to live with its close proximity to Brentwood & Chelmsford. The development had been under consideration for many years and, understandably, the local residents were hesitant about the development. However, by working closely with the local parish council and Blackmore Village Heritage Association (BVHA), and acting on their feedback, the resulting development layout was well received. As part of this, we were conscious of keeping an open space between our development and the existing properties in the area.”
A Roof with a Difference
At first glance, the roofs of Fitzroy Place capture the timeless appeal of traditional plain tiles. Look closer, however, and the innovation of Forticrete Gemini becomes clear. Launched in 1995 and now celebrating 30 years of excellence, Gemini combines the beauty of classic plain tile roofing with the advantages of modern engineering.
Its clever design – which replicates the appearance of two plain tiles side by side – means roofs can be completed with just 16.23 tiles per square metre, compared with more than 60 for traditional plain tiles. This efficiency reduces materials, speeds up installation, and lessens the amount of timber required, while still delivering the rich texture and kerb appeal expected of heritage-style homes.
Wayne Hiller added: “We strived to reflect a sense of the place and that attention to detail was reflected in the choice of materials used. The goal was to create a heritage elevation with a slightly modern twist. Having previously specified Forticrete Gemini roof tiles, it was felt that they were well suited and right for this development – opting for Sunrise Blend and Grey roof tiles.”
Over three decades, Forticrete Gemini has become the benchmark for small format roof tiles, earning prestigious accolades including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation and Design Council Millennium Products status. Today, it is manufactured under the Ibstock name, backed by continual refinement, rigorous testing, and a sustainable ethos that resonates strongly with modern developers.
Colours that Complement Character
One of Gemini’s most distinctive qualities is its colour palette. Gemini is available in five colours (two of which are naturally blended): Sunrise Blend, Mixed Russet, Red, Grey, and Brown - creating a truly organic, non-uniform appearance. These colour variations give specifiers and housebuilders the opportunity to achieve a classic, authentic roof finish that complements both traditional and contemporary designs. These subtle variations lend authenticity and individuality to each roofline, ensuring Fitzroy Place blends seamlessly with the architecture of Blackmore village.
Wayne Hillier observed: “The Forticrete Gemini tiles give the appearance of a plain tile but offer the benefits of a concrete interlocking tile and, in conjunction with natural slate which was specified to isolated plots within the development, provided variety to the roof finishes and ensured we delivered the aesthetic we had set out to achieve.”
Rooted in History
Blackmore itself provides a fitting backdrop for such a development. Though today it appears a quiet rural village, it once housed a thriving Augustinian priory. The Grade I listed St Laurence Church, complete with its 15th-century oak bell tower, remains a centrepiece of the community.
The village also holds a fascinating Tudor connection. King Henry VIII was a frequent visitor to Blackmore, where he met his mistress Elizabeth Blount. Their son, Henry Fitzroy – born at Little Jericho, once part of the priory – was acknowledged by the King and granted the title Duke of Richmond and Somerset. The very name “Fitzroy Place” pays homage to this historic link.
Against this rich backdrop, the new homes, roofed with Forticrete Gemini tiles, feel less like an imposition and more like a continuation of the village’s architectural story.
Sustainable, Strong, and Built to Last
Beyond aesthetics, Forticrete Gemini tiles are a smart choice for today’s construction challenges. Their interlocking single-lap design allows installation at lower pitches (22.5° versus 35° for plain tiles) and reduces waste thanks to complementary ‘tile-and-half’ and ‘three-quarter’ tile options. Every tile is manufactured to BS EN 490 and tested to EN 491 standards and trialled against extremes of permeability and freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring strength and long-term durability.
Backed by Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification, Forticrete Gemini also supports Anderson’s commitment to sustainability, helping reduce embodied carbon and waste on site.
The Perfect Match
With its combination of traditional beauty, engineering excellence, and environmental credentials, the Forticrete Gemini roof tile has been the product of choice for countless UK developments over the past three decades.
At Fitzroy Place, it finds one of its finest showcases yet – crowning a development that honours history, enhances community, and provides homes of exceptional quality.
As Forticrete Gemini celebrates three decades at the top, Fitzroy Place stands as a testament to why this pioneering tile remains unmatched: a perfect balance of heritage and innovation, just like the village of Blackmore itself.
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