Rosemary Clay Tiles For Children's Hospice

The natural beauty of Rosemary Clay tiles from Lafarge Roofing's Redland range was chosen to express the essential character of Christopher's Children's Hospice, at Artington, near Guildford.

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it was built at a cost of £2.8 million, with enormous fundraising support from the local community.

The architects, Miller Bourne Partnership of Hove, Sussex, decided that the hospice should be domestic in character to provide a homely atmosphere for the children.

All materials chosen for the construction are intended to be as natural as possible, allowing the building to mature with age, and providing it with interesting contrasts, colours and textures.

For the roof covering, Rosemary Clay plain tiles in Light Mixed Brindle were chosen for their warm and subtle colour shading and to reflect the time-honoured tradition of clay roofs.

The main, single-storey, care wing roof was of trussed rafter construction at a 35 degree pitch.

This connects to a U-shaped section of building, which is single storey, with accommodation in the roof.

The traditional cut roof has a 40 degree pitch and incorporates features such as ventilation boxes, dormers, roof lights, entrance canopies and zinc roofed link blocks, all of which provide visual interest.

Roof forms were also used to highlight elements of the building's function such as the open trussed hexagonal shape of the dining room and kitchen area.

"We are very happy with the products supplied by Lafarge Roofing, says Bridget Turner, director of care at Christopher's Children's Hospice.

"The Rosemary bonnet hips and valley tiles have provided a traditional finish to this striking roof, which in turn achieved our vision of providing a wonderful home- from-home environment for the very special children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families.

Christopher's is a community hospice offering supportive, respite and palliative care for life-limited children, which is run by CHASE Children's Hospice Service.

The 2,500m2, single-storey, building is divided into three main areas: the care facilities, comprising the care wing with dining facilities and hydrotherapy pool, the administration and staff support facilities, and the family accommodation area.

In addition to nine bedrooms, there are several play and therapeutic facilities: hobbies, multi-sensory, computer and soft-play rooms; a teenage den; therapy pool and jacuzzi; sensory courtyard and outdoor play area.

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