Forticrete Gemini – concrete tiles that can reflect a region’s heritage

Across the UK, the colours of our buildings tell a quiet story about a place. From the deep slate greys of northern terraces to the warm, russet tones of southern villages, every region has a palette that reflects both its landscape and its history. For architects, housebuilders and developers, capturing that local character is key to gaining approval from planners and to ensuring new homes feel naturally rooted in their surroundings.

Ibstock understands that regional variation isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about heritage. Much of Britain’s local architecture grew out of what was readily available. In the Midlands, rich red clays shaped generations of roofs; in the South East, burnt oranges and browns became the norm; while in the North, slate-grey tones dominated. These local materials established vernacular traditions that still influence planning decisions today.

That’s why our Forticrete Gemini concrete roof tiles are designed to suit every landscape - not by simply colouring the surface, but by embedding the tone into the very essence of the tile itself.

Take our Mixed Russet and Sunrise Blend ranges. Both have been developed to echo the subtle variation found in older roofs: some tiles leaning towards soft oranges and yellows, others towards deeper reds and browns. When on-site, the tiles are mixed from three palettes creating the sort of organic, old-world mix that gives roofs character and charm without appearing uniform or artificial.